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PA |
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Cherry Springs State Park is nearly as remote and wild today as it was two centuries ago. Its dark skies make it a haven for astronomers. Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places on the eastern seaboard for stargazing and the science of astronomy, which is the study and observation of planets, nebulae, galaxies, stars and other heavenly bodies. A dark night sky is a natural resource, just like plants, waterways and wildlife. Recognizing that this unique resource needed to be managed and protected, in 2000, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources declared Cherry Springs State Park the first Dark Sky Park. Named for the large stands of black cherry trees in the park, the 82-acre state park is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. The Susquehannock Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking. |
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Cherry Springs State Park in on PA 44 in Potter County. Use the following address for GPS devices: 4639 Cherry Springs Road Coudersport, PA 16901 |
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CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK |
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880143 |
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http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=PA&parkId=880143&cmp=39-32--joewils |
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Pets are not allowed on the Astronomy Observation Field while the field is in use. Pets are not permitted in the campground. Pets are not permitted at public night sky programs. The Astronomy Field is non reservable but is open and available all year with a few exceptions. The large pavilion at Cherry Springs may be reserved by contacting the Lyman Run park office. The Observatory Shelters are for use by serious astronomers with their own telescopes. Additional information on the shelters can be obtained by clicking on the site. Starting July 1, 2015 all Public Stargazing programs listed on the calendar of events will require online reservations. To book your spot for a program, please log on to DCNR Calendar of Events |
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Named for historic stands of black cherry trees, the park is better known today for star-gazing. The park can attribute its dark night skies and excellent astronomical viewing mostly to its place amidst thousands of acres of the Susquehannock State Forest and being perched high atop the Allegheny Plateau at 2300 feet above sea level. Clearings from past settlement and an emergency runway built in the 1930s provide expansive areas with low horizons to view the night sky. Wildlife is abundant in and around the park with sighting of bear and deer quite common. Hooting of owls or even the occasional howl of a coyote remind visitors of the remote nature of this park. |
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