SPECIAL EVENT: Date Night With the Dog Buck Moon Night Hike

ABOUT THE EVENT:
Make it a mid-week adventure under July’s Buck Moon.

You and a partner, friend, or favorite adventure buddy can attend together for the price of one for this special two-for-one evening walk with your dog. This is a chance to slow down, enjoy the woods at dusk, and experience Oyster River Forest in a completely different way.

The July full moon is traditionally known as the Buck Moon, a name often associated with Algonquin naming traditions. It refers to the time of year when male deer begin growing their new antlers, making it a fitting backdrop for an evening walk through the woods.

We’ll hike through Oyster River Forest and Spruce Hole Conservation Area in Durham, following the Oyster River Trail through oak-pine forest, restored meadow, and wooded sections along the Oyster River. Along the way, we’ll hike down toward Spruce Hole Bog, a rare kettle hole bog and National Natural Landmark.

As dusk settles in, we’ll pause to listen for owls, peepers, woodcock, and other evening wildlife.

What to expect:

• A relaxed mid-week evening hike with your dog
• Two-for-one registration: bring a partner, friend, or adventure buddy for the price of one
• A walk through Oyster River Forest and Spruce Hole Conservation Area
• A visit to Spruce Hole Bog, a rare kettle hole bog
• Wooded trail sections, restored meadow, and time along the Oyster River
• Possible spots for dogs to take a quick dip along the river
• Opportunities to listen for owls, peepers, woodcock, and other dusk wildlife
• A calm, confidence-building outing focused on connection, communication, and shared adventure

PLEASE be prepared for a portion of the walk to be after sunset. Bring flashlights, headlamps, and appropriate footwear (hiking boots are highly recommended) and clothing, as well as any items your dog may need for comfortable walking.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
Reactive Dog Level 1-2. See our Comfort Chart for explanation. Due to the time of day we will be hiking the trail, we do not anticipate seeing many people or dogs. The trail is wide in most areas with places to step off if approached by another walker. If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

TRAIL RATING:
The Oyster River Trail is rated as Level 2 Moderate. The trail is mostly flat but reaches a slight elevation of 180 ft. once you reach the forest. See an explanation of our Trail Rating System.

COST: Tickets are limited to 10 couples. Scroll down to purchase. Please arrive in the same car to help with parking.

• Golden Dog Members – $25/couple (Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.)
• Not-yet members – $40/couple

Full refund issued if cancellation received 48 hours prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
Durham, NH – all the details will be emailed 24 hours prior to the event.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and announced in the Event section of the Facebook Group and on this Calendar page. Participants will also receive a cancellation email.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.