Black Light Night Hike

Location of Widewater State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Visitor Center
Main Park Address: Widewater State Park, 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554.

When

Oct. 30, 2026. 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Did you know that many species of fungi, plants, and even wildlife glow under a black light? From glowing blue lichen to fluorescent pink opossums, a black light can reveal much more than what meets the eye. Join our rangers as we use black light flashlights on a night hike along Holly Marsh trail.

Pre-Registration is required as this is an after-hours hike at the park; you can pre-register here. There is an age restriction of 12+ years old. Please arrive at the Visitor Center 15 minutes early to get your parking pass as the park will close during the hiking program. The group will leave from the Visitor Center and walk the Holly Marsh trail to the Potomac River, and back (~2 miles).

There are a limited number of flashlights available for use from the park, so participants are encouraged to bring their own flashlights and headlamps.

In case of inclement weather, check this page prior to coming to the park to check for any cancellations.

Lichen on a tree glowing under a black light

Documents

wwsp-trail-map101.pdf

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: Yes.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-288-1400
Email Address: widewater@dcr.virginia.gov