Your guide to Virginia’s 4 International DarkSky Parks
Enjoy a night of stargazing at these four DarkSky Virginia State Parks.
Virginia is home to four Virginia State Parks recognized as International DarkSky Parks by the International DarkSky Association: Staunton River, James River, Natural Bridge, and Sky Meadows. These parks provide visitors with opportunities to enjoy the night sky while highlighting the importance of reducing light pollution to protect natural environments.
The designations reflect years of hard work by park staff and volunteers to protect natural darkness and preserve the surrounding ecosystems. Each park offers a unique blend of activities and makes a distinct contribution to maintaining natural skies.
James River State Park
Location: 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone, VA 24553
Designation: April 2019
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park offers a tranquil setting for stargazing, with its 1,500 acres of scenic landscapes and three miles of river shoreline. When the park received its designation, it addied to its reputation as a destination for nature lovers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
“The designation recognizes our commitment to providing visitors with the best opportunities to enjoy the night sky,” said a park representative said in a press release at the time of the designation. The park offers a range of facilities, including cabins, a visitor center, and a universally accessible fishing pier. Its “trash-in, trash-out” policy helps maintain a clean environment, and the park’s lighting policy minimizes light pollution, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
Visitors can explore the park through various recreational activities, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park features a variety of campsites, from tent camping on the riverbanks to more developed campgrounds with water and electric hookups. Cabins are also available for those who prefer more comfort.
James River State Park offers stargazing programs throughout the year, where visitors can learn about constellations, planets, and celestial events. The park’s location away from city lights allows for clear views of the night sky, making it a great place to observe meteor showers and other astronomical phenomena.
Sky Meadows State Park
Location: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144
Designation: April 2021
Sky Meadows State Park is renowned for its efforts to preserve its dark skies amid a growing urban area. The park provides visitors with scenic views, woodlands, and rolling pastures, reflecting the historical landscape of Crooked Run Valley.
Volunteers began astronomy programs at Sky Meadows decades ago, recognizing the park’s potential for dark sky observation. Today, Turner Pond serves as a DarkSky Observation Area, where visitors can engage in self-guided astronomy after regular park hours. The park’s facilities include hiking, picnicking, fishing, and camping opportunities, with 10.5 miles of bridle trails and 22 miles of hiking trails.
Sky Meadows Park Manager Kevin Bowman remarked in a press release at the time of the designation, “Though a major milestone, this marks more a beginning than an end to our work in maintaining the dark skies that we and our visitors enjoy.” The park’s commitment to dark sky conservation is evident in its continued efforts to engage the community and reduce light pollution.
Staunton River State Park
Location: 1170 Staunton Trail, Scottsburg, VA 24589-9636
Designation: July 2015
Staunton River State Park, located in southern Virginia along the Dan and Staunton rivers, was the first park in the state to receive an International DarkSky Park designation. This designation put Virginia on the map as a destination for stargazing and dark sky preservation efforts.
The park’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it a top spot for observing the Milky Way, planets, and constellations. Staunton River is also known for hosting the biannual Staunton River Star Party, which draws amateur astronomers from across the region. The park’s facilities include a large open field perfect for telescope setups.
“Staunton River State Park has been a destination for outdoor recreation of all types and a steward of southern Virginia’s natural resources for nearly 80 years,” said Park Manager Adam Layman in a press release at the time of the designation. The park established an outdoor lighting policy that minimizes light pollution, engaged with the local community, and hosted the Staunton River Star Party, which attracted over 140 visitors last year.
Visitors to the park can also enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, and camping, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of daytime activities and pristine night skies makes Staunton River a premier location for those looking to connect with nature.
Natural Bridge State Park
Location: 6477 South Lee Hwy., Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Designation: April 2021
Natural Bridge State Park is home to the iconic 215-foot limestone arch that has drawn visitors for centuries. Its designation was part of the park’s larger effort to promote understanding and awareness of natural resources, including the importance of preserving natural nighttime darkness.
“Our Dark Sky designation is a continuation of the park’s effort to bring understanding and awareness to our natural resources,” Park Manager James Jones said in a press release at the time of the designation. The park’s designation is part of a broader effort to combat light pollution and preserve natural nighttime environments.
In addition to stargazing, visitors to Natural Bridge can enjoy hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and educational programs that focus on the area’s natural and cultural history. The park’s proximity to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley makes it an ideal spot for those looking to experience the beauty of the night sky against a breathtaking backdrop.
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