Roane State Tamke-Allan Observatory
Near the lakeA community-college observatory above the lake that opens to the public on selected dark-sky Saturdays.
Tamke-Allan Observatory is a free, public-facing observatory operated by Roane State Community College, set above the lake on a hill near Rockwood. The signature offering is the Public Stargaze nights, run on selected Saturdays (typically the 1st and 3rd of each month) when conditions are clear and the moon cooperates. Amateur astronomers from the surrounding region bring telescopes and binoculars to the observation field, and visitors are welcome to walk among the scopes, ask questions, and look through whatever's pointed at the sky that night.
The setting is genuinely dark for an East Tennessee location. The observatory's hill puts it above most of Rockwood's light dome, and the open field gives a wide horizon. It is a working educational facility, so the experience is conversational and unhurried; the astronomers who set up are there because they want to share what they're seeing.
A practical note: the Google Maps pin can be off by about half a mile. The actual observation site is at the top of the boat ramp road off Caney Creek Road, not at the listed building. Follow the signs from Caney Creek Road past the bridge over Watts Bar Lake, and watch for the Roane State Observatory sign and the gravel road climbing the field. Check the observatory's calendar before driving out; events depend on weather and the schedule isn't every Saturday.
Tips
- Check the observatory calendar before going; stargaze nights aren't held every Saturday and weather cancels them.
- The Google Maps pin can be a half-mile off; the actual site is up the gravel road off Caney Creek Road past the boat ramp sign.
- Bring a red flashlight if you have one; white flashlights kill night vision.
- Dress warmer than you think; observation pads cool quickly after sunset.
What people love
- Free public access to real telescopes operated by amateur astronomers.
- A genuinely dark sky for East Tennessee.
- The conversational, unhurried tone of the stargazes.
What to know
- Operated by Roane State Community College; campus phone is (865) 882-4533.
- Public stargazes are typically 1st and 3rd Saturdays, weather permitting.
- The site is at the top of the boat ramp road, not at the address pinned on Google Maps.
- Free admission.
Best time
Clear, moonless Saturdays in spring or fall when the air is dry and the temperature is comfortable. Summer haze and winter wind both work against the experience.
First visit
Take Caney Creek Road off Highway 70 between the Roane County Park and Caney Ford Baptist Church, head south, cross the bridge over the lake, continue on the blacktop, and watch for the TVA boat ramp sign and the Roane State Observatory sign. Follow the gravel road up the hill to the observatory and classroom.
Location
Frequently asked
When is Roane State Tamke-Allan Observatory open?
Spring and fall give the most reliable conditions; summer humidity reduces transparency, winter wind reduces patience.
How do I get to Roane State Tamke-Allan Observatory?
Take Caney Creek Road off Highway 70 between the Roane County Park and Caney Ford Baptist Church, head south, cross the bridge over the lake, continue on the blacktop, and watch for the TVA boat ramp sign and the Roane State Observatory sign. Follow the gravel road up the hill to the observatory and classroom.
What should I know before visiting Roane State Tamke-Allan Observatory?
Operated by Roane State Community College; campus phone is (865) 882-4533.
Last updated: April 30, 2026