the wild sky

At Gray Hills, the night doesn’t end when the fire fades—it opens up. With no artificial light, the sky turns into your ceiling, and the stars come out in full. The Milky Way isn’t just a story here—you can see it stretch across the entire sky. Before we ever moved out here, we visited the land one night just to see how dark it really got. At first, we thought we were looking at clouds. But as our eyes adjusted, we realized the "clouds" arched as one from one end of the sky to the other. It was the Milky Way—clear as ever. That was our first night on the land. The land was already beautiful. But that sky? It made it feel like another world.

Tucked away in the remote hills, Gray Hills offers some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi. According to light pollution maps, this area falls within Bortle Class 3–4, meaning the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye on moonless nights.

Our hilltop sites offer wide-open skies, great for anyone—from casual star lovers to photography pros. You’ll also find great viewing spots around the pond-front areas.

2025 Milky Way Visibility Guide for Gray Hills

The Milky Way's galactic core—the brightest and most photogenic part—is visible in Kentucky from late February through early October. However, the best viewing times vary throughout the season.

Monthly Viewing Highlights:

May 20–30: New moon on May 26 offers dark skies; the Milky Way is visible from midnight to 5 a.m.

June 21, 28:  Optimal viewing 10:48 PM to 4:16 AM

June 30–July 4: No moonlight interference; the Milky Way is visible all night.

July 18–21: Dark skies throughout the night; opportunity to capture the Milky Way setting with a rising moon. Peak visibility on July 19 with optimal viewing 10:35 p.m. - 3:43 a.m.

July 22–31: Peak visibility; the Milky Way is up all night with no moon interference. Peak visibility on July 26 with optimal viewing 10:27 p.m. - 3:15 a.m.

August 14–20: Milky Way visible at sunset; moonrise later in the night provides foreground illumination.

August 21–28: Continued excellent visibility; longer nights enhance stargazing opportunities. Peak visibility on August 23 with optimal viewing 9:45 p.m. - 1:25 a.m.

Best Time of Night:

For optimal viewing, plan your stargazing sessions between midnight and 5 a.m. on nights with a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon.

2025 Meteor Shower Schedule

Below is the 2025 meteor shower schedule, so you can plan your stay around the nights when the sky comes alive. Bring a blanket, lean back, and let the wild sky do the rest.

mid July–late August: Perseid Meteor Shower; One of the year's best shows with up to 100 meteors per hour. Best viewing is after midnight.

September 26–November 22: Orionid Meteor Shower; Peaks October 21–22. Fast moving meteors from Halley's Comet.

mid November–December: Geminid Meteor Shower; Peaks December 13–14; Up to 120-160 meteors per hour. Bright, slow meteors–great for chilly night viewing.

Tips for an Unforgettable Night Under the Stars

• Let Your Eyes Adjust: Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness.

• Use Red Light: Red light preserves night vision better than white light.

• Bring the Right Gear: A reclining chair or blanket, binoculars, and a star map can enhance your experience.

• Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential. Use reliable weather apps to plan your visit.

Ready to witness the night sky in all its glory? Book your stay at Gray Hills during the peak viewing periods and immerse yourself in the celestial wonders above.

Note: Always check local weather conditions and moon phases before planning your stargazing trip to ensure the best experience.

photo credit: kywaterfallguy