Five Incredible Stargazing Destinations Across The United States Forbes - Jared Ranahan. Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County, Pennsylvania, is famous with astronomers for its dark skies unspoiled by civilization, including shielded lighting throughout the park and a 360-degree view of the night sky. While there are several places you can go stargazing in California, one of the top spots to go is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, in east San Diego County. No campfires are permitted. Removed from Likes. For us, Navajo State Park takes the cake! Take advantage of these dark sky parks to view the Jupiter and Saturn conjunction, appearing closest together after sunset in the southwestern sky from now through December 21, 2020, the closest together since 1623. Steeped in natural and historical features, the 696-acre Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located less than an hour from downtown Harrisburg in an area known as South Mountain. You will find one of the largest turkey roosts in Central Texas in the park, protected from October 1 through March 31. Surrounded by open wilderness and rugged mountain beauty, West Virginia’s state parks has some of the best stargazing spots you can find on the east coast. With over 311,000 remote acres along the Rio Grande in Brewster and Presidio counties, the park is the largest in Texas. I would recommend Amistad Expeditions, which offers trip planning, shuttle service, kayak rentals, and guides for first-time explorers. The put-in at Baker’s Crossing is about 50 miles north of Del Rio. … Ridgway State Park Ridgway State Park. Potawatomi State Park and Washington Island both have lookout towers, too. Named after Barton Warnock, the Big Bend biologist who cataloged much of the Chihuahuan Desert plant species, you’ll find RV camping, desert wildflowers, cacti exhibits, information, maps, drinking water, and souvenirs. Her culinary, wine, and travel photography adventures have led her across Peru from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, where she sampled locally grown vegetables and potato bread; up the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Banff and Jasper, where she photographed wildlife and landscapes and indulged in Fairmont luxury hotels; and to the four largest islands of Hawaii, where she explored Haleakala and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Parks and enjoyed the local poke bowls. That’s because this state park is home to its very own observatory and they regularly host stargazing events for families and people of all ages. The stargazing schedule at Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park is weather dependent. On a clear night, up to 30,000 stars fill the sky, and lucky guests may also glimpse Asteroids, Venus – the evening star, Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights), Omega Nebula, Zodiacal Light, Meteor Showers, Lunar Viewing and the Milky Way, and other celestial bodies. Cherry Springs State Park has exceptionally dark skies with very little light pollution, making it one of the darkest places on the East Coast. Copper Breaks is a stargazer’s dream destination - far from big cities and on the Texas plains. Lake Whitney State Park Enjoy an evening walk across the galaxy by using star maps and a laser pointer. Located in Ocean Township, … Sep. 9, 2020 Updated: Sep. 12, 2020 2:26 p.m. Facebook Twitter Email. Located on 5,328 acres in the Hill Country, 2 hours northwest of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is home to caves, springs, and sinkholes. Chron.com Staff. Kickapoo Cavern State Park, located under 30 miles north of Bracketville, offers cave tours with reservations, camping, bird-watching, hiking, mountain biking, and in-season bat flight viewing. The stargazing schedule at Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park is weather dependent; for up-to-date information, visit the park’s Facebook page.The park’s address is … The sky’s the limit…quite literally! Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s Facebook page and the park’s Clear Sky Chart before visiting. But the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is doing something about that. Cherry Springs State Park is the only Dark Sky Preserve Park in the mid- Atlantic region. