Stargazing on the Natchez Trace Parkway

Can you see the Milky Way?

NPS Photo

There are some great night skies along the Natchez Trace Parkway. 

Of course campers at our three campgrounds can stargaze all night long.

Because we want to protect our natural resources, stargazing is limited at other locations.

The following areas are open from sunrise to 10:00PM to allow for star gazing. Higher numbers are closer to Nashville, TN, and milepost 105 is just north of Jackson, MS.

Big Tree Overlook, milepost 439.4 
Little Mountain Exhibit Shelter, milepost 193.1
Reservoir Overlook, milepost 105.6

Please see the Superintendent's Compendium for further details. Superintendent's Compendium of Regulations - Natchez Trace Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Details

Duration

1-4 Hours

Campers can view the sky all night long. Travelers are welcome to stay at designated overlooks until 10pm. 

Activity

Stargazing

Night skies are spectacular on clear nights. Campers can view the sky all night long. Travelers are welcome to stay at designated overlooks until 10pm. 

Age(s)

3-99

Anyone of any age can enjoy the night skies. 

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are allowed on leashes 6' or less. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Night sky star gazing is available at designated locations.

For campers:
Meriwether Lewis Campground, milepost 385.9
Jeff Busby Campground, milepost 193.1
Rocky Springs Campground 54.8

Others may view the night sky a these designated overlooks.

Big Tree Overlook, milepost 439.4 
Little Mountain Exhibit Shelter, milepost 193.1
Reservoir Overlook, milepost 105.6

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Weather is always a factor on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The clearest nights are often in the early spring, late fall, and winter. In the summer time, humidity causes the skies to be slightly obscured. 

Time of Day

Night

Night skies can best be seen at night. ;-)

Accessibility Information

All areas are assessible.