both of these pits make real nice spots.I have seen people with scopes in the western pit.the eastern pit is at the edge of Spring Hill and if you drive up to the top you will get horizon views in all four directions from several vantage points,of course the horizon is where your light pollution is so you may be better down in the pits.
Finally found some time to get the telescope out a few nights ago. However, I forgot to check the moon phase and my observing session was cut short due to it washing out the sky. It was still nice just to get out to the pines for a few hours. Just curious what types of telescopes members here on the forums own. As stated earlier I own an orion xt8