Pennsylvania's Gorgeous State Park Is An Idyllic Destination For Stargazing

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There are incredible things happening in our night skies, but if you live in most places in America, there's probably too much light pollution for you to see much of it. However, there are some unique U.S. spots that are perfect for dark sky tourism, and one of them is right in northern Pennsylvania. Considered one of the best night sky spots on the East Coast, the 82-acre Cherry Springs State Park has observation areas for casual and expert stargazers, and the twinkling views are breathtaking. This park on a 2,300-foot-high mountain doesn't get light from the nearby populated areas that are located in the valley below, and it's surrounded by the 265,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest, which keeps it particularly dark. While Cherry Springs State Park is beautiful in the daytime, with the pretty black cherry trees that are the reason for its name, the night sky is the gem in its sparkling crown.

Cherry Springs State Park is a bit of a drive to get to. It's around four and a half hours from Philadelphia International Airport, which was ranked the worst in America for customer satisfaction, so you may want to find a flight that goes into the Lehigh Valley International Airport, which is less than four hours away by car. Whichever way you get there, it's worth the drive. You can stay in nearby Coudersport, Pennsylvania, around 15 miles away, or you can camp in the park overnight from mid-April through late October at the Cherry Springs Rustic Campground.

Cherry Springs State Park is open all year, and you can do a self-guided hike during the day on the mile-long Cherry Springs Working Forest Interpretive Trail, with markers around that tell you about the forest. There are even vault toilets and potable water at the trailhead. There is also a picnic area with grills near the campground check-in spot.

If you're simply heading in for the day, the best place to stargaze is in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. This one is short term, so you can't stay overnight; it's for people who are just spending a few hours observing the sky. There are a few additional things to know: Green laser pointers, pets, or alcohol are all not allowed. While white light is permitted, it's recommended that you have a red filter for your flashlights, which will allow you to see the night sky better. You can also purchase red flashlights for this purpose, like the Wayllshine High Power One Mode Red LED Flashlight on Amazon. From the public parking area, simply walk down the path to an amphitheater where you'll find benches to sit on. Along the way you'll see a backlit summer sky map that you press a button to activate. You should make sure to dress warm, as it can get chilly on the mountain. You can also bring in telescopes, binoculars, chairs, and blankets. 

It's really important to follow light pollution rules when stargazing at a DarkSky location, or you could ruin the view for everyone else. Using a red light filter is great, but remember how much light your phone gives off. Leave the area and head back to your car if you want to use your devices, and turn the brightness down. Pointing lights in a downward direction is also helpful.

Camping is a great option if you want to stay overnight. The Cherry Springs Rustic Campground is good for casual viewers, and white light isn't prohibited here. However, red filters are still recommended. There are 30 non-electric campsites, with non-flushing toilets and a dump station. Do note that it's important to follow campground rules about food and storage, as there are black bears in the area. Make sure you know what to do if you see a bear while in the park. Casual and more experienced parties alike will enjoy some of the stargazing events that are held in the park. Check the events website for what's available for your travel dates, but at the time of this writing, some activities include night sky tours, private telescope tours with different themes, and a nightscape photography class. 

If you're serious about your view of the stars, you can stay at the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. There is absolutely no white light allowed, and you must register before you go. There is a light-blocking tarp available, Wi-Fi access, and electricity for pedestals and concrete telescope pads. There are visiting hours from 9 a.m. to midnight, and quiet hours from midnight to 9 a.m. You can stay for up to 14 consecutive nights in the summer, and 21 consecutive nights during the rest of the year. While you're in the area, it's worth heading over to Pine Creek Gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. While you're there, you can enjoy 45 miles of lovely views, take a bike ride along Pine Creek Rail Trail, and check out the nearby World of Little League Museum. Finally, if you're planning a trip, you can use the Cherry Springs State Park Clear Sky Chart to help select the right dates.