Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Dark Sky Night: New Moon Stargazing

Location of Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
Main Park Address: Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.

When

Oct. 18, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Come see the stars and explore our night sky with our park rangers at this International Dark Sky Park. Pick out constellations, observe planets and nebulae through a telescope, and take in the silhouette of the star-lit Blue Ridge Mountains.

Be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on and a red-light flashlight if you have one. Meet rangers at the Skyline Trail parking lot. A moderate 10-minute hike up a hill will be necessary to attend the program.

For those who will have trouble walking up the hill, a free haywagon with seats for 20 people leaves at the program's start time to reach the viewing location. Pre-registration for the wagon ride is required; only one wagon runs per night and space is limited, so please limit sign-ups to those who need it. To reserve, please use this link: [CLICK HERE].

There will be a $5 parking fee per vehicle, payable in cash or by QR code. A same-day admission receipt to the Natural Bridge covers your fee. All programs are weather dependent. If a program is canceled due to weather, we will post a cancellation notice on this listing.

Questions? Call (540) 254-0795 to speak with a ranger.

photo of a starry night sky

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-291-1326
Email Address: NaturalBridge@dcr.virginia.gov