Cherry Springs State Park
See the Milky Way from Pennsylvania's exceptionally dark public observing field.
Artwork inspired by Maxfield Parrish
Cherry Springs sits on a forest-ringed plateau with unusually little nearby light. The public viewing area north of Route 44 is for casual stargazing; the overnight astronomy field across the road serves registered observers with stricter lighting rules. That distinction matters more than bringing an expensive telescope. On a clear, moonless night, give your eyes time to adjust and study the broad Milky Way with the naked eye.
Check clouds and moon phase before driving into remote Potter County. Bring warm layers, a blanket, and a red-covered light pointed toward the ground; leave pets and bright white lights out of the public field. The park remains open year-round, but the rustic campground has a shorter season. The public field is not an overnight campsite.
- Dark-sky setting
- High forested plateau
- Public field
- Short-term viewing
- Overnight field
- Registration required
Quick guide
- Choose your field
- Short visits belong in the public viewing area north of Route 44.
- Time the sky
- A clear, moonless night reveals far more than a cloudy or full-moon visit.
Know before you go
- Choose your field
- Short visits belong in the public viewing area north of Route 44.
- Time the sky
- A clear, moonless night reveals far more than a cloudy or full-moon visit.
- Protect night vision
- Use red-shielded lights low to the ground; avoid bright screens.
- Dress for altitude
- The exposed plateau can be cool and damp even in summer.
Good to know
Mobile service is unreliable; download a map and sky forecast before the rural drive.
Notice these
- Dark skies worth a late night
- Time the sky
- Registration required