Night Vision Hike — Allegheny Trail
Experience the Allegheny Trail after dark during a guided night hike along the Cheat River using night vision.
This event gives participants the opportunity to move through wooded terrain, trails, and river corridors while learning how to safely and effectively navigate under night vision. Students will gain hands-on experience with movement techniques, terrain awareness, equipment setup, and operating in reduced-light environments.
Whether you’re new to night vision or looking for more time behind your equipment, this hike is designed to build confidence and familiarity in a practical outdoor setting.
What to Expect
- Guided night hike along the Allegheny Trail
- Movement along the Cheat River corridor
- Night vision equipment familiarization
- Basic night navigation and terrain awareness
- Equipment setup and adjustment
- Practical movement techniques under night vision
- Approximately several hours of nighttime trail movement
Event Timeline
5:30 PM — Assembly / Check-In
Participants arrive at the designated meeting point while there is still plenty of daylight. This gives everyone time to get organized, check equipment, adjust helmets and night vision systems, and prepare packs before darkness.
6:00 PM — Equipment Setup & Safety Brief
Review night vision equipment, mounting systems, trail safety, communications, emergency procedures, and expectations for the hike.
6:30 PM — Pre-Hike Brief / Final Preparations
Final equipment checks and an overview of the route, terrain, movement considerations, and objectives for the evening.
7:00 PM — Step-Off
The group begins movement along the Allegheny Trail near sunset, allowing participants to experience the transition from daylight into low light and eventually complete darkness.
During the Hike
Participants will practice movement under night vision, terrain awareness, equipment management, light discipline, and navigating wooded terrain along the Cheat River corridor.
Approximately 10:00–11:00 PM — Return / End of Event
Return to the assembly area, equipment accountability, and a short after-action discussion.
Exact times may be adjusted based on the event date and seasonal sunset time.
Required Equipment
Participants should bring:
- Night vision device
- Helmet or appropriate mounting system
- Headlamp or handheld white light
- Hiking footwear
- Water
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Small backpack recommended
This is an outdoor event conducted over natural terrain. Participants should be prepared for uneven trails, elevation changes, mud, rocks, and changing weather conditions.
Location: Allegheny Trail / Cheat River Area
Training Environment: Night / Outdoor / Wooded Terrain
Experience Level: Beginner Friendly
Come spend the night moving through the mountains and get meaningful time behind your night vision outside of a traditional range environment.