In the Adirondacks, all you really need to do to enjoy the night sky is look up. That’s because this region doesn’t suffer from the artificial light that obscures the view in big cities and suburbia. In fact, the Adirondacks has some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States.
But while the clear mountain skies are ideal for stargazing, there are many locations that make fantastic observation spots because of 360-degree perspectives, full moon views of natural landmarks, easy nighttime hikes to reach, and good opportunities for photography.
So, where are the best places to view the stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way? Here are just a few of the Adirondack MT Land team’s favorites:
Poke-O-Moonshine
Located in the mountain towns of Chesterfield and Lewis, this 2,180 ft. peak is a 1.9-mile hike from Route 9 and even has a fire tower. Avid photographers take great nighttime shots of the fire tower with the Milky Way in the background.
Silver Lake Mountain
Near Black Brook in Clinton County, this easy hike is one of the shortest for any night sky viewing spot. The 0.9-mile trail leads to the rock slabs on the summit. During a full moon, hikers will enjoy the moonlight reflecting off Taylor Pond and Silver Lake below.
Belfry Mountain
In the northeastern part of the Adirondack Park, near Lake George, Belfry Mountain is known for its historic fire tower. The tower provides an excellent perch for stargazing with a stunning 360-degree view. The 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys make it a popular location for photographers.
Azure Mountain
You’ll find yet another fire tower on Azure Mountain in Saranac Lake. It is known for its sweeping views of the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence Valley. Ideal stargazing conditions here are due to the low light pollution, low humidity, and high altitude.
Indian Head Mountain
This peak is located near the town of Keene and offers fabulous views of the surrounding terrain. The mountain is known for its dark skies and is easily accessible after a short hike of about 1.7 miles, leading to a summit with unobstructed night sky views. It’s also a favorite among photographers due to its panoramic views and interesting rock formations.
Mount Jo
Just a short drive from Lake Placid, Mount Jo offers an easily accessible viewpoint for nighttime sky watching. This moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike rewards stargazers with a 180-degree view of the surrounding landscape and an unobstructed look at the stars above.
Owl Head Lookout
Just outside of Elizabethtown, the lookout has almost 360-degree views on its rocky summit. At 4.9 miles round trip, it’s a bit of a hike. But the views of Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge on a starry night make it worth the trip.
Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory
Tupper Lake is one of the best Adirondack destinations for stargazing. The Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory offers a guided stargazing program every Friday through the summer that’s free to the public, hands-on classes, a StarLab show, and an annual Astro-photography workshop.
At Adirondack MT Land, all our property listings feature great views of the North Country’s natural beauty, and the fantastic stargazing in the Adirondack night sky is just a bonus. If you’re looking for a beautiful place in the mountains to escape the daily grind or to call home year-round, contact us today.