Natchez Trace Parkway Observing Sites

Dark Sky Parties are usually scheduled around a New Moon. Lunar Parties are now scheduled sometimes around a crescent to waxing gibbous Moon.

Event Schedule

Members, prospective members and friends meet at the dark-sky site (if weather permits) early on these evenings, to set up their equipment as the twilight dims.

These star parties are open to young and old. Large telescopes, small scopes, binoculars and eyeballs are all used. These nights are wonderful for getting together with other amateurs, getting to look through a variety of scopes, and getting the chance to learn from seasoned observers.

The BSAS Dark-Sky Site at Mile 435.5

For the last year, the BSAS has moved its dark-sky events to the loop parking lot found at about mile 435.5 of the Natchez Trace Parkway. This site is about two miles south of the intersection with Highway 96, on the east side of the Parkway. This site is about 23 miles closer to Nashville than our Water Valley Overlook site and is easily accessible. The seeing is generally good, with a moderate to strong light dome to the northeast.

Directions:

• Follow Highway 96 to Natchez Trace Parkway.
• Follow the entrance ramp to the Parkway and turn left toward Tupelo, Mississippi.
• Follow the Parkway for about two miles, then turn left into the parking lot.

The Water Valley Overlook Site
35.7455° N Lat., 87.2016° W Lon., 259 m MSL

In past years, the BSAS held its dark-sky events at the Water Valley Overlook, on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Columbia, Tennessee. The seeing is generally quite good during agreeable weather, with a moderate light dome to the east-southeast.

Directions:

• Go west on Old Hickory Boulevard from I-65, 4.5 miles to Hillsboro Road.
• Go south on Hillsboro Road for 3.4 miles to Highway 46 and turn right. Grassland Elementary will be on the left.
• Follow Highway 46 for 5.8 miles to Highway 96 and a flashing red light.
  
• Continue straight on Highway 46 for 6.0 miles through Leiper's Fork to a right turn just outside of town; turn right to stay on route 46.
• Continue on Route 46 for 0.9 miles to Natchez Trace Parkway.
• Follow the entrance ramp to the Parkway and turn right toward Tupelo, Mississippi.
• Follow the Parkway for 17.2 miles, passing Old Trace and Burns Branch, to the Water Valley Overlook. Our site is the field encircled by the overlook drive.