Seeing This North Carolina State Park After Dark Is Better Than Daytime

Milky Way season is upon us, and Haw River State Park at night is an ideal spot to set up your gear and stargaze. Stargazing is one of those activities that requires very little (which I appreciate), but there are a few things to know that can make your evening a little more comfortable. 

Growing up in a big city, I never knew how magical the night sky truly is. It wasn’t until I spent a summer in the middle of nowhere, Massachusetts, that I was blessed to see all of the stars in the sky and appreciate dark sky parks. Now, Haw River State Park isn’t an official Dark Sky Park, but it’s secluded enough so that you can still have a proper night of stargazing. 

What Makes Haw River State Park So Magical After Dark

During the day, Haw River State Park offers a unique glimpse into North Carolina’s wetlands and floodplain swamps. There are a couple of nature trails that showcase the park’s beauty. Hiking and fishing are two of the most popular things to do at Haw River State Park during the day. Hit the hiking trails during the day to scout out some shooting locations for the night.

Haw River State Park at night is when everything shifts. Its remote location is perfect for stargazing, as you won’t have the light pollution that drowns out the night sky in large cities. The wetlands and swamps give the perfect clearing to view the night sky, which is important if you’re trying to look at stars. 

There are always stargazing events at Haw River State Park to look forward to, too. Summertime is typically the best time of year to go stargazing, especially since it aligns with Milky Way season in the Northern Hemisphere. The next starfazing event at Haw River State Park is set for May 16, 2026, so mark your calendars. These are great, kid-friendly events where local astronomers explain constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. They will also have telescopes out for folks to get a closer look, and you are encouraged to bring your own.  

There are several free apps you can download, too. I personally use SkyView Lite, which lets you point your phone's camera at the sky and tells you which constellations you're looking at. It also captures planets and satellites, too. Give it a spin and see if you like it!

Tips for Visiting Haw River State Park After Dark

Stargazing is one of those hobbies that can be frustrating because there’s one element that’s out of your hands: the weather. Stargazing requires clear skies, and Mother Nature tends to send clouds at the worst possible times. There’s really nothing you can do in the event of a cloudy night; you just have to wait it out or drive to clear skies. 

If you’re planning on taking photos of the night sky, you’ll need a tripod. As a general rule, you want your tripod to be sturdy and not necessarily the cheapest option. It is holding your expensive camera, after all. Now, I’ve also gotten creative with a tripod for my phone and used rocks, trees, whatever I can find. Regardless of whether you're using your phone or a mirrorless camera, you’ll want to set a shutter delay to avoid camera shake when you press the shutter. 

Chairs are good, but blankets are better. I find that my neck starts to ache if I’m staring at the sky for too long, and lying down really makes all the difference in the world. Bring snacks and dress warm! Even in the summer, it can get chilly. Especially if you’re not moving around. Give yourself at least 20 minutes in the dark for your eyes to adjust. No screens during this time! Every time you look at your phone, your night vision resets. Replace your normal flashlight with a red light, particularly if you are stargazing near a group of people. 

Visit the Haw River State Park website to see what astronomy events are on the horizon. There are a few meteor showers in the summer months that are worth putting on your schedule. Perseids are my favorite (August), and that’s always a great show!