Lyman Run State Park

Tucked into the rugged hills of Potter County — Pennsylvania’s least populated county — Lyman Run State Park offers 595 acres of quiet forest and a small, scenic lake that feels worlds away from everyday life. Established in 1951, the park centers around Lyman Run Dam and its 45-acre Lyman Lake, a calm body of water perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing for trout and panfish.

What makes Lyman Run special is its dark sky. Situated in one of the darkest regions east of the Mississippi, the park draws stargazers year-round. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches overhead in full detail — no telescope required. The Pennsylvania Wilds region surrounding the park keeps light pollution remarkably low.

Hiking trails wind through mixed hardwood and hemlock forests, with paths suited for all skill levels. In fall, the canopy erupts into some of the finest foliage color in northern Pennsylvania. Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the same trails. Swimming is available at a small beach area during summer months.

The park offers rustic campsites near the lake, making it an ideal base for a weekend of unplugging. Facilities are simple — expect pit toilets and no hookups — which is part of the charm.

Visit from late May through October for the best conditions, or time a September trip to catch warm days, cool nights, and peak stargazing before the leaves turn. Lyman Run rewards those willing to seek it out.