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best stargazing spots

Astronomy in the mountains

They key to finding good stargazing spots is distancing yourself from urban glow as well as seeking higher elevation. Below are a few excellent locations where Asheville's astronomers periodically congregate.

Mill Ridge

  1. Take I-26 West out of town.
  2. Take exit 19A for 25N/70W.
  3. Follow signs to stay on 25/70 for 23 miles.
  4. About 2 miles after crossing the Laurel River at the intersection of 208, take a right onto Lookout Mountain Rd.
  5. Immediately turn left to stay on Lookout Mountain Rd.
  6. This road becomes Mill Ridge Rd. Follow it to the top.

Mount Pisgah

  1. Travel west on Patton Ave., which is also 19/23 S.
  2. Continue on 19/23 S when Patton Ave. becomes Smokey Park Hwy.
  3. Turn left on Pisgah Hwy., which is also 151 S.
  4. Stay on 151 S until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  5. Turn right to go south on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
  6. Arrive at the Mount Pisgah parking area after 2 miles.

Craggy Pinnacle

  1. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north out of town.
  2. Craggy Pinnacle Overlook is on the left shortly after Craggy Gardens.

Find your own stargazing spot

Now you know a few of Asheville's favorite spots for backyard astronomy, but why not discover some places on your own? Scout out new stargazing spots by exploring one of the many hiking trails in the vicinity.