Cherry Springs State Park sits atop a 2,300-foot mountain in Potter County, surrounded by the vast Susquehannock State Forest. At just 48 acres, it’s one of Pennsylvania’s smallest state parks — and one of its most extraordinary. Cherry Springs earned its reputation as the premier stargazing destination in the eastern United States, designated a Gold-level International Dark Sky Park. On clear nights, the Milky Way casts visible shadows, and the Andromeda Galaxy is visible to the naked eye.

Established in 1922, the park was originally a picnic area along a ridge road. Today it draws amateur astronomers and astrophotographers from across the country, particularly to the dedicated Astronomy Observation Field, where red-light-only rules protect the darkness. Rangers host regular star parties and astronomy programs throughout the warmer months.

Beyond stargazing, Cherry Springs offers rustic camping in a quiet, heavily wooded setting. The surrounding state forest provides miles of hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails. Wildlife sightings — deer, black bear, wild turkey — are common in this remote stretch of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

The best time to visit is between April and October, with new moon weekends offering the darkest skies. Summer nights can still drop into the 40s at this elevation, so pack layers. The park’s remoteness means no nearby services — bring everything you need, including food, water, and fuel.

Cherry Springs rewards the effort it takes to reach it. Few places east of the Mississippi offer nights this dark or skies this alive.

Explore Nearby

• Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site — Public Land in Idaho
• Petticoat Peak Wilderness Study Area — Public Land in Idaho
• Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Dark Sky Reserve — Dark Sky Site in Idaho
• Logan Canyon Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
• Caribou–Targhee National Forest — National Forest in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah