When the sun sets behind the Green Mountains and the last embers of your campfire start to fade, Vermont’s night sky puts on a show you won’t want to miss. With low light pollution, crisp mountain air, and wide-open spaces, West Dover and the surrounding area offer some of the best stargazing in southern Vermont. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just love a clear view of the stars, this is the kind of experience that slows you down in the best way.
If you’re staying at Valley View Villa, you’re in luck—there are several fantastic places nearby (including the property itself) to take in the night sky.
1. Right at Valley View Villa
You don’t even have to leave the property to stargaze. Set on 5 private acres, Valley View Villa has minimal surrounding light and wide-open views across the pond and treetops. The private hiking trail offers a short walk to quieter corners of the property, perfect for laying out a blanket or setting up a telescope.
The backyard fire pit and hot tub are both ideal spots for casual stargazing. There’s nothing quite like soaking under a sky full of stars after a day of skiing or hiking. On clear nights, you can easily spot constellations, planets, and the occasional meteor—no special equipment required.
2. Molly Stark State Park Overlook
Just a short drive east toward Wilmington, Molly Stark State Park features a scenic overlook that offers expansive views of the valley and the night sky. The parking area and trails here are elevated and set back from roadways, giving you a quiet, peaceful place to watch the stars emerge. Bring binoculars or a telescope, and bundle up—it gets chilly fast at elevation!
Tip: The overlook is also a great sunrise and sunset spot if you’re into astrophotography.
3. Lake Whitingham (Harriman Reservoir)
During summer and early fall, the boat launches and beaches around Lake Whitingham offer wide, unobstructed views across the water. On a still night, the stars reflect on the surface of the lake, creating a truly magical effect. This is one of the best dark sky areas within 20 minutes of West Dover. Be sure to check moonrise times—on new moon nights, it gets really dark.
4. Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook
Located right off Route 9 in Marlboro, the Hogback Mountain Overlook is another must-visit for stargazers. On a clear night, you’ll feel like you can see forever. It’s easy to access, has room to park, and often offers views deep into New Hampshire. It’s also home to Vermont Distillers—stop by earlier in the day for a tasting, and come back later with a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa.
5. Timing Your Stargazing: What to Watch For
- Best Time of Year: Fall and winter offer the clearest skies, but spring and summer are warmer and more comfortable for extended viewing.
- Meteor Showers:
- Perseids (August)
- Geminids (December)
- Quadrantids (January)
- New Moon Dates: Check a moon calendar before your trip—new moon nights offer the darkest skies.
- Apps to Help: Try apps like SkyView, Night Sky, or Stellarium to help identify stars and planets.
Stargazing Tips for Your Trip
- Dress warmly—mountain nights get cold even in summer
- Bring blankets, chairs, and a flashlight with red light mode
- Download a stargazing app ahead of time
- Turn off outdoor lights at the villa and encourage others to do the same
- Keep your phone on low brightness to preserve night vision
Take a Moment to Look Up
Whether you’re sharing stories by the fire, soaking in the hot tub, or laying on a blanket watching the Milky Way stretch across the sky, stargazing is one of the most peaceful ways to enjoy Vermont. There’s something grounding about it—no crowds, no screens, no noise. Just you, the stars, and a reminder of how beautiful the world can be when you take time to notice it.
Guests at Valley View Villa often tell us that the night skies were a highlight of their stay. We agree—and we hope you’ll find a moment during your trip to look up and enjoy the view.
