This West Virginia Dark Sky Park Offers Incredible Winter Stargazing

Attention, all stargazers! If you're looking to experience the night sky in all of its glory, you'll be glad to learn that there are a handful of places in West Virginia that promise some truly awe-inspiring stargazing. One such place is Watoga State Park, famous for being the largest park of its kind in West Virginia and now an official International Dark Sky Park. After the sun sets, the night sky explodes with beauty. Come with us as we explore this magical place in the Mountain State.

Did you know that 83% of the population lives under a light-polluted sky? While not harmful, this modern phenomenon obscures one of the most special parts of nighttime: seeing the night sky. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to go in West Virginia to see the stars in all of their glory. Today's feature stargazing destination, Watoga State Park, received its designation as an International Dark Sky Park in October 2021.

This park, along with Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Calvin Price State Forest, is now considered to be one of the very best places for viewing the night sky. The combined area measures nearly 20,000 acres in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

To qualify as an International Dark Sky Park, a place must receive very little light pollution. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) created the distinction as a way to protect certain wild and protected spaces.

Stargazing has long been at the heart of this land, long before the dark-sky designation and even before it was a state park. The name Watoga is derived from a Cherokee word which means "starry waters." When you see the night sky from this region, it's hard not to feel connected to the landscape in a very special way.

Anyone looking to sleep under this particularly bright night sky will be able to rent a cabin or campsite. There are designated night sky viewpoints throughout the park that are available to campers at any time. During the day, be sure to take advantage of all the fun recreational adventures the park has to offer, such as this 2.3-mile hike with stunning mountain views. And if you're looking for more things to do in the area, be sure to check out our itinerary planner for ideas.