All images of Cherry Springs State Park in this blog post are courtesy of photographer Curt Weinholder.
Nestled amidst the picturesque Dark Skies landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds sits a haven for stargazers and nature enthusiasts — the awe-inspiring Cherry Springs State Park.
To understand the magic of the Commonwealth’s first Dark Sky Park, I spoke with Park Manager Ben Stone for the season premiere of the Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast. The episode – “Cherry Springs State Park – Spend a night in the stars”– premiered January 3, 2024.
The biweekly podcast highlights Pennsylvania state parks, forests and great outdoors. Guests include park and forest managers, conservationists, environmental educators, volunteers, scientists and more.
With years of experience under the celestial canopy, Ben shed light on the park’s unique allure that draws in thousands of stargazers every year. The park has been engineered to reduce, and outright eliminate, white light pollution that is emitted from nearby towns, cars and more.
The result is stunning celestial scenery of stars, planets, meteors and the Milky Way. Potter County’s Cherry Springs State Park is considered the last best refuge of the natural night sky in the eastern half of the United States.
“There’s something magical about the park, the stars, and the whole experience that draws people from around the world,” Ben said during the podcast.
In order to see these magnificent views, Ben emphasized the importance of preserving darkness. Visitors are encouraged to bring red lights when finding their spot in the park’s Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Then when they find a spot, they should turn off their lights and let their eyes adjust to the beautiful dark sky above.
Don’t, Ben reminds us several times during the podcast, show up with bright, white flashlights. It negatively impacts your experience and the experience of others.
The collective respect among visitors ensures a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all. The conscientious use of red lights and a considerate demeanor, Ben said, allow everyone to relish the night sky without disturbing others.
The park’s rustic campground, Overnight Astronomy Observation Field and Night Sky Public Viewing Area “offer unique experiences to witness the beauty of the night sky,” Ben said.
Despite the best-laid plans, inclement weather might dim the prospects of an ideal stargazing night. However, Ben’s advice was clear — patience often rewards. Frequently, the forecasted clouds might part, unveiling a clear sky.
Moreover, the park’s educators remain prepared, offering informative sessions and presentations even during partially cloudy evenings. In the unfortunate event of a complete weather washout, Cherry Springs’ neighboring areas still offer a trove of experiences.
Regardless of the weather, Ben recommended visitors take in one of the park’s environmental education programs. Cherry Springs hosts a bevy of programs that range in topic from night sky tours and Greek mythology to Native Americans and owl prowls.
The park’s calendar of events is filled with programs on the night sky.
“Definitely take in a public program,” Ben said. “Learn as much as you can about the park before you show up, and we’ll teach you the rest when you get there.”
Determining the best time to visit the park requires a strategic approach, Ben said. While the traditional summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day boast bustling activity and pleasant weather, don’t overlook the charm of September and October.
Even beyond the peak season, these months offer favorable conditions for stargazing. Ben reminded those planning on visiting to consider the lunar phases and their impact on stargazing quality. Visitors aiming for an optimal experience should avoid visiting during a full moon.
“The ideal weekends to come to the park are during the new moon time frame or opposite from the full moon,” Ben said. “That’s when the night sky reveals its true brilliance.”
Those that are planning a trip, should remember that – like many places in the PA Wilds – you may have trouble with cell service and Internet connection. But, that’s the best part about exploring the rural areas of the Commonwealth.
“Cell service may be spotty, but that’s a reminder to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wonder of the park’s starlit skies,” Ben said.
Listen to the full interview on the Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast available at www.HemlocksToHellbenders.com/episodes or wherever podcasts are available.
Christian Alexandersen ran one mile in each of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and has been sharing his passion for public lands ever since 2021. Christian is the host of the Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast – which highlights our state parks, forests and great outdoors. You can find Hemlocks to Hellbenders wherever podcasts are available and on his website – www.hemlockstohellbenders.com. Christian is a former journalist who now works for the Pennsylvania Senate. He lives in Enola with his wife Abby and their cats Jack and Walt.
Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast.
The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.