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler. I would leave the mountain biking and horseback riding to the more experienced riders since sharp cliffs and drop-offs along the trails may be challenging. Best Texas state parks to visit for stargazing in the fall. Cherry Springs State Park: Stargazing heaven! Try this website, Clear Outside, to measure dark sky quality where you are. By: Ben Ryder - Posted: July 3, 2018. Hike through the red rock canyons and 90 miles of trails, explore the bats roosting in the Clarity Tunnel, and enjoy no-wake fishing, boating, and swimming at Lake Theo. Early Americans, including the Comanche and the last Chief Quanah Parker, have camped at Copper Breaks State Park near Quanah for years, amid the quiet lakes and rugged terrain. Campers must pack out all trash, and WAG bag use for human waste is required. The issue is the light pollution in the nighttime skies. Our goal, to share the world’s unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Stargazing at Cherry Springs is a stellar experience; but don’t forget there are many daytime activities to enjoy before the nighttime show. After filling in my address, my suburban neighborhood is a Class 8. Scenic Beginner Hiking Trails in America's National Parks . The reason is its dedicated astronomy observation field, which boasts unobstructed views all around and has campsites nearby. T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, located in Gulf County, is the perfect north Florida park to stargaze.Far away from the lights of towns or other developments, St. Joseph gives campers an incredible view of the night sky, and an experience they won’t forget! Staunton River State Park is 18 miles east of South Boston. Take U.S. 360 to Route 344. Here, many see the Milky Way with the naked eye for the first time. The campsites in this state park are nice, but it is … Beautiful dark sky viewing is waiting for you. Lodging is limited near Cherry Springs State Park – be sure to consult our places to stay page before you arrive and make your lodging reservations. Here, many see the Milky Way with the naked eye for the first time. Enjoy the beauty of Gorman Falls, take a cave tour, fish, paddle the river, or cool off in Spicewood Springs. Now is the time to go since temperatures in the summer can reach as high as 130 degrees. Garner State Park In the city of Concan, next to the chilly (great swimming on hot Texas days) spring-fed Frio River, is Garner State Park. Field Checklist: Birds of South Llano River State Park, 11 Beautiful Caverns To Visit In Texas Hill Country, 10 Fantastic Experiences At Dinosaur Valley State Park, 6 Texas Hill Country Wineries With Gorgeous Views, 9 Excellent Outdoor Activities Near Jefferson, Texas, 7 Best Things To Explore In Rural Alpine, Texas. Hike early morning for wildlife viewing on Pine Canyon, Armadillo Lookout, or Vireo Vista Loop trails. During the day most folks are gazing upon the beautiful water or swimming in the sapphire waters, the night time will offer you a chance to discover the night sky above. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. They consist of Redwood National Park, California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. Have you ever seen the Milky Way? Claim: As of January 2020, New York state requires members of the public to obtain a stargazing permit for use in certain public parks. Travel Nevada Pro Tip As one of only 7 designated Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world, head for northwestern Nevada’s Massacre Rim to experience one of the darkest skies on this planet. Along with stargazing, it’s also a good place for hiking. Kartchner Caverns is a popular state park that features a cave system that’s open to tourists. You’ll enjoy exceptional night sky views here. You’ll find another International Dark Sky Park here. From an open field or park, find the Big Dipper.The last two stars in the cup of the Big Dipper point to the North Star, which is just a bit dimmer than the individual stars in the Big Dipper. Or head for Tonopah’s Stargazing Park—outfitted with cement pads for BYO telescopes—to set your sights on what USA Today says is the #1 Stargazing Destination in America. Oracle State Park is a certified Dark Sky Park, making it a great spot to see the Milky Way. 90, Benson, AZ 85602, azstateparks.com Lay out a blanket to see countless stars. Escape the city lights and take in Almost Heaven night sky views. All privately-owned property along Devils River enforces trespassing issues. With over 311,000 remote acres along the Rio Grande in Brewster and Presidio counties, the park is the largest in Texas. And if you’ve ever been under that vaulted sky at night, you know how good it is for stargazing. Springs State Park, consistently rated one of the 7 best places on the planet for stargazing. Enjoy 238 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, riding horses, as well as river access at several points along scenic FM 170. Fishing from the shore or the pier without a required license is fantastic fun for the kids. Escape the city lights and stay the night at one of the parks’ campsites to enjoy this open star-lit playground. Minimal light pollution affords breathtaking opportunities to witness a truly dark sky. