Main Entrance: 11661 Harpers Ferry RD, Hillsboro, VA.  20132-1944
Volunteer Coordinator: Spring Ligi, 540-668-6230
Observing Field coordinates: 39°17’35.4″N 77°43’32.7″W
Latitude: +39.293167 Longitude -77.725750 Elevation: 330 ft

NOVAC Coordinator: Jim Crowley uuplink@aol.com 703-863-3575

Overview:

NOVAC members may observe at Sweet Run State Park located in northern Loudoun County. SRSP is a relatively accessible dark site, especially for those located around Leesburg and the Rte 7 and Virginia Greenway corridors.  It is also convenient for nearby areas of MD and WV.  SRSP is almost always available to approved members (see below) for observing with their equipment.

Availability:

NOVAC members who wish to observe at SRSP must must pass a simple background check, and must agree to help with astronomy outreach activities at SRSP.   The process is the same as currently used for volunteering at Sky Meadows State Park.   In fact, currently approved Sky Meadows State Park volunteers may also use Sweet Run State Park for observing (no additional background check is required), but requirement to volunteer at a public SRWP event at least once annually is still required.  NOVAC members must sign in and out using the park logbook.

Observing Location:

To access the observing area, follow the red arrows on the map along the main driveway, up the grassy lane, and around the meadow.  Please park by the grouping of trees/white dashes inside the white oval and set up the telescopes where the black squares are located.  Public bathrooms are noted by the two blue stars.  The white arrow point to the back side of the Interpretive Center where a sign-in sheet is located.  Please sign in for both public sessions and individual viewing.  Follow the same route in reverse when leaving.

Address to reach Sweet Run State Park:

11661 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro, VA 20132

Directions from Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia

From VA 7 on the west side of Leesburg, exit north on VA 9/Charles Town Pike at Paeonian Springs. Continue 9.9 mi. through Hillsboro (slow). Bear right (north) on VA 671/Harpers Ferry Rd. Continue 4.4 mi. to Sawmill Lane on left, or 1.1 mi. further to the SRSP main entrance on left.

Directions from Maryland and nearby West Virginia

US 340 between Frederick and Charles Town passes briefly into Virginia between Harpers Ferry, WV and Sandy Hook, MD. In the VA stretch, turn south at the Exxon Station (left coming from MD) onto VA 671/Harpers Ferry Rd. SRSP main entrance will be 2.0 miles on the right. Sawmill Rd. will be 3.1 mi. on the right.

Site-specific rules and procedures for SRSP observing

Use of SRSP will be based on an MOA agreement between NOVAC and SRSP.   The MOA is in process of being generated and will be linked here when approved.

To Volunteer submit the Background Check form found here:

You apply as a volunteer by  completing this form and emailing your request to the Volunteer coordinator at this address skvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov  identifying yourself as a NOVAC member.  VA State Park staff in Richmond will process the background check and if the results meet the state’s approval (no outstanding arrest warrants, etc.) you will be notified and added to the VA State Park Dark Sky Volunteers group. If the background check fails only the applicant is notified.  Be sure to print and sign your name. The form must have your actual signature.

Current Weather at Sweet Run State Park:   Sweet Run Weather  Note: Moonridge Observatory is a private observatory very close to Sweet Run

Conditions of Use:

Qualifying to observe at Sweet Run State Park (SRSP)

Any NOVAC member who wishes to observe at SRSP must enroll as a SRSP volunteer and must agree to follow the terms of the joint MoA (pending approval).

To qualify for individual observing access, a member must be in good standing and, in reasonable exchange for the benefits, should expect to assist as able with joint SRSP-NOVAC events.  NOVAC and/or SRSP will notify approved members of opportunities to satisfy their volunteering obligations at SRSP.

SRSP will maintain the list of observers permitted to be on site after hours. Bring your NOVAC Observing Pass with you to verify your NOVAC membership status if asked by park officials.

NOVAC members must understand that access to SRSP property after hours is a unique privilege both for the individual and for NOVAC.

FAQ:

As guests of SRSP, NOVAC members must abide by all rules and instructions that park staff may provide regarding the use of the site.  Failure to do so will be grounds for SRSP observing privileges being revoked.

Aside from astronomy, what else is there to do?

  • Hiking and nature watching on trails throughout the property during daylight hours.
  • Wineries and B&Bs nearby.

Will there be power available to recharge batteries?

  • Portable batteries may be recharged using power outlets located on the outside of the Education Building.

Where are toilet facilities?

  • There is a portable toilet located in the parking area below the Education Building.

Where are the nearest places for food and last minute supplies?

  • Not much beyond Leesburg when coming from the east other than small delis and specialty stores.
  • There is an Exxon station 2 mi. north of SRSP at VA671 and US340.
  • The Brunswick Crossing shopping area on MD 17 is 6.7 mi. from SRSP east on US340. It includes Weis Market, gas, and fast food. Of course, there are many resources in Brunswick.
  • Charles Town WV is a city with many resources, and is 9 mi. away — west on US 340.

What to do if there is an emergency?

  • In the event that members require Park Ranger assistance, members may call the on-call Ranger at any time at (540) 317-0579. For medical or other emergencies, members should call 911, and notify the on-call Ranger as able.