Each full Moon of the year has a traditional name with historical and cultural significance. Many of these names come from Indigenous, colonial, and European sources, often reflecting seasonal changes, animal behavior, or survival challenges.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, February’s full Moon is called the Snow Moon. The National Weather Service notes that the heaviest snowfall typically occurs during this month, making it the snowiest in the U.S. Captain Jonathan Carver recorded this name in the 1760s after visiting the Dakota people. Many Indigenous names for this full Moon also reflect nature and survival themes. The Cree call it the Bald Eagle Moon, while the Ojibwe and Tlingit associate it with bear cub births. Other names, such as the Dakota’s Raccoon Moon and the Haida’s Goose Moon, highlight wildlife, while the Cherokee’s Hungry Moon and Month of the Bony Moon emphasize the food scarcity of this time.
February’s full Snow Moon peaks at 8:53 am EST on Wednesday, February 12, but it will be below the horizon at that time. For the best view, observe it on Tuesday night or later on Wednesday when it rises in the east around sunset. In our area of central northern Michigan, the full Moon will reach its highest point in the sky around 12:30 am.
A few days later, you can head out to Hartwick Pines State Park for a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike on Saturday, February 15, from 8 to 10 pm, when the Moon will still be quite bright in the night sky. Participants will meet at the contact station at the park entrance, where limited snowshoes will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Snowshoe fitting begins at 7:30 pm, and the hike starts at 8 pm. This approximately 2-mile trek follows an unplowed road to the campground and back, making it suitable for all skill levels. Participants are not required to complete the full distance.
To fully enjoy the night sky and moonlight, organizers ask that participants minimize the use of artificial lights. The event is free, but a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for park entry. In case of inclement weather, the hike may be canceled. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 989-348-2537 or message the park on Facebook.
Keep an eye out for other winter events taking place at Hartwick Pines throughout the winter, including guided hikes and snowshoe-building workshops. These fill up quickly, so you may have to wait until next season to get into one. Keep an eye on the park’s social media for information about upcoming opportunities.
Full Moon or not, Grayling has plenty of options when it comes to snowshoeing and winter hiking. These include the Mason Tract pathway, rated #1 for snowshoeing near Grayling, MI, by Alltrails.com. This 8.7-mile trail along the south branch of the AuSable River is located 15 miles southeast of Grayling via M-72 and Canoe Harbor Road.
If it is your first time, be prepared. Snowshoeing can be more tiring than regular hiking, so pace yourself and take breaks. Be sure to dress in layers, and always let others know where you’ll be before you hit the trails. If you don't own a pair of snowshoes, no problem, you can rent them at Northbound Outfitters at 6041 W M72 in Grayling.