Vermont is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, from its deep forests, verdant mountains, and wild rivers. Vermont also has significant areas of dark skies and groups of residents committed to enjoying and preserving that resource.
In Vermont, sky gazing is year-round, but celestial activity is best seen during our long, enchanted winter nights. Here are some of our best Bortle 2 areas, noting a few with accessible firetowers for full sky viewing).
SOUTHEAST VERMONT
Stellafane Observatory, Springfield
Putney Mountain
Mount Ascutney State Park (Firetower)
SOUTHWEST VERMONT
Green Mountain National Forest (Somerset and Glastonbury. In particular, the Somerset Airfield, the Somerset Resevoir, the Glastenbury Fire Tower and the Goddard Shelter)
Okemo State Forest (Firetower)
Stratton Mountain (Firetower)
CENTRAL
Groton State Forest (Kettle Pond State Park, Big Deer State Park, Seyon Lodge State Park, Boulder Beach and Ricker Pond State Park, Stillwater State Park, New Discovery State Park, Spruce Mountain (Firetower))
East Montpelier Town Forest
Waterbury Reservoir
Washington State Forest
Washington Wildlife Management Area
Cobb Town Forest
Chelsea Town Forest
Chickering Bog Natural Area
NORTHWEST VERMONT
Northern Skies Observatory, Peacham, VT
Maidstone State Park
CC Putnam State Forest
Elmore State Park (Firetower)
West Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Silvio O. Conte National Fish And Wildlife Refuge
Victory State Forest
Willoughby State Forest
NORTHEAST VERMONT
Mount Mansfield
Sterling Pond
Spruce Peak
Underhill State Park
Bald Mountain (Firetower)