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Foothills North: Milky Way on Blue Ridge Parkway

  • August 22, 2025
  • 7:30 PM - 11:55 PM
  • Price Lake Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock

Clouds obscured our attempts in July to capture the Milky Way on the Parkway, so we're trying again! Astronomical conditions will be favorable on this date. It's one day before a new moon and the galactic center will be visible beginning at around 9:30pm.

Like last time, we're partnering with our friends from the Foothills South Region. We'll meet up at the Price Lake overlook (near the spillway) at 7:30pm for the sunset, then stick around for the Milky Way to appear. After that, we'll head to the Viaduct and Wilson Creek Overlook for additional views.

You'll need a fast wide angle lens and a sturdy tripod for long exposures. A remote trigger is also recommended, though using your camera's self-timer function is also an option. Also remember to bring a red-light headlamp or flashlight for working in the dark and preserving everyone's night-vision.

For more techniques and tips, check out the excellent Milky Way Photography presentation Silvana Della Camera gave to our region recently. You can find it here. Contact foothills-north-coordinator@cnpa.org for additional info.

Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association


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