Cherry Springs State Park

Some of the darkest skies on the East Coast.

A remote hilltop clearing in the Susquehannock State Forest, famous among stargazers for its Milky Way views. A small rustic campground sits next to the observation fields, and there is a separate overnight astronomy field with strict no-white-light rules. Come for new-moon weekends; days are for the Lumber Museum, Lyman Run’s lake and the Pine Creek Gorge.

At a glance

Sites

30 rustic, non-electric (tent and small trailers)

Facilities

Non-flush toilets, dump station, no showers

Dark Sky Park

Pennsylvania’s first, since 2000

Astronomy field

Overnight field with telescope pads; register and pay on site

Reservations

Opens 11 months ahead; $6.50 fee

What’s here

• Tent sites
• Dark skies

Gear, rentals and guides

• Pine Creek Outfitters

  Bike rentals and shuttles for the Pine Creek Rail Trail, plus canoe and raft trips through the Pine Creek Gorge.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalJun 3–6, 2027

  Cherry Springs Star Party

  Multi-night gathering of amateur astronomers on the observation field, with talks and telescope viewing. Registration required.

Where to stay

• lodgeSusquehannock Lodge

  Country lodge on Route 6 near the Lumber Museum and the Susquehannock Trail.

  30 min drive
• hotelWestgate Inn

  Simple motel-style rooms on the edge of Coudersport.

  30 min drive

Nearby

• Night Sky Public Viewing Area · In the park

  Short-term stargazing area north of Route 44; park educators run public programs on clear nights.

• Pennsylvania Lumber Museum · 30 min drive

  The story of the state’s logging era, with a recreated camp, sawmill and trails.

• Lyman Run State Park · 25 min drive

  Small park with a lake beach, fishing and trails for a daytime swim.

• Pine Creek Gorge · 1 hr drive

  The “PA Grand Canyon,” with rim overlooks at Leonard Harrison State Park.

Getting there

• Elmira Corning Regional (ELM) · about 2 hr 10 min drive
• Buffalo · about 3.25 hr
• Pittsburgh · about 4.75 hr
• Verona, NY · about 4.75 hr

Directions in Google Maps