Dark Sky Parks
Mayland Earth to Sky Park
Burnsville, North CarolinaBortle 2 Best in Summer
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
The first International Dark Sky Park certified in the southeastern United States, Mayland Earth to Sky Park sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. The park houses the Sam Scope, a 34-inch Newtonian telescope that is the largest in the Southeast dedicated to public use, alongside a planetarium with a 36-foot projection dome. Grounds are open 24/7 for self-guided stargazing with ticketed observatory events available in season.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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