uniformed ranger kneels at a telescope pointing at the moon with a mountain in the background
10 people stand around a uniformed ranger looking at the night sky with a mountain in the background
uniformed ranger and a women stand in the dark pointing a laser upwards
lake at dusk with trees outlined in the background, a sliver of a moon hangs low in the sky

Night Sky Viewing (Peaks of Otter - Milepost 86)

Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Oct 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
  • Free

Explore the night sky and the nocturnal life that basks in it! Join a Ranger to view celestial objects in the night sky at Peaks of Otter. Participants will have the opportunity to view the night sky through a provided telescope and complete an optional Junior Night Explorer program.

Telescope usage is weather dependant and unobstructed views of the sky are not guaranteed. A headlamp or flashlight is recommended. Be prepared for walking in the dark.

 

 

All NPS Blue Ridge Parkway programs are free and open to anyone. All ages welcome.

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Meet outside behind the Peaks of Otter Lodge (85554 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, VA 24523) by the lake.

Latitude and Longitude 37.448131, -79.604654

Schedule

Date:

Oct 17, 2026

Time:

7:00 PM

Duration:

1 hour

Drop in anytime during this period.

Contact Information

Blue Ridge Parkway
540-586-4496
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Campfire/Evening Program
  • Children’s Program
  • Talk
Tags: blue ridge parkway, night sky, night sky explorers