Dark Sky Night: Mountain Moonrise

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

Nov. 21, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Watch the full moon rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains at this International Dark Sky Park! See it up close using telescopes with lunar filters to allow you to safely view the bright full moon in crisp detail.

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. [CLICK HERE for directions] A moderate 10-minute hike up a hill will be necessary to attend the program.

For those who would have trouble walking up the hill a haywagon with seats for 20 people leaves at the program's start time to reach the viewing location. Pre-registration and pre-payment by credit card over the phone is required for the wagon ride. To reserve, please call (540) 254-0795.

No pre-registration is required to attend the event, only for the wagon. Only one wagon runs per night and space is limited, so please limit sign-ups to those who need it.

For those without a Virginia State Parks annual pass there will be a $5 parking fee per vehicle, payable in cash or by QR code.

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.

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