?? The "Don’t Get Fooled" Full Moon Hike
April 1st, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. This April Fools' Day, we’re heading into the McKaig Nature Education Center for a hike that’s 100% real (we promise), even if the date feels suspicious.
With sunset at 7:25 PM and the moon rising at 7:19 PM, we’ll be timing our departure from the Roberts Elementary School parking lot just as the shadows start to play tricks on your eyes. Is that a tree stump or a woodland prankster? Only one way to find out!
?? The "Nitty Gritty" (Literally)
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Distance: A breezy 1.5 miles.
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Elevation: 300 feet of gain—enough to make you wonder if the hill is growing as a joke.
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Terrain: Pure, unadulterated dirt, rocks and roots.
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Duration: 90 minutes of wondering why your (red light only) headlamp keeps hitting spiderwebs.
?? The "Pink Moon" – Facts That Aren't Pranks
Despite the name, the moon will not actually be hot pink (unless you bring rose-colored glasses). Here’s the real scoop:
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The Name: It’s named after Phlox subulata (Moss Pink Phlox), a wildflower that blankets the ground in early spring.
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Other Aliases: It’s also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and—fittingly for us—the Fish Moon.
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The "April Fool" Connection: In 2026, the Pink Moon falls exactly on April 1st. This is a rare cosmic alignment that hasn't happened in years, making it the perfect night to tell your hiking buddy their shoelaces are untied while they’re navigating a 300-foot incline. Peak full moon is 10:12pm
?? What to Bring
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Dress for the weather: we’re moving, you'll stay warm!
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No Hats: Let your hair feel the moonlight (and the occasional low-hanging branch).
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A Sense of Humor: Essential for when you realize 1.5 miles feels much longer in the dark.
Meet in the Roberts Elementary School parking lot by 7:20pm.