PARI welcomes guests of all ages to immerse themselves in science, space, and nature at our remote, 200+ acre campus nestled in the mountains of the Pisgah National Forest.
Our historic facility and impressive telescopes draw both curious travelers and esteemed scientists from around the world. With the Pisgah National Forest in our backyard, PARI is the perfect addition for those visiting the area to enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, river rafting, and exploring our many surrounding waterfalls. PARI’s ridge-top views provide a unique vantage point to experience seasonal bursts of color and lush foliage. PARI is an internationally certified DARK SKY PARK, one of only two in North Carolina, providing nights filled with brilliant stars, flashes of meteors, and the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon. PARI hosts educators, their students, special interest groups, families, and friends for hands-on learning experiences that inspire a lifelong love of science and encourage new adventures.
Please note that PARI does not have regular visitor hours, but is open to visitors by appointment for private tours OR scheduled events. Please see our website for events and contact us to learn about additional options for experiencing our science!
