late night picnic location ideas (Pittsburgh, Deer Lake: live, cabins, association)

[Tarik3001]

Hey all, I am trying to plan a date with a night time picnic. I think it would be best to do it somewhere outside of the city so the stars can be seen. Any ideas on a good location preferably one where I wouldn't be trespassing?

[Pitt Chick]

This is actually fantastic...
http://www.fallingwater.org/114/twilight-tour

[guy2073]

What time is the lawn in front of the observatory open to, I tried to take my son to see a meteor shower a few years ago, I could not find an area where a light did not effect our view.

[doo dah]

The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh has star parties at the observatories at Deer Lakes Park and Mingo Creek Park.

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by guy2073

What time is the lawn in front of the observatory open to, I tried to take my son to see a meteor shower a few years ago, I could not find an area where a light did not effect our view.

I've seen the maps on the internet, the "Bortle Dark Sky" rating for a major metropolitan area is pretty low.

If you really want to see a dark sky, down in rural West Virginia would be your best bet, a vacation to the North Korean country side would be an idea as well.

[shadowfax]

The Rolling hills ranch moonlight trail ride with the catered bonfire picnic afterward is very popular.

[guy2073]

My grandfather lived on a huge farm outside grove city, there was a giant billboard on rt 80 that would wash his whole sky with light, when it was not active you could see millions of stars. It is amazing how one light can ruin a great view.

[Merge]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

I've seen the maps on the internet, the "Bortle Dark Sky" rating for a major metropolitan area is pretty low.

If you really want to see a dark sky, down in rural West Virginia would be your best bet, a vacation to the North Korean country side would be an idea as well.

The sky in Cabins WV was pretty incredible. I guess it's being in those narrow valleys... it's like being at the bottom of a well. And then you hear the packs of wild dogs going crazy in the night...

[Merge]

Originally Posted by shadowfax

The Rolling hills ranch moonlight trail ride with the catered bonfire picnic afterward is very popular.

That's awesome. I've been to Rolling Hills Ranch and I liked it. I never knew something like this existed. Best. Thread. Ever.