Seeing This Tennessee State Park After Dark Is Better Than Daytime

Calling all night owls! Pickett CCC Memorial State Park at night unlocks a completely different view. Nestled within the 20,887-acre Pickett State Forest and surrounded by the 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, it’s one of the best places in Tennessee to go stargazing. It’s such a perfect spot that it earned the coveted Silver-tier International Dark Sky designation in 2015, becoming the first state park in the Southeast to receive the recognition. 

Now that we are entering Milky Way season and have several meteor showers to look forward to, it’s the perfect time to set off on a stargazing adventure. 

What Makes Pickett CCC Memorial State Park So Magical After Dark

There’s no denying that this state park in Tennessee is mesmerizing during the day, but visiting Pickett CCC Memorial State Park after dark brings out a side that few people ever get to see. Due to its remote location far from light pollution, it’s one of the best places in Tennessee to go stargazing. DarkSky International doesn’t hand out these titles lightly, so it was a big deal when Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area received Silver-tier International Dark Sky Park status in 2015. 

There are several requirements that areas must meet before they can be considered a dark sky park, with light pollution being a key factor. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area have made this a priority, and you’ll be amazed at how many stars in the sky are visible to the naked eye when you visit after dark. 

Best Times for a Night Visit to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

Stargazing is a year-round activity, though depending on what you want to see, some times of the year are better than others. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way season runs from March to October. Primetime Milky Way viewing is from May to July, when the core is visible for most of the night. There are several apps you can download to help you recognize certain planets and constellations. I use SkyView Lite (free). 

There are also several meteor showers on the horizon, and this is the perfect place to watch them. Upcoming meteor showers:

• Lyrids: Peak April 21-22
• Eta Aquariids: Peak May 5-6
• Perseids: August 12-13
• Orionids: October 21-22
• Geminids: December 13-14

Tips for Visiting Pickett CCC Memorial State Park After Dark

Camping at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is the best way to take full advantage of the dark skies (and avoid late-night driving). The state park offers backcountry camping, RV and primitive campsites, and 15 cabins.

Visit Pickett CCC Memorial State Park during the day. Not only will you get to experience the state park with daylight, but you’ll be able to scout out some good locations to stargaze for later. You want an unobstructed, wide view of the sky, and with 58 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty to choose from!

The astronomy field in the parking lot of the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area is an easily accessible stargazing spot. The field is just above the gravel parking lot, has electricity, and is available to the public year-round. Keep an eye on the events page, as there are often stargazing events led by experts in the field. 

Of course, you can do all the planning and still show up on a cloudy night. Clear skies are key to stargazing, so be sure to check the clear sky forecast before you go. Even if it’s cloudy, it’s worth it to be patient and see if they’ll mosey on down the sky to reveal those majestic dark skies. Timing your visit around the New Moon, when the sky is darkest, is also helpful.