Tennessee's Enchanting Nocturnal Adventure Is A Route Boasting The State's Best Stargazing Spots

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Tennessee, there's a trail dedicated to the stargazers among us. Made up of state parks, a privately owned farm, and even a local airport, the Night Sky Trail stretches from the Tennessee border with Kentucky south along Highway 26 as well as east along Highway 421 toward the North Carolina border. Here, there are nine stops that offer optimal dark sky spaces where visitors can drink in breathtaking views of the galaxy above. Whether you seek wide open skies or lofty viewpoints from which to look for constellations, everyone can find a place to enjoy along this accessible trail.

With Americans with Disability Act-approved trails at many stops, there are ample opportunities to gaze at the night sky, set up your camera for long exposures for the best of astrophotography, and even some educational events if you plan ahead. Those who take the time to explore this rural region will be rewarded with charming Tennessee towns oozing Southern hospitality, lush rolling landscapes, and crystal clear skies for excellent astrotourism thanks to less light pollution. 

The Tennessee Night Sky Trail features nine locations that are well equipped to gaze at the stars in dark sky areas. These locations include Viking Mountain, Crockett Springs Park, Bays Mountain Park, South Holston Dam Spillway Trail, Osborne Farm, Roan Mountain, Chestoa Recreation Area, Winged Deer Park, and Tri-Cities Airport Observation Deck. Some locations are easily accessible while others require more effort to reach, often tucked along the Appalachian Trail. Others feature specialty stargazing equipment, such as the planetarium at Bays Mountain Park.

Many of the locations offer plenty to do by day or night. With educational twists such as observing programs at the planetarium, entertaining daytime activities such as picnicking at the active Osborne Farm, or even outdoor adventure on biking paths at Winged Deer Park, there is no shortage of things to do during a trip to the region. Take a note from the rules of the best national parks for stargazing, and remember to take everything out that you bring in and follow all conservation guidelines to keep the natural areas pristine for other visitors. 

With Kingsport, Tennessee, as the midpoint for the trail, the nearest major airport is the Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Blountville, Tennessee, about 20 minutes away. For larger nearby airports, you'll need to book a flight to Knoxville, Tennessee, home to a historic downtown with shops and restaurants, or Asheville, North Carolina, which are both about an hour and a half drive from Kingsport. Regardless of how you fly to this northeastern corner of the state, it's best to rent a car to ensure you can move along the Night Sky Trail in the direction that you please and at your own pace. Others who are driving in may enjoy camping along the way or cruising along the trail in an RV, which are great options for this self-guided tour. 

While the trail is open year-round, it's best to avoid the peak summer months. July and August are the rainiest months, which means you will have the worst visibility during these months. Opt for fall months, which have the clearest skies. When planning your trip, avoid weeks with a full moon because the light from the moon will make it more difficult to see the stars and constellations. Remember to pack a red-light flashlight, binoculars, and your phone for any star apps you might use. With these tips, you'll be set for the best stargazing trip through Tennessee's dark sky stops you could hope for.