The One Kentucky Airbnb You Need to Book for Unforgettable Dark Sky Views

I grew up in a big city, so I was unaware of the vastness of the stars in the sky until I moved to western Massachusetts after college. The Perseid Meteor shower of 2008 was the first time I fell in love with the night sky, and seeing that meteor shower from the Berkshires was a pivotal moment. Now, I spend my winters chasing the northern lights and capturing the night sky from as many remote places as I can. You don’t have to hop a flight and travel to the top of the world to enjoy the night sky; you can do some epic stargazing in Kentucky if you’re in the right spot.

The primary goal for stargazing is to minimize exposure to light pollution as much as possible. This stargazing cabin in Kentucky is situated near the Red River Gorge, and it’s perfectly set up for unforgettable dark sky views. 

I’m a bit of a dark sky nerd, so I feel it’s important to note that the Red River Gorge area is not an official dark sky park, but it’s close. The only official International Dark Sky Parks in Kentucky are Mammoth Cave National Park and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Make no mistake, you’ll still get some phenomenal starry nights from the Red River Gorge area, but it’s important to note what classifies as an official International Dark Sky Park. If you’re visiting from a bigger city, it’ll be a huge difference from what you’re used to seeing. 

The stargazing cabin in Stanton features two bedrooms (with four beds total) and two bathrooms. It comfortably accommodates up to six guests, making it perfect for a family getaway or a meet-up with fellow astrophotographers. 

Kick back and relax in the hot tub on the first-level deck and enjoy the beautiful valley views, and maybe watch the sunset. 

Outdoor-focused getaways need a campfire, and guests have a couple of options for a fireside chat or two. There's a fire pit and camping chairs by the cabin, but for the ultimate experience, head up to the rooftop deck. 

The rooftop deck is what makes this a perfect spot for stargazing. Trees don’t obstruct your view of the night sky, and you’ve got a great view of the valley and mountains as a background for your photos. There are even lay-back chairs so you can enjoy those starry nights without straining your neck.

The owners have recently added a telescope for even better stargazing! There are several apps you can download that will help you find constellations and planets in the sky. I like SkyView because it’s as simple as pointing your phone’s camera, and it tells you what you’re looking at. This isn’t sponsored in any way, I’m just an astronerd with an iPhone. It’s free to download, give it a try at home before you head out and see how you like it.

While your nights will be spent stargazing, your days can be spent exploring the Red River Gorge. The Natural Bridge is only 15 minutes away, plus plenty of incredible hiking trails, and don’t forget about the world-class rock climbing around the Red River Gorge. 

Visit the Airbnb listing to check dates and rates and start planning your stargazing trip today. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.