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter, Sign up for our "Happy Thoughts" newsletter. Navajo. Watch for the reopening of Balmorhea State Park after repairs to the pool and the addition of 643 acres of neighboring land, 57 miles west of Fort Stockton. With 265,000 acres of optimal sky views, Susquehannock State Forest does not disappoint. As the park is 5 miles from external light sources you’ll see many more stars than usual. The “Great Conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn will form a “Christmas Star” on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. In the meantime, here are a few more quick tips for an optimal stargazing experience. Because this park has almost no light pollution, it’s one of the darkest parks in the southern United States and is perfect for stargazing. This would be a great stargazing stop for history buffs and anyone doing a Trail of the Ancients road trip. Lost Maples, 2 hours northwest of San Antonio, is known for the most vividly colorful red, orange, and yellow bigtooth maple leaves in the fall, along with red oaks and blazing red sumac trees. State Parks; Outdoor Adventure; Entertainment; Edutourism; Among stargazers, creating light pollution is the equivalent of throwing trash out of a car window. 2980 S. Hwy. Steven at the McDonald Observatory suggested two smartphone apps for stargazing, Sky Safari or Solarium. Located east of the Pecos River High Bridge, 9 miles west of Comstock in Val Verde County, along the Rio Grande near Del Rio, you will find pictographs of early canyon dwellers on the stone walls of Seminole Canyon in the state park. Enjoy nature walks and birding tours through the 1,860-acre natural area. Protected bison roam the plains at Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway, located in the Texas Panhandle, about 100 miles southeast of Amarillo. Light Pollution: .27. Come to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in late winter and early spring, and you’ll see a gorgeous carpet of wildflowers covering the desert. The stargazing schedule at Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park is weather dependent. Among stargazers, creating light pollution is the equivalent of throwing trash out of a car window. Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. Camping here is primitive, but visitors can choose their own campsite, meaning true peace and quiet in the spots that you can find. James River State Park is working toward IDA Dark Sky Park certification and is a great, centrally located stargazing location. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. Download the Field Checklist: Birds of South Llano River State Park, and look for over 250 species of birds. Stargazing at St. George Island. Bass River State Forest. Here's everything to know before visiting! You might catch the best views from Dakota Terraces Campground, but for a more luxurious experience, check out one of Ridgway’s yurts! You’ll find lots to do at South Llano River State Park during the day. Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport simply must be at the top of your stargazing bucket list. For a double whammy, find the brightest stars even with the sun starting to rise. With the perfect campsite, you might just catch the Milky Way Galaxy taking over the sky. Lower numbers indicate darker skies. Nebulae 3. Surrounded by open wilderness and rugged mountain beauty, West Virginia’s state parks has some of the best stargazing spots you can find on the east coast. The park requires day passes or camping reservations. Enjoy spectacular night skies through the monument’s sandstone arches and rock formations—in some places, visitors may see up to 15,000 stars in a single night. However, it also earned New Mexico’s first International Dark Sky Park designation in 2010. Then you’re in the right place! The hunter, Kenneth Troy Heller, made his first court appearance Wednesday after the incident, which occurred October 24. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. Home to the newest Dark Sky Park in the United States, this site near the Grand Canyon offers some spectacular surroundings from which to enjoy fabulous stargazing, with over 150 clear nights every year. Get ready for some great views of the Milky Way, planets, and hard-to-see astronomical objects and phenomena. Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport simply must be at the top of your stargazing bucket list. I haven’t found any events, but check in at the ranger station/visitor center when you get there or call ahead. Enjoy gazing at the Milky Way at this International Dark Sky Park. That’s why the streetlights in Borrego Springs are subtle, not glaring, and the local airport has adjusted its aircraft beacon to angle downward. Michaux State Forest encompasses more than 85,500 acres in the South Mountain area of Cumberland, Franklin, and Adams Counties. The hope is to raise awareness of night skies with educational programs about light pollution, constellation tours, and star parties. The official state of Texas longhorn herd resides in the park. Locals recommend setting up at the southern end of the park near Quaker Lake, where much of the Milky Way can be seen on clear nights. Check it out and prepare to be in total awe of the beauty that awaits! Acadia National Park, Maine. