Medoc Mountain State Park, in North Carolina, is located 57 miles (92 km) norteast of Raleigh. Medoc Mountain is not really a mountain at all, but rather the core of what was once a mighty range of mountains; its highest point reaches an elevation of only 325 feet (99 m) above sea level. The park offers family hiking in tranquil forest, as well as creek fishing, cycling trails, horseback riding, campsites and picnic locations. The park is open daily until 8:00 pm, but camping permits can be obtained. Public astronomy events are sometimes done, and the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society has occasionally hosted star parties at the park. A stargazer told EarthSky the following: “Beautiful setting and a lovely park far from any light pollution.”
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.