Dark Sky Parks
Staunton River State Park
Scottsburg, VirginiaBortle 2 Best in Fall
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Virginia's first International Dark Sky Park and the 25th in the world at the time of certification, Staunton River sits at the confluence of the Staunton and Dan rivers in one of the least light-polluted corridors remaining on the East Coast. Bortle 2 conditions mean the zodiacal light, gegenschein, and faint airglow are routinely visible. The park hosts monthly star parties year-round and designated observation areas along the riverbanks give wide open horizon views in multiple directions.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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