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 as opposed to a standard 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 time to reach the viewing location. Pre-registration for the wagon ride is required (and is not required if you are not taking the wagon); only one wagon runs per night and space is limited. To reserve, please call (540) 254-0795. Tickets for the wagon ride are $2 per person.

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.

Skyline Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j7Dkv3...

2024 Guided Dark Sky Night Programs

April 13, 2024: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Stargazing Under a New Moon
May 4, 2024: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Watch
May 24, 2024: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Start Summer Off Stargazing
June 8, 2024: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Stargazing Under a New Moon
July 5, 2024: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Independence Day Weekend Stargazing
July 26, 2024: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower Watch
Aug. 10, 2024: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Perseid Meteor Shower Watch
Aug. 30, 2024: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Stargazing for Labor Day Weekend
Sept. 21, 2024: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Stargazing and Mountain Moonrise
Oct. 19, 2024: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: A Fall Full Moon
Nov. 30, 2024: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Thanksgiving Weekend Stargazing
Dec. 12, 2024: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Dark Sky Night: Geminids Meteor Shower Watch