Newtown Forest Association hike leader Dr Aaron Coopersmith does not want to give away his costume yet, but is inviting guests to dress for Halloween and join him Tuesday, October 27, at 7 pm, at the Holcombe Hill Preserve, 65 Great Hill Road, for a Hunter’s Moon full moon hike. Flashlights are optional, but “come prepared,” he said in a recent e-mail. Halloween Costumes are also optional. Guardians must accompany children.

As participants walk the moonlit hill, Dr Coopersmith may retell a podcast “that I love called ‘Lore, the beast within,’” he said.

He also promises the flavor of the season: “We’ll talk about the moon,” and the reasons behind the term lunacy. He will talk about lunar activities, werewolves, Odin’s wolf belts, darkness, “why are we afraid of the dark, even as adults,” he said.

“You’re in the dark unknown with leaves and sounds creeping closer to you. Don’t get lost on the hill,” he warns, hinting at what lurks in the Holcombe Hill shadows.

Halloween aside, Dr Coopersmith said he leads hikes at the NFA properties because, “I like to share some of the inner beauties of Newtown.”

Holcombe is a “secret sunset spot, the location of that memorable scenery, where old friends meet and new relationships begin.” The location is a “hidden treasure trove of berries and endless beauty.”

This week take the opportunity to “explore the nature of the town, the flora, and fauna and interesting history and stories,” Dr Coopersmith said.

According to , a Hunter’s Moon occurs “with the leaves falling and deer fattened, it is time to hunt.” The site explains that with the fields reaped, hunters can “ride over the stubble and can more easily see” animals out at night.Space.com

For additional information about tonight's hike, contact Dr Coopersmith at aaroncoop@gmail.com. Rain will cancel the event, and updated will be posted on NFA's Facebook page.