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania. This prestigious distinction recognizes the park’s world-class stargazing opportunities as well as its commitment to preserving the darkness through educational programs and responsible outdoor lighting. North of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock offers hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing with a permit, picnicking, geocaching, bird watching, nature study, and stargazing. https://www.visitpa.com/article/7-epic-stargazing-spots-pennsylvania Clayton Lake State Park. Big Bend Ranch State Park, west of Big Bend National Park, has the darkest night skies for stargazing in Texas. Tour Guide -Greg Snowman has presented Night Sky Tour programs for thousands of people through his work as an Environmental Education Specialist at Cherry Springs State Park, Cherry Springs State Park is without a doubt the premiere stargazing destination in the state. The 25-foot-deep 1.3-acre pool, spring-fed by the San Solomon Springs, drains into two cienegas for nature watching and hiking. Tuckerton, NJ. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is a picturesque park with plenty to see and do! If you want to see stars or even the Milky Way’s galactic core light up the night sky, you have to go somewhere really dark, away from the light pollution of major cities and suburban areas. Big Bend National Park in far West Texas is an underrated national park that gets less than 500,000 visitors a year. Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places on the eastern seaboard for stargazing and the science of astronomy, which is the study and observation of: 1. Happy stargazing! Take advantage of the dark skies for stargazing. 3. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park: Montana and Alberta, Canada. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and look up at the glistening night sky from the Raystown Lake Region in Huntingdon County. Named the first International Dark Sky Park in the Eastern U.S. and the second in the world to be ranked as Gold Tier, it’s easy to see why night sky enthusiasts flock to the park. Overnight areas are open during specific seasons, and you can even go on a guided star tour where you’ll try to identify some constellations while you hear the stories that accompany them. Come to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in late winter and early spring, and you’ll see a gorgeous carpet of wildflowers covering the desert. Minimal light pollution affords breathtaking opportunities to witness a truly dark sky. While the national parks across the United States are rife with opportunity for hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors, one particular activity can only be partaken in after the sun has dipped below the horizon: namely, stargazing. Natural darkness is fading. Camping with water but no hookups are available at drive-up sites or tent sites. This 595-acre Potter County state park gives plenty of viewing room for stargazing when camping at both modern and rustic campsites available at the park. River access requires a Devils River Access Permit, plus camping fees at designated campsites. Guided tours require reservations and begin at the Devil’s Sinkhole Visitor Center in Rocksprings. Janie H. Pace is a travel writer and photographer based in Fort Worth, Texas. Now is the time for camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, stargazing, birding at one of the four bird blinds, or wildlife photography. Light pollution is almost nonexistent under … The topography of volcanoes and buttes here helps screen even distant sources of city lights making for top star gazing conditions at the park. Stargaze at the magnificent night sky at Cherry Springs State Park located in Potter-Tioga Pennsylvania where you can see thousands of stars. There are plenty of opportunities for maximum stargazing in the eastern U.S. too. Here's everything to know before visiting! Stargazing at Bahia Honda Bahia Honda State Park As the sun sets and the stars fill the night sky, the island of Bahia Honda becomes a magical place. Have a look around our site for more information about stargazing, Coudersport, and at Cherry Springs State Park—including restaurant recommendations and day trips. Visitors travel far and wide to the park’s Astronomy Field which offers magnificent, unobstructed 360-degree views of tens of thousands of stars and their constellations. Located 25 minutes from Dallas and 30 minutes from Fort Worth to the south, you can reach Cedar Hill State … Have a look around our site for more information about stargazing, Coudersport, and at Cherry Springs State Park—including restaurant recommendations and day trips. Located in the southwestern Hill Country near Junction, South Llano River State Park is an excellent place for swimming, floating, tubing, paddling, and fishing the spring-fed South Llano River in the warm months. 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