What is an International Dark Sky place?
The International Dark Sky designation is a distinction granted to areas, includng parks, with the least light pollution around the world. In order to reverse widespread light pollution across the globe, dark sky zones must be recognized and protected to ensure bright stars for generations to come.
Dark Skies in the U.S.
Luckily, finding an escape from light pollution to experience the natural night sky is easy all across the United States. Dark Sky International recognizes 148 U.S. sites, including National Parks and local farms alike. Here are five hidden gems where you can find the brightest stars.
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
The reserve is one of the largest areas of natural nighttime darkness in the U.S., covering over 900,000 acres including the Sawtooth National Forest. A gold-tier status site, Central Idaho Reserve ranks in the top tier internationally for night sky quality.
Rappahannock County Park, VA
One of only three county parks in the U.S. to receive DarkSky recognition, Rappahannock offers a small haven from light pollution. With close access to the Appalachian trail and Shenandoah National Park, this Virginia park has some of the best views of stars on the east coast.
Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon
Designated as an International Dark Sky site in 2021, views from this state park encompasses vast nighttime skies bridging Oregon’s urban hubs with the beauty of the Cascade Mountains. Centrally located, the park maintains some of the best night sky views in the Pacific Northwest.
Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia
Boasting milky-way views from the park’s central campgrounds, this state park received Georgia’s first International Dark Sky recognition. Nestled in a National Wildlife Refuge, the park allows visitors to experience the beauty of natural dark skies and the abundant wildlife of the nearby Okefenokee Swamp.
Cherry Springs State Park, PA
One of the best places to stargaze in the U.S., this state park offers perfect night sky viewing conditions, raised on a plateau above the valleys which shield light from nearby towns. The park is the first International Dark Sky sight on the east coast, where up to 30,000 stars and celestial features are visible on a clear night.
The park and surrounding Susquehannock State Forest lands are among the few truly dark-sky locations east of the Mississippi River. Even with the moonlight, the Milky Way was faintly visible.
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Ellen runs campaigns to protect America’s beautiful places, from local beachfronts to remote mountain peaks. She sits on the Steering Committee of the Arctic Defense Campaign and co-coordinates the Climate Forests Campaign. Ellen previously worked as the organizing director for Environment America’s Climate Defenders campaign and managed grassroots campaign offices across the country. Ellen lives in Denver, where she likes to hike in Colorado’s mountains.
