Cherry Springs State Park
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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. |
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. Named for the large stands of black cherry trees in the park, the 48-acre state park is surrounded by the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest. The Susquehanna Trail passes nearby and offers 85 miles of backpacking and hiking.
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Interested in observing the dark night skies? The following information will help you make the most of your first visit to Cherry Springs State Park. Short Term StargazingIf you would like to come out and enjoy the magnificent night sky at Cherry Springs and only wish to gaze for a few hours, you may do so at the Night Sky Viewing area located north of Rt. 44 (opposite the gated Astronomy Observation Field). Public parking lots are located here along with several information kiosks and waysides. You may follow the walkway out to the public program area where benches are located and you will be shielded from passing vehicle lights. There is also a backlit summer sky map wayside located on this pathway. Press the button at the lower side of the display to activate the red light. Although white light is permitted, a red filter or cover for your flashlight is recommended to preserve your night vision. Please remember to always direct your light downward. Cherry Springs State Park is located on top of a mountain and the weather generally tends to be on the cool side. It can also be damp. It is recommended that you wear proper clothing and foot gear. Feel free to bring out your own blankets, lawn chairs, binoculars and telescopes when you visit the park. Check the Calendar of Events for astronomy programs being presented at the park. Pets are prohibited on the Astronomy Observation Field while astronomers are present. Getting Started StargazingWhether you view the night sky with telescope, binoculars or the naked eye, here are a few tips to enhance your stargazing experience:
Astronomy Web sites also give up to date information on when the space station and other satellites pass overhead, the time and direction of iridium flares, solar flares, aurora bulletins, and the occurrence of comets and meteor showers. Long Term and Overnight StargazingFor information on stargazing overnight on the Astronomy Field, explore Serious Stargazing.
Picnicking: The picnic area is south of PA 44. A landmark in the area is the historic log pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. This unusual pavilion features two large, covered dining areas with fireplaces, surrounded by log and chink walls. The areas are connected together by a covered breezeway that also contains picnic tables. Surrounding the pavilion are huge white pine and Norway spruce trees and an old apple orchard where picnic tables and charcoal grills are available. Hunting and Firearms: Cherry Springs provides access to hunting in Susquehannock State Park. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park. Complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site. Hiking: The Cherry Springs Working Forest Interpretive Trail begins by the information kiosk and features wayside exhibits on forests and forestry practices. Stay the NightCamping: vault toilets Explore camping for more information. Environmental Education and InterpretationCherry Springs State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs April to October. Through guided walks, hands-on activities, and campfire programs, visitors gain appreciation and awareness toward the natural and historical resources. Weather permitting, a park educator or guest speaker presents public stargazing programs on the airport side of the park. Some of the programs are a partnership with the National Public Observatory as part of the Stars-n-Parks program. These free programs are available throughout the summer. Program schedules are published in the local paper and on the Cherry Springs State Park Web site. Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward. Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information. Woodsmen's ShowIn 1952, the first Woodsmen’s Show at Cherry Springs State Park attracted a crowd of 4,000 people. Today, the annual Woodsmen’s Show attracts thousands of spectators annually for the early August event. The show features lumberjack contests in tree-felling, log rolling, spring board chopping, standing block chop and chain-saw events. www.woodsmenshow.com Access for People with Disabilities
In an EmergencyContact a park employee or dial 911. Nearest Hospital Early SettlersIn 1818, Jonathan Edgcomb made his second try at settling in the wilderness of Potter County. Along the Jersey Shore Pike, Edgcomb constructed a log house that became known as the Cherry Springs Hotel. The hotel was in an extremely remote spot and for years the only visitors, other than travelers on the pike, were wandering American Indians. Over the years, the pine and hemlock in the Cherry Springs area was lumbered off and in their place grew hardwood trees like sugar maple and the park’s namesake, black cherry. Civilian Conservation Corps EraThe Cherry Springs CCC Camp was one of ten CCC camps constructed in the Susquehannock Forest District. A forester directed the work to be done at each camp, such as clearing underbrush, opening trails, and constructing buildings and roads. Additionally, Camp Elliott (named for District Forester Harry Elliott) was set up at Cherry Springs. This camp was not connected with the CCC camps, but was under the supervision of the former Department of Forests and Waters. Unemployed college boys primarily stayed at this camp, and one of their accomplishments was to construct the 40-acre airfield at Cherry Springs (under the former State Bureau of Aeronautics) during the summer of 1935. For more information on the CCC, explore the Civilian Conservation Corps Online Archive.
