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

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

May 16, 2026. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

See the stars and explore our night sky with 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 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.

starry night

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