Celebrate the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, by participating in a nighttime walk at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, in DuPont State Forest.

The quarter-mile walk follows an old roadbed to the base of Hooker Falls.

In olden times, winter solstice was a frightening time. The crops were dead and food was scarce and people prayed for the return of spring. Now we know that winter is the time for the earth to rest and renew for the new spring just around the horizon, and this walk will help celebrate the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere. Bring a thermos of warm drink to toast the sun’s return. Bring a flashlight. The event will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.

Meet at the Hooker Falls parking lot on DuPont/Staton Road. Free. 828.692.0385 or www.eco-wnc.org.