Dark Skies
During the night, let the stars be your guide in Pocahontas County.
Nature’s Mountain Playground is one of the best places to truly see a dark night sky. With minimal light pollution and high elevation, it’s a prime destination for spotting constellations, planets and meteor showers. The area is home to three official International Dark Sky Parks — Calvin Price State Forest, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Watoga State Park.
Where To Stargaze in Pocahontas County
This remote, undeveloped forest offers a rugged, off-the-grid stargazing experience. With no recreation facilities and very little light pollution, it’s ideal for backpackers along the Allegheny Trail or anyone seeking peace and unobstructed views under the stars. Primitive campsites are available.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Explore Civil War history during the day, then stay into the night to catch the stars from Droop Mountain Tower. This elevated viewpoint above the town of Hillsboro makes for a scenic, star-filled evening.
West Virginia’s largest state park is also one of its darkest. Watoga State Park is the perfect spot for nighttime reflection — literally. Stargazers can take in the view above and below as stars shimmer across the still waters of Watoga Lake or the nearby Greenbrier River.
Located in the National Radio Quiet Zone, Green Bank Observatory offers a special opportunity to pair stargazing with science. Visit the Green Bank Science Center and explore the world’s largest fully steerable telescope through guided or self-guided tours — and maybe discover the mysteries beyond our galaxy.