Last Updated on December 9, 2021 by Practical Astrophotography Staff

Location – Coudersport, Pennsylvania
Cherry Springs State Park is a 82-acre (33 ha)[a] Pennsylvania state park in Potter County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The park was created from land within the Susquehannock State Forest, and is on Pennsylvania Route 44 in West Branch Township. Cherry Springs, named for a large stand of Black Cherry trees in the park, is atop the dissected Allegheny Plateau. The Dark Skies Preserve at Cherry Springs State Park. Unquestionably a national treasure, it is only one of two gold level dark sky parks in the USA On clear nights you will see the sky as you never have before. The Milky Way, The Aurora Borealis, Meteor Showers, Planets and constellations.

Weather
As a result of it’s exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is the foremost place on the eastern seaboard for stargazing and the science of astronomy, Recognizing that the unique resource had to be managed and guarded, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources declared Cherry Springs State Park the first Dark Sky Park.
The dark sky experience-a blend of attributes making Cherry Springs State Park perfect for stargazing
•The Star gazing Field is located at the top of a 2,300 foot high mountain. The encompassing state forest is actually comparatively undeveloped and nearby communities are typically in valleys, shielding any light that could impact the park.
•The positioning of the park at, 41.6501° north, 77.8164° West, provides a great view of the nucleus of the Milky Way galaxy.
•The airspace above the park has little commercial air traffic, making the park perfect for Astrophotography.
• The astronomy field offers excellent 360° view of the night sky.
• All lighting in the park is shielded and all of the white light is converted to red.
Come and visit a Star Party. A star party is actually a gathering of amateur astronomers and stargazers. You will find telescopes, guest lectures, camaraderie, astronomy equipment vendors plus an evening of public stargazing.
Cherry Springs Star Party, takes place each June and it’s sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Harrisburg. The Black Forest Star Party, is held during the fall and is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Observers of State College.