Devil’s Courthouse - This lookout gets its name from local folk legends and its spooky, unobstructed bare rock profile. But don't let that scare you away, as this popular picnic destination has panoramic views of the sky that span over four states. Navigate: Park at the overlook on Milepost 422.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and follow the mostly-paved trail for almost half a mile to reach the summit. Be sure to stay on the path, as the area is the home of many rare plants. This section of the Parkway experiences frequent closures due to winter weather—drive safely and check the Parkway’s website for updates. Use extreme caution in winter weather.
Richland Balsam - The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Richland Balsam measures in at 6,053 feet above sea level, which means it escapes some of the light pollution found at lower levels, making it a superb location for taking in the night sky. Navigate: Located in Waynesville at Milepost 431.4, reach the summit by following a 1.5 mile loop to the peak. The trail is home to a spruce-fir forest that fills the air with the rich scent of the Canadian zone.
Tennent Mountain - This wide-open destination is a must-visit for stargazers, as there are almost no trees above 6,000 feet up the mountain. However, in the winter months, it's often inaccessible due to Parkway closures, so keep an eye out for a window during safer weather. It's a five-mile loop to the summit and back to your car, so pack appropriately. Navigate: Snag an easier photo by hiking along a shorter section of the Art Loeb Trail (also the Mountains-to-Sea Trail) by hiking up to Black Balsam Knob for a one mile out-and-back hike. Around Milepost 420 on the Parkway, turn onto Black Balsam Road and drive about seven-tenths of a mile to park.
Fryingpan Mountain - Lookout Tower Seventy feet high, or about five stories tall, this former fire watch tower is now a haven for hikers looking to take in our mountain views. It’s the tallest fire tower in the state, providing unobstructed views of the cosmos once you reach the top. Navigate: On the Blue Ridge Parkway, head south past Funnel Top Overlook at Milepost 409.3, and you’ll soon see a pull-off spot next to a sign marked “FS 450” and a metal gate. Head on the 1.5 mile out-and-back trail to reach the tower.
Clingmans Dome - For stargazers willing to make a steep, uphill trek to catch celestial panoramas, this location is for you. The dome is the highest point in the Smokies; it’s right on the border of WNC, and Tennessee considers it to be its highest peak. On clear nights, you can see for miles. Navigate: In Bryson City, drive to the very end of Clingmans Dome Road for seven miles, past several lookouts, to reach the trailhead parking area. This road is closed seasonally (typically from December to March), so make sure you plan accordingly. Reach the tower by heading up a steep, but paved, half-mile trail.
Bare Dark Sky Observatory and Earth to Sky Park Owned by Mayland Community College, view the stars through custom-built telescopes (like the “Sam Scope” shown here) that can examine the moon, planets, and stars up close. It’s one of only a handful of places worldwide that are certified as Dark Sky Approved by DarkSky International. Navigate: The observatory is located at 66 Energy Exchange Dr. in Burnsville, with parking on site. Be sure to check online before visiting, as the area closes during inclement weather.
Graveyard Fields - Graveyard Fields, a favorite among outdoorsy locals, has peaks that reach over 6,000 feet in elevation. The sky here has a reputation for being extremely dark, which is exactly what you need to observe the Milky Way and other astronomical phenomena. Navigate: Graveyard Fields is located at Milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike down and make a right at the junction to Lower Falls, or head left at the split into the area’s “fields” for open unobstructed sky shots. Down here, below the Parkway, surrounding ridges push back against distant urban areas. Use extreme caution in winter weather.
Whiteside Mountain - Although the mountain is a bit lower in elevation than some of the other vistas on our list (Whiteside sits at 4,930 feet high), its elevated, bald cliffsides open up to wide skies. From January to July, you might also notice peregrine falcons nesting on the 400-million-year-old outcrop at the summit, Fool’s Rock. Navigate: The loop across Whiteside’s cliffs is doable for most, as the pathway is an old road that is frequented by tourists. From Highlands, take US 64 East for around 5 miles, then turn right onto SR 1680 and follow the guideposts to the base. It costs $3 to park, and be sure to come prepared. Use extreme caution in winter weather.
Wayah Bald Tower - The structure was built nearly 100 years ago as a means of protection against forest fires; because of its design, stargazers can venture up the tower—which sits at an elevation of over 5,000 feet—to welcome 360° views of the Smoky Mountains. Navigate: Traveling west from Franklin on Hwy. 64, turn right onto Old Murphy Road, then make an immediate left onto Wayah Road. Venture nine miles and turn right onto FS 69, and follow the road until it ends to find the parking lot; from there, the tower is only a short walk away. Wayah Road is closed from January 1 to April 1
