Silver Shadows: November’s Beaver Moon Brightens Adirondack Skies
The last supermoon of 2024 will cast a silvery glow across the Adirondacks’ 6 million acres on November 15.
The November full moon in the Adirondacks.
November in the Adirondacks brings a unique stillness. The Fall foliage sightseers are gone, and the holiday and snow season visitors have yet to arrive. In higher elevations, frost may paint the trees, and early snow dusts the forest floor, but it’s too early for the winter sports season that captivates the multitudes.
At this time, the Beaver Moon rises as the last super full moon before winter’s grip sets in, casting a large, serene yet haunting glow across the 6 million acres of mountains, lakes, and forests of the Adirondacks.
In 2024, the Beaver Moon reaches peak illumination on Friday, November 15 at 4:29 pm, as darkness descends and the Adirondack wilderness braces for the colder months ahead.
The etymology of the Beaver Moon.
November’s Beaver Moon, historically named by Algonquin tribes and early American settlers, marks the period when beavers prepare for the impending winter.
As the temperatures drop, the classically industrious beavers thicken their pelts and build dams to survive the long freeze. They retreat to the warmth of their cozy lodges, having successfully gathered and stored enough food to sustain them throughout the cold, harsh months ahead. (How do they make it through without Netflix and Hulu?).
The November full moon was a natural marker for Indigenous communities and a guide for trappers during fur-trading times. As the full moon's light glistens on icy waters, it becomes easy to imagine a time when its glow was a tool as much as a spectacle.
The Tlingit called it the Digging (or Scratching) Moon, evoking the image of animals foraging for fallen nuts and shoots of green foliage and bears digging their winter dens.
Beaver preparing for the cold months ahead.
The Dakota and Lakota term, Deer Rutting Moon, referred to the time when deer seek mates, and the Algonquin Whitefish Moon describes the spawning time for this fish.
The Cree and Assiniboine peoples called it the Freezing Moon—for obvious reasons, as winter is right around the corner.
This period also coincided with the peak of the fur trade in North America, as trappers sought beavers for their luxurious, thick pelts, ideally suited for the frigid winter climate.
The moon's glow during this season reminds us of nature's rhythm and the age-old practices that intertwined human life with the natural world.
A night unlike any other in the Adirondacks
In the Adirondacks, the Beaver Moon takes on its own character. With less humidity than warmer months, November skies are crisp and clear, offering exceptional visibility. The moonlight floods the high peaks, from Mount Marcy to Esther, turning mountainsides into canvases of silver and shadow.
Unlike summer’s bright hues or autumn’s golden glow, November’s moonlight is ethereal, stretching over the snow-dusted forests like an otherworldly spotlight.
For those willing to brave the chilly air, the Beaver Moon offers opportunities to witness unique nocturnal beauty. Moonlit hikes reveal silhouettes of snow-covered trees and icy branches, while quiet lakes reflect the glow, creating mirror-like night sky scenes.
In quieter pockets, wildlife—owls, coyotes, and deer—move with a gentleness that only comes when snow softens the world's sounds.
Optimal viewing spots in the Adirondacks.
Beaver in the Adirondacks.
The best way to experience the 2024 Beaver Moon in the Adirondacks is to seek out places with unobstructed views of the sky and horizon. A few top recommendations:
Heart Lake - Near Lake Placid, this area offers a pristine view of the moon rising above the High Peaks, with the lake reflecting its silvery light.
Cascade Mountain Trailhead – For those with a sense of adventure, a twilight hike up Cascade Mountain provides sweeping views over the forested valleys and distant peaks, making the ascent worthwhile. Be aware of local weather conditions and prepare accordingly.
Blue Mountain — Known for its picturesque scenery, Blue Mountain Lake’s open views and peaceful surroundings create a serene setting for moonlit reflection.
Paul Smith’s VIC - Located in the northern Adirondacks, the VIC has miles of trails that pass through woodlands, ponds, and open meadows, perfect for a night walk under the full moon.
The mystique of the Beaver Moon in modern times.
While the Beaver Moon once served a practical purpose, it’s a moment of quiet reflection and awe today. In a fast-paced world, the Adirondacks offer a unique opportunity to pause and let nature’s rhythms take over.
Watching the full moon rise over snow-dusted landscapes reminds us of the beauty in nature’s cycles, a subtle call to slow down, reflect, and prepare for winter.
The November full moon lights up snow-dusted pine trees in the Adirondacks.
As the Adirondacks prepare for another snowy season, the 2024 Beaver Moon serves as a poignant reminder to reconnect with nature’s quiet mysteries. It's a time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons.
To discover when the full moon rises in your area, visit the Old Farmer’s Almanac Moonrise and Moonset tool.
Learn more about the Beaver Moon.
Recent news from the Adirondacks.
Shop for unique Adirondack apparel, gifts and merchandise.
