See The Stars in Almost Heaven, West Virginia
Home to one of the largest and darkest skysheds on the East Coast, West Virginia is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of the star-studded skies. Just last year, Travel + Leisure dubbed the state as “the most under-the-radar stargazing destination in the U.S.”
Ready to escape the crowds and see for yourself? Below you’ll find everything you need to make your getaway out of this world – including trip guides, a packing list, exclusive discounts & deals, and photography tips. Planning is as easy as one-two-three, and you’ll leave knowing exactly why John Denver’s famous ode gave us the nickname “Almost Heaven, West Virginia!”
Step 1: Plan Your Trip
As the moon shifts and the night sky comes alive with shimmering stars, there can be a lot to consider when planning your dark sky getaway. From moon phases and weather to location and time of night, you can perfect your stargazing skills with the resources below.
Study the Moon
While the star-studded skies of Almost Heaven are stunning 365 days out of the year, certain times within the phases of the moon allow for better dark sky photography. The moon can create too much light and overpower the sparkling stars, so four days before or after a new moon is considered to be the best time to get a starry shot. Hoping to capture the moon in your photo? During a full moon, dusk is the best time to nail your shot.
Choose your Location
Lucky for you, every corner of West Virginia is perfect for tracking down otherworldly starry sky views, with stunning sky views in all 55 counties. Some special areas are so out-of-this-world that the International Dark Sky Association has designated them as Dark Sky Parks. No matter where you stay, you are sure to find glittering skies above, with over 1.5 million acres of parks and public lands.
Choose A Place To Stay
Whether you are looking for a night under the stars or a more cozy cabin stay, the sky is the limit when it comes to lodging options in West Virginia.
Featured: Unique Stays in Almost Heaven
Plan an escape to the Mountain State, where you’ll find some of the most magnificent lodging options around. With stargazing tents and firetowers – you might find yourself under the stars.
Dark Sky Discounts & Special Events
Discover Mountain State star parties, lodging discount codes, night ziplining and much more with these exclusive deals and special events.
Step 2: Pack Your Bags
Once you mark your calendar and pick your spot, it’s time to collect everything you need to make your trip one to remember.
The Must-have Essentials
Picture this: mountains beside you, grass below you, and a gleaming starry-night sky above. The last thing any explorer wants is to make it to the perfect peak only to realize they left something at home.
- Binoculars – Get a closer look at the sparkling stars above!
- Headlamp – Be sure to get a light with a red mode to use once your eyes are adjusted to the dark.
- Smartphone – Access star apps to identify objects and direct your photos. Our photographers recommend PhotoPills.
- Cozy Clothes – Even in the heat of summer, some peaks at higher elevations can get a bit chilly.
- Tripod – If you are trying to get the perfect starry photo, you will need a way to stabilize your phone or camera.
- Blanket – One of the best ways to observe the stars is by lying on your back on the ground below.
- Snacks – Stargazing often requires staying still for a long amount of time, so a few snacks never hurt.
Step 3: See The Stars
The final step of any dark sky getaway is getting out there and enjoying the sparkling skies. See the resources below to study up on your constellations, perfect your dark sky photo skills and even edit your photos with ease.
Perfect Your Dark Sky Photo Skills
Whether you are a dark-sky newbie or a long-time stargazer, let our tricks and tips lead the way on your next adventure! With information for users on a variety of devices and editing tips, our Mobile Dark Skies Photography Guide will help you reach your astro-photo goals.
Elevate Your Photos with A Custom Filter
Astro-Inspired Coloring Pages
Perfect for the young or young at heart, let these out-of-this-world coloring pages inspire your next dark sky adventure.
Stargazers Look Up To Us
Find out why dark-sky explorers are flocking to West Virginia.
Discover Stargazing Tips & Trips
Learn the ins and out of stargazing from a real West Virginia astronomer – before planning your dark sky getaway. With guidance on constellations, star charts, adjusting to the dark and more, this short video from the WVU Planetarium and Observatory will help you stargaze like a scientist.
Need a little more inspo?
Sleep under the stars! The East Coast’s finest stargazing
West Virginia has some of the clearest night skies east of the Mississippi and has been named the most under-the-radar stargazing destinatio…
Read MoreTrue West Virginia Nightlife: Stargazing Must-Sees
The Mountain State is known for its incredible scenic beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities, but did you know its also been named …
Read MoreVisit Dark Sky Parks in the Mountain State
Enjoy sparkling and spacious starry views by visiting some of the darkest and most magnificent skies to exist on the East Coast, found righ…
Read More7 Steps and Tips for Stargazing
Named the most under-the-radar stargazing destination in the United States, a trip to West Virginia is sure to be one that you won’t regr…
Read More