Black Hills National Forest Announces 2026

Moon Walk Schedule and June Event 

(Sundance, WY, June 17, 2026) — The Black Hills National Forest announced the 2026 Moon Walk interpretive program series and is promoting the first hike of the season. Now in its 31st year, the guided hikes will teach visitors about forest management, nocturnal wildlife, historic ranches and insects. Speakers include subject-matter experts from each ranger district.

All Moon Walks are held on a Saturday night near the full moon and begin at 7 p.m. Most programs last for one to two hours, and visitors typically walk around two miles round trip. As each Moon Walk nears, specific directions will be posted on Forest website or call 605- 673-9200.

The Black Hills Parks and Forests Association (BHPFA) will offer 2026 Moon Walk collector pins at each event for $5 each. Proceeds support interpretive and educational efforts across the Black Hills National Forest. BHPFA provides promotional assistance and trail support and is the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service.

The first Moon Walk will take place Saturday, June 27 on the Reuter Springs Trail in the Bearlodge Ranger District. The hike, titled “Cone Collection and Reforestation Methods,” will be led by Forestry Technician, Jed Burgers. The Moon Walk begins at the Reuter Trailhead and continues to the Reuter Springs Trail.

From Sundance, Wyoming, follow U.S. Hwy 14 for about two miles to Warren Peak Road.  Turn right and drive approximately three miles to the trailhead.  Interested hikers will gather at the trailhead before the hike at 7 p.m.

Additional Moon Walks include the following dates, locations, and topics:

July 25 - “Let’s Turn on the Dark” (Amy Hammesfahr, wildlife biologist)

Northern Hills Ranger District - Little Elk Creek Trail

Aug. 29 - “Walking through the Past to See the Future” (Recreation, Heritage, and Wildlife Programs) Hell Canyon Ranger District – Meeker Cabin and Historic Area

Sept. 26 - “Meet Your Friendly Insect Neighbors” (Megan Wilson, entomologist)

Mystic Ranger District – Willow Creek Trailhead (Located on the Hell Canyon Ranger District)

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.

Ensure These Stories Are Told

Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.

It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.

Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.

If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.

All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.

Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.