There are some truly spectacular places for stargazing in Kentucky, from our acclaimed national park to the expanse of Land Between the Lakes. There's another stellar spot for stargazing, however, and it's one few folks know about. It's also Kentucky's very own ghost town, but rest assured that the only thing you'll see at night are the stars!
Big South Fork is an area where the imagination can easily run wild. Encompassing 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, it's a place of deep beauty -- and also deep mystery, as it's home to the state's very own ghost town, the now-defunct mining town of Blue Heron.
Big South Fork is also celebrated for its natural beauty, offering some of the best hiking and kayaking in Kentucky. What some don't know, however, is that Big South Fork comes alive at night -- and we're not talking about ghosts, either.
As the sun sets over the Cumberland Plateau, something magical happens...
...the stars come out and set the sky on fire with color and light!
Big South Fork National Recreation Area, you see, is one of the best places for stargazing in Kentucky.
The skies over Central Kentucky are some of the darkest in the state, and Big South Fork has worked very hard to make sure there's little in the way of light pollution so that people can enjoy the nighttime spectacle.
In fact, you'll often find programming at this park where rangers lead guided nighttime hikes to take in the star-filled skies. This is also a great way to experience Kentucky's very own ghost town at night... surrounded by a group of fellow stargazers and outdoor enthusiasts! Not, as you might fear, ghosts.
Here in Kentucky, we know that there's beauty and wonder all around -- often where you'd least expect it. Whether it's a Mega Cavern beneath the streets of our busiest city or a star-filled sky above our very own ghost town, Kentucky is a cure-all for even the most intense wanderlust!
Did you know Big South Fork National Recreation Area was such a great place to see the stars? The next time you feel compelled to do a little stargazing in Kentucky, gather your courage and head to the Cumberland Plateau!
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