Time & Location

Sep 26, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Trails End Park, 613 Trails End Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA

Harvest Moon Paddle

Saturday, September 26 | 6:00–7:30 PM

Experience one of the most beautiful transitions in nature—sunset giving way to moonrise—from the quiet waters of Wilmington's coastal estuaries.

We'll launch at 6:00 PM and paddle across the Intracoastal Waterway before entering calm, protected tidal creeks. As daylight begins to fade, we'll slow down and settle into the stillness of the estuary, watching the sky transform from sunset colors to evening blue.

Around 6:54 PM, September's full Harvest Moon will begin rising over the eastern horizon, while the sun sets just minutes later. We'll pause on the water to take in both celestial events at once—the warm glow of sunset behind us and the golden full moon rising ahead.

Before launching, your guide will share a little of the story behind the Harvest Moon. The name traditionally refers to the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. Before electric lighting, the bright moonlight around this time of year was especially useful to farmers, extending the hours available to gather crops after sunset. The September full moon is therefore closely associated with harvest, abundance, seasonal change, and preparing for the transition into autumn.

We'll also talk about how people throughout history have looked to the Moon to mark the changing seasons and tides—and how fitting it is that we'll be experiencing this particular moon from a tidal coastal landscape.

After the moonrise, we'll paddle back and return to the launch site by approximately 7:30 PM.

No rushing. No crowds. Just calm water, a coastal sunset, and a full moon rising.

Come spend your Saturday evening somewhere a little more peaceful. 🌕