Event Description
Join Park rangers for an exploration of our night sky at this International Dark Sky Park. Pick out constellations, observe planets and nebula through a telescope, and take in the silhouette of the star-lit Blue Ridge Mountains.
Be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on and a red-light flashlight if you have one - it will help preserve your night vision more than a white light flashlight.
Meet rangers at the Skyline Trail parking lot. A moderate 10-minute hike will be necessary once the program begins.
A haywagon with seats for 20 people leaves at the program's start to reach the viewing location. Pre-registration for the wagon ride is required; only one wagon runs per night and space is limited. To reserve, call (540) 254-0795. Tickets for the wagon ride are $2 per person, cash with exact change only.
All programs are weather dependent. If a program is cancelled due to weather, we will have alternative Dark Sky programs offered indoors. Monitor our website or call the park to receive real-time information at (540) 254-0795.
2023 Dark Sky Nights
July 21: Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower, 9-11pm
August 12: Perseids Meteor Shower, 9-11pm
August 31: Super Blue Moon, 9-11pm
September 15: New Moon, 9-11pm
October 7: Draconids Meteor Shower, 8-10pm
November 17: Leonids Meteor Shower, 7-9pm
December 13: Geminids Meteor Shower, 7-9pm