Tour Description: Every evening, a parade of ancient Greek mythology crosses the night sky. Perseus flies to the rescue of Andromeda, Orion faces the charge of the snorting bull, Boötes herds the bears around the pole, and the ship of the Argonauts sail in search of the Golden Fleece. These legends, along with many others, are depicted in the constellations.
For navigators beyond sight of land, settlers in the trackless mountains who wanted signposts, and farmers who wanted a calendar, the division of the sky into recognizable symbols had practical purposes. But perhaps the earliest motivation was to humanize the forbidding blackness of night.
Deep in the dark wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open fields and high elevation balds offer spectacular opportunities to view the constellations and share the stories and myths that brought them into existence. Within the park, nights are dark and artificial light is nearly non-existent. Combined with moonless evenings, the lack of light pollution creates the perfect conditions for this astrological excursion.
Constellations shift with each season, transforming each stargazing trip into a one-of-a-kind experience. Stargazing Hikes are available on dark, clear nights.
Light Pollution: What’s light pollution you may ask? Over lighting is the short answer. Powerful porch lights, street lights, building accent lights, and many other sources contribute to light pollution. By lighting up the night sky, we cannot see the stars, constellations, and the moon clearly. Even rural areas are affected by over lighting the night. Only the most remote areas of the country, such as the wilderness within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, remain largely unaffected.
What can you do to reduce light pollution? Get involved and help promote responsible outdoor lighting.
WHY GO: With little light pollution affecting the park, a clear night offers extraordinary stargazing opportunities. Find the constellations that dot the dark night sky and discover their meanings, origins, and myths associated with them.
NEED TO KNOW: What to Wear: Dress warm and bring a jacket. Guides: All tours are lead by experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about the local wildlife, history, and culture. Sign up: Reservations are required. Experience: No experience is necessary. Ages: All ages are welcome. Children: Kids must be accompanied by an adult.COST: $34 for each adult. $19 for each child (10 years of age and younger).
Two and a half hours of easy to moderate walking with several stops for water and historical discussions along the way. Tours go as fast as the slowest person and cover a little more than 3 miles.
AVERAGE GROUP SIZE: We limit each tour to 6 to 12 people per guide. Large private groups may exceed 12 people and may require more than one guide.
TOUR TIMES: This tour is offered Monday thru Sunday. Tours depart at 8:00 pm. Reservations are required!
LOCATIONS: This tour is offered at the following locations Monday thru Sunday:
Newfound Gap
Clingmans Dome
RESERVATIONS: All of our tours require advance reservations. Typically, reservations for our morning tours must be made the previous day. Same day reservations for afternoon tours can be made up to two hours prior to the tour time.
To make a reservation, please call (828) 488-6688 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday thru Sunday.
MORE TOURS:We offer a wide variety of walking and hiking excursions for all ages and experience levels. (See all of our tours.)
WEATHER: The Smoky Mountains are known for its varied climate. Some of our tours hike through temperate rainforests where rainfall can reach more than 100 inches per year. As a nature company we believe that part of experiencing the Great Smoky Mountains is to be a part of the elements that create one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Be prepared to get wet any time of year. Tours depart rain or shine.
CELL PHNOE, CAMERAS & ELECTRONICS: Binoculars and cameras are welcome, but keep in mind that inclement conditions are possible.
Other electronics such as IPODs, cellular phones, and other electronics that disrupt the tours are not allowed.
Any participant whose actions disrupt the tour will be removed from the trip without a refund.
WHAT TO BRING: You should bring enough bottled water for each member of your party, 1 quart of water per person is usually sufficient. Guides carry a water filtration system to refill your bottles with fresh water along the way. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended on all tours, and they are essential on our high elevation hikes. A small backpack to carry your belongings is handy. Bring any medications or prescriptions that may be needed during the duration of the tour. If someone in your party is allergic to bee stings you must bring their epi pen.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Do not bring expensive electronics, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, firearms, or illegal drugs.
WHAT TO WEAR: You should wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty and wet. A sturdy pair of shoes is suitable for most trips, though comfortable hiking boots are recommended for half day and full day hikes. Do not wear a new pair of shoes or boots – your feet will regret it. The Smokys vary in elevation and so do the temperatures. Always be prepared for changes in weather by wearing layers that can be added or removed. Loose fitting pants and long sleeves are good for protecting you from the sun, insects, poison ivy, etc..
OTHER CONCERNS: Wondering about bugs, snakes, bears, or anything else? Click here for a list of commonly asked questions regarding our tours.