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Scouts and organized groups can earn free camping by completing service projects. Dark Sky Fund/AssociationThe Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund/Association is a "Friends" group under the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. Their mission is the protection of the dark night sky at Cherry Springs State Park and enhancing the astronomy experience through facility improvement and educational outreach programs. Dark Sky Fund donations will be used to enhance the stargazing and astronomy experience at Cherry Springs State Park. Physical improvements to the park will help to eliminate any outside light pollution and remove overhead obstructions. Donations will also be used to educate local residents and visitors about the value of the night sky resource and why it needs to be preserved. Fund donations have been used to plant light screening trees and shrubs, convert all park lighting to shielded, red-light fixtures, bury overhead electrical lines and install electrical pedestals on the Astronomy Field. The fund has also provided educational materials on astronomy and environmentally friendly lighting in the park and surrounding communities. Decisions on how the fund monies are spent are a collaborative effort of the park management and the Dark Sky Fund Advisory Council. The council is made up of astronomers from all over the country who regularly observe at Cherry Springs. Donation forms and envelopes for the Cherry Springs Dark Sky Fund are at the registration kiosk and donations may be put in the fee tube. Please do not combine park fees and donation fees. Use the separate forms and envelope. Thanks for your support! The Dark Sky Fund is a partnership with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). Created in 1999, the foundation is an independent, tax exempt, 501c (3), nonprofit foundation with three missions:
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Make a DonationTo a park - find this park's address below To a park's friends group - see above To a park or the Bureau of State Parks - Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation www.paparksandforests.org Through a purchase at a park gift shop Thank you for your support! Education ProgramsWe love when young people ask us how to get involved!
In Watershed Education, teachers and students assess water quality of a local stream on a quarterly basis and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems. ECO Camp - Exploring Careers Outdoors - is a week-long residential camp for a cross-section of high school youth from across Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Participate in action-packed, hands on activities and recreational adventures in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests that expose youth to conservation, recreation and careers in natural resources. Learn how people make a living working in the outdoors. Explore education for more information on these and other programs. Explore the Calendar of Events to find a program near you. iConservePA
Come Work with UsPennsylvania State Parks and the Department of Conservation and Natrual Resources offer a wide range of civil service and non-civil service jobs, from foresters, to rangers, to engineers, to educators, to botanists and so much more. Learn what is currently available. Tell us What You ThinkContact this park with compliments, concerns and issues about the park. Cherry Springs State Park Nearby AttractionsInformation on nearby attractions is available from the Potter County Visitors Association. www.visitpottercounty.com Lyman Run State Park offers fishing, boating, camping facilities and ATV and hiking trailheads. Susquehannock State Forest is a 262,000-acre state forest and offers hiking, snowmobile trails, and a wilderness experience.
Maps and Downloadables
You must have the free Adobe Reader to view the maps and brochures that are in pdf format (.pdf). Alternate versions of the text of the brochures are in rich text and text formats. Click on the files to view them. To download (.rtf) files: Recreational GuideCherry Springs State Park Map (.pdf) (59 kb, 3/11) Interactive GIS MapThe Interactive GIS Map uses Geographic Information Systems to create a map that does not need to be downloaded and features driving directions, searchable park amenities and customizable maps. Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources and driving directions usually go to the nearest large road. Astronomy Field MapAstronomy Field Map (.pdf) (632 kb, 5/12)
 Cherry Springs State Park in on PA 44 in Potter County. Use the following address for GPS devices: Driving Directions: The Interactive GIS Map has turn-by-turn driving directions to the park office from the Park Information Window. Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources and driving directions usually go to the nearest large road. Cherry Springs State Park
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Like to spend time in the outdoors, meet friendly people and help make Pennsylvania State Parks great? Volunteering at a park might be for you.
Believing that each generation is responsible for leaving behind a better legacy of good conservation, the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) was created in 1999 to give supporters and users of Pennsylvania's parks and forests a positive way to contribute to the conservation of our publicly-owned properties. The Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation welcomes the support of individuals and businesses who share a commitment to conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of this commonwealth. 
Do you take conservation personally? iConservePA is a Web site managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources whose vision is to inspire citizens to value their natural resources, engage in conservation practices and experience the outdoors. 
Below are many of the maps and publications for this park. You can read them or download them and might need special software (all free) to view the publications.