Dark Skies to See in Southern West Virginia

While the east coast of the United States is renowned for its bustling cities and their bright cityscapes, Southern West Virginia offers a unique and enchanting experience. With its low population density, the state provides a rare opportunity to witness the celestial beauty of millions of stars and the mesmerizing colors of the Milky Way against the vast expanse of space. This makes Southern West Virginia an ideal location for observing meteor showers, planetary events, and discovering constellations.

The night sky is a shared heritage, a part of history that has guided navigation, inspired storytelling, and influenced farming practices. It is a universal canvas that offers numerous benefits. A night sky free of light pollution enhances sleep and mental health and plays a crucial role in the life stages and cycles of various wildlife and plant species. The stars and the moon guide the migration patterns of birds, mammals, and nesting turtles, while environments free of light pollution protect the growing cycle of plants and trees. This shared heritage of the night sky is something we can all appreciate, beyond its awe-inspiring beauty.

Tips for stargazing and exploring at night:

·Carry at least two different light sources.

·Wear layers. Nights can get a little chilly.

·Make sure the trail you wish to go on is open at night. Do not trespass.

·Wear sturdy shoes.

·Go slow and steady on trails.

·Let someone who loves you know where you are going.

·Always be aware of your surroundings and stay on the trail.

·Before turning off the lights and settling in for stargazing, make sure you’re in a safe area.

·Red lights are less disruptive to wildlife and your eyes than white lights. Turning off your lights makes it easier for your eyes to adjust to the dark.

·Stargazing is best 1.5 hours after sunset and 1.5 hours before sunrise.

Here are some places we recommend to see the night sky:

Grandview at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Grandview has open overlooks with mountain views on the horizon. For 360-degree night sky views, climb up the Turkey Spur Tower. The tower is at the top of a rocky outcrop and requires visitors to climb at least 130 wooden stairs to reach the top. If you prefer a short walk to stunning views, the main overlook is just a few hundred feet from the parking lot.

Grandview Sandbar and Glade Creek Campground at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The Glade Creek Campground and Grandview Sandbar are located at the base of the gorge on the shores of the New River. Light pollution from Beckley has difficulty reaching these skies, and the views from the base of the New River Gorge provide an open sky.

Canyon Rim Overlook and Fayette Station Road at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

One of the most iconic spots in West Virginia is the New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge’s silhouette provides the perfect backdrop for watching stars travel across the night sky. The overlook, which is a short walk from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s Canyon Rim Visitor Center, offers stunning, easy-to-access scenery. Driving down into the gorge on Fayette Station Road blocks light pollution from Fayetteville.

Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The Endless Wall Trail is further down the New River Gorge from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. It’s more removed from the lights of Fayetteville, and though it’s a mile hike out to the overlooks, those who make the trek might see more stars. Be careful when walking along the escarpment and be aware of the cliff’s edge.

Rt. 19 Scenic Overlook- Powell Mountain

Just off of Rt. 19 on the edge of Nicholas County is a scenic overlook with views of the surrounding mountain landscapes and open sky. Because the location is removed from Summersville, there is little light pollution for those who want to pull off the highway and watch the stars.

Richwood- Monongahela National Forest

Richwood is a gateway town to the Monongahela National Forest, one of the places on the East Coast that almost entirely lacks light pollution. The stars and colors of the night sky are brighter here because of it.

Sandstone Falls at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The Sandstone Falls boardwalk is a leisurely walk with a few overlooks that lead to expansive skies with stars reflecting off pools of water. It is one of the darkest spots in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Bluestone Lake and Bluestone Lake State Park

Bluestone Lake and Bluestone Lake State Park are not too far from Sandstone Falls. The scenic overlook and state park are located at a distance where light from the dam does not taint the scenery of the stars above.

Hanging Rock Rapotor Observatory and Trail

Set in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory and Trail sits atop a mountain with 360-degree views of purely dark skies. The surrounding National Forest and low population of the surrounding areas mean little to no light pollution. The trail is a mile out and back trek. The observation tower is closed due to construction.

Moncove Lake State Park

Nestled in the rolling farm country of Monroe County, Moncove Lake State Park features boating, swimming, camping, and hiking. Due to its remote location, artificial light only comes from cars, a few homes, and campfires.

Greenbrier River Trail

Hike, bike, boat, camp, and stargaze on the Greenbrier River Trail. The 78-mile rail trail runs alongside the Greenbrier River and features 37 bridges, two tunnels, and campsites spread throughout for those who want to start and end the trail over a weekend. There are plenty of entry points for those who want a short walk instead. Whether you’re getting ready to camp for the night or just walking out for a view of the night sky, the Greenbrier River Trail has great night sky views, especially on parts that are farther from Lewisburg.

Lake Sherwood- Monongahela National Forest

Located in a remote section of the Monongahela National Forest, Lake Sherwood is a great place to camp, hike, swim, fish, and boat. The lake features a deck that leads out to the lake, ensuring top-notch views of stars, the Milky Way, and planetary events.

R.D. Bailey Lake

R.D. Bailey Lake does have a dam with artificial lights, but that doesn’t stop it from having some of the most open skies in the area.

Twin Falls Resort State Park

Twin Falls Resort State Park has 25 miles of hiking trails and a full golf course, which provides open sky for nighttime viewing. The park features a campground and lodge, so you don’t have to go far to snuggle back into bed (or sleeping bag) when you’re done with your star watch party.

Camp Creek State Park

Camp Creek State Park is home to two waterfalls, 35 miles of hiking trails, and large picnicking areas perfect for lying down a blanket to watch the night sky.

Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area

Berwind Lake is a 20-acre lake surrounded by deep forests. It offers fishing and boating opportunities. Find a spot to park or go out on the fishing pier to take a gander through the opening in the trees.

How to protect night skies:

Light pollution is the most straightforward form of pollution to eliminate. Reducing the amount of light pollution you create can be as simple as turning off the lights when not in a room, closing your curtains at night, and thinking about the direction the lights outside of your home shine. Besides not using outdoor lights at all, the best option is to choose motion lights that shine towards the ground instead of all directions. Light bulbs with warmer tones are healthier for plant life cycles and aren’t as blinding as cooler tones.

Remember to check the weather before heading out on your trip, make sure the trails you want to go on are open after dark, bring two light sources, and carry out what you carry in. Happy stargazing!