Shenandoah National Park guide · 1 min read
Dark Skies and Loft Mountain Night Programs
Shenandoah National Park has night skies dark enough to make stargazing and astrophotography rewarding at any age.
Its elevation lifts observers above much of the glow from the towns in the valley below. Big Meadows draws many sky watchers because its open, bowl-like shape gives an unbroken view of the heavens. Many overlooks along Skyline Drive are also good places to set up for the night.
On a clear night, the Milky Way appears as a glowing band stretching across the sky. Orion's belt is a standout, and the clouds of dust and gas within it are part of the view. Shooting stars streak into the atmosphere, planets trace their orbits around the sun, and many of the 88 constellations come into view. GPS satellites also pass overhead.
The Loft Mountain Evening Program is a ranger presentation lasting 45 minutes, held at the Loft Mountain Amphitheater. One session turns its attention to the moon and other celestial bodies and how they can affect life here on Earth. Other talks look at the park's natural and cultural history. Visitors who use wheelchairs can attend, and assistive listening is offered. Pack warm layers, since mountain nights run cool, and bring a flashlight.
The Loft Mountain Campground sits atop Big Flat Mountain at mile 79.5 on Skyline Drive, toward the park's southern end. Views stretch out to the east and west. The campground offers tent sites and an amphitheater. Cell phone reception and internet access are not available there, so it's a good place to unplug. Two waterfalls sit nearby, and trails lead into the Big Run Wilderness.
