Embrace Summer Nights on Tennessee's 9-Stop Stargazing Trail

Tennessee Night Sky Trail

Check out the Tennessee Night Sky Trail website for an interactive map. These are nine of the designated stargazing locations scattered across Northeast Tennessee.

Viking Mountain, Greeneville

Viking Mountain, also known as Camp Creek Bald by some, is located within the Bald Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail threads its path just beneath the summit, and it’s one of the best places in the state for stargazing. You’ll need a 4WD to access this spot in rain or snow, and it’s advised to come during the day so that you can make a camp and check out your bearings.

Viking Mountain: Viking Mountain Rd. to Bald Mountain Rd., Greeneville, TN 37743

Crockett Springs Park, downtown Rogersville

After an afternoon exploring Rogersville’s historic downtown and grabbing dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants, head to Crockett Springs Park. The park is a certified arboretum and is a lovely place to sit under the blanket of stars.

Crockett Springs Park: 200 Crockett St., Rogersville, TN 37857

Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport

Bays Mountain Park collaborates with the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club to host public stargazing sessions called StarWatch. These programs, typically held on Saturdays during spring and fall, provide a guided night sky tour. Knowledgeable volunteers can explain constellations and answer astronomy-related questions.

Bays Mountain Park: 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660

South Holston Dam Spillway Trail, Bristol

South Holston Dam Spillway Trail in Bristol is a moderate 3.5-mile round-trip trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding area. Due to minimal light pollution outside of Bristol, it is a great spot for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and constellations like the Great Bear and Orion.

South Holston Dam Spillway Trail: 918 Holston View Dam Road, Bristol, TN 37620

Osborne Farm by the Appalachian Trail, Shady Valley

Osborne Farm was acquired by the United States Forest Service in 2001. Covering a half-mile stretch along the Appalachian Trail, this area of open fields with minimal obstructions provides excellent conditions for stargazing. It’s worth coming before dark to enjoy the panoramic views as the sun sets.

Osborne Farm by the Appalachian Trail: 3372 TN-91, Shady Valley, TN 37688

Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail

Roan Mountain, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a section of the Appalachian Trail home to some of the darkest skies in the eastern US. This makes it a perfect spot for stargazing, offering a breathtaking view of the Milky Way, constellations, planets, and even meteor showers, depending on the time of year. Several open areas on Roan Mountain, including Round Bald and Carver’s Gap, provide clear views of the dark night sky. You can hike half a mile up to Round Bald on the Appalachian Trail for even better conditions. Just be sure to have a redlight head torch.

Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail: Nearby city: Elizabethton

Chestoa Recreation Area, Erwin

Chestoa Recreation Area is within Cherokee National Forest, away from major sources of light pollution. Scouting for an open area with minimal obstructions is key here, so visit the forest during the day to plan where you’ll set up your viewing. Near the Nolichucky River, there are picnic tables, grills, changing rooms, and restroom facilities. It’s also an excellent fishing spot.

Chestoa Recreation Area: 4 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650

Winged Deer Park, Johnson City

Away from the lights of Johnson City, Winged Deer Park’s lakefront offers incredible views from its two public parking lots, which are open until 9:00 PM.

Winged Deer Park: 4137 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601

Tri-Cities Airport Observation Deck, Blountville

Tri-Cities Observation Deck provides panoramic views of the night sky. Accessible by elevator or stairs, you can enjoy the stars as airplanes take flight into the night sky.

Tri-Cities Airport Observation Deck: 2525 TN-75 Suite 301, Blountville, TN 37617

Where to stay in near Tennessee’s stargazing spots

We hope you love the Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Elegant mountain home with indoor pool in Sevierville

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Sevierville is a fantastic base for a Tennessee stargazing road trip. It is also near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has exceptional dark skies. This stunning new mountain home is near Sevierville and has some of the best views in the area. These can be enjoyed from the house’s indoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, and generous windows.

10 guests, four bedroom
Price: $399 per night

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Lakeside lodge at the doorstep of The Smokies

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This lakeside lodge overlooks Douglas Lake and can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it one of the better rentals in the area if you’re traveling with a large group of friends or extended family. The Airbnb has stunning views over the lake, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fun-packed games room, a private theater, spacious living areas, multiple viewing decks, and direct access to the lake where you can rent watersport equipment.

12 guests, five bedroom
Price: $291 per night

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Home with private dock in Butler

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On the edge of Watauga Lake, surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, this waterfront Airbnb has a private dock, hot tub, kayaks, paddleboards, a fire pit, and a sprawling balcony. The affordable vacation rental is one of the best in the state. From here, you can watch the sunset over the forest before enjoying the nearby dark skies.

10 guests, three bedroom
Price: $319 per night

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Boone lakeside cottage in Piney Flats

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This four-bedroom, three-bath cottage is on the edge of Boone Lake, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water-based recreation activities. The house has great outdoor living spaces, including a screened-in dining area, patio, and a hammock, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful lakeside location.

10 guests, four bedroom
Price: $333 per night

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