Cheat Lake.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Cheat Lake, WV. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
5
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
20.89
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Cheat Lake

  • Top Community Pick: Mingo Creek Park Observatory (~38.6 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 5.0 at Hogback Overlook
  • Local Experts: Central Appalachian Astronomy Club of West Virginia
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Cheat Lake, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Mingo Creek Park Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Hogback Overlook provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 5.0. Atmospheric stability in the Cheat Lake region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Cheat Lake

Since Cheat Lake sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.

Expert Tips for Cheat Lake Observers

When visiting Mingo Creek Park Observatory, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views at this spot, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Mingo Creek Park Observatory

38.6 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Finleyville, PA 15332
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Wagman Observatory

66.3 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Tarentum, PA 15084-3205
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Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 87.5%

Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge

42.7 mi
Distance

" {'Astronomy Weekend 2025 (Blackwater Falls) The Schedule of Events has been finalized for the weekend. "

Davis, WV 26260
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 77.5%

Sandscrest Scout Reservation

53.4 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Wheeling, WV 26003
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Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 70%

Harold Waters Nature Center, Black Water Falls State Park

42.7 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Davis, WV 26260
Get Directions
Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Hogback Overlook

Shenandoah NP

20.86 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Site on pullout of Skyline Drive, south sky pretty well blocked by hillside. Seeing good, transparency excellent. Bright light domes from D.C. and Front Royal dominate the north and northeast, but zenith is remarkably dark, revealing the brighter parts of the Milky Way easily. Gradient from horizon to zenith however. Milky Way invisible in dim areas like Monoceros and Gemini. Airglow appears brighter than normal because of high gradient from zenith, even toward the west where there are no bright light domes. Lots of bright glare from Front Royal, Winchester, core of D.C. light dome very bright, damages night vision, 20 degrees wide. SQM 21.33 late. NELM measured by Duriscoe but with spectacles, no contacts, in fatigued state, in Triangulum."

Observation Date
10/24/2014
Elevation
1034m
Zenith Brightness
21.1

Hawksbill Summit

Shenandoah NP

20.89 SQM
Bortle Class 5

"Site at summit, on flagstone floor behind rock wall. Seeing good transparency excellent, very windy, gusts to 25 mph. Sky bright all around, due west may be only area free of light domes, otherwise there are many bright light domes and glare from unshielded lights in towns, especially Luray and Stanley to northwest and southwest. Sky glow gradient from horizon to zenith, dome of Washington D.C. area to 50 degrees altitude, Harrisonburg to 30 degrees. Color seen in light domes, mixture of sodium lights and white light. At zenith, however, Milky Way in Cygnus well defined, with great rift and little rift both seen. Bortle 4 based on zenith and ZLM, definitely 5 otherwise. Good transparency helps. Sky is definitely milky, not dark, contrast is diminished all the way to zenith. SQM 21.12 early, 21.25 late."

Observation Date
10/26/2014
Elevation
1223m
Zenith Brightness
21.17

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 104.1 miles

Fry Family Park

Fry Family Park is located in southern Stark County, approximately 8 miles from Canton, Ohio. This 348-acre property is known for its rural country setting…

Category
Urban Night Sky Place
Certified
2021
Land Area
1.4 km2
Coordinates
40.6600, -81.3400
IDA Certified Distance: 109.3 miles

Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest, and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park are all State Parks managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2021
Land Area
79.25 km2
Coordinates
38.1025, -80.1560

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#212

Central Appalachian Astronomy Club of West Virginia

Clarksburg, WV

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#258

Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

Finleyville, PA