Inspiring awe and delight, Dark Skies is home to the world’s second certified International Dark-Sky Park. Cherry Springs State Park is world-famous for being one the best places in the USA for stargazing and the study of astronomy. But these mesmerizing, star-filled skies are JUST the beginning.
Music fans gather at the revered Austin Dam, where the remains of a giant dam that cracked in 1911 and flooded the town of Austin still stand. Called the “town too tough to die,” Austin annually hosts a classic rock concert and light show in late August to celebrate their small community and share a remarkable historic landmark.
Fall is big and beautiful all across the Dark Skies landscape, with brilliant reds, outrageous oranges and vibrant yellows. Celebrate Autumn in Renovo at the Flaming Foliage Leaf festival, held annually in October.
Model railroad club winter open house running through December and January, featuring family-friendly model train exhibits, including Thomas & Friends, and other railroad memorabilia and artifacts. Free admission!
This seemingly endless road-tripper’s paradise also includes the Bucktail Scenic Byway and Scenic Route 6, with winding and wooded roads that connect to dozens of detours worth pursuing like the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, where you can learn about the PA Wilds’ rich lumbering history and sustainable forestry practices of today.
During the day, take in the epic mountain view at Hyner View State Park. If you’re lucky and weather conditions are right, you might get to meet some hang gliders, and experience a close-up view of them taking flight, soaring through the air and landing at the base of the mountain.
Feeling fit and adventurous? Register early to run the always-sold-out mountain trail race the Hyner View Trail Challenge, the first run of the Pennsylvania Triple Crown of Mountain Running. Feeling fit, adventurous AND looking to test your limits? Only the bravest endure the Frozen Snot trail challenge further south in McElhattan, Clinton County. The name says it all – combine some of the toughest terrain in central Pennsylvania with the worst of winter weather, and you’ll quickly learn why many consider it among the most challenging trail races in the United States.
Want trails at a slower pace? Explore the 85 mile-loop of the Susquehannock Trail System, popular in all four seasons for cross-country skiing, backpacking, hiking and mountain biking. Looking for a different kind of wild? Disconnect from devices, and get up close and personal with Wilds wildlife at the state-of-the-art Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park.
Home to nine state parks and the sprawling Sproul and Susquehannock state forests, Dark Skies is an adventurous and enlightening experience all year, day, and night long.
Look up with a sense of wonder! See the stars like you've never seen them before, with unforgettable astronomy programs and camping opportunities at Cherry Springs State Park. Pre-registration is required for these special events.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Video produced by Visit Potter-Tioga and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Plan Your Trip
Our local tourism partners provide on-the-ground tips, maps, itineraries and more.
Visit Potter-Tioga
Headquartered in Wellsboro, Visit Potter-Tioga provides traveler resources and itineraries for the Dark Skies Landscape. Stop by their location to purchase local products and pick up regional maps.
Clinton County Visitors Bureau
The Clinton County Visitors Bureau is the southern entry point to the Dark Skies Landscape, and provides visitors with itineraries and travel tips for Dark Skies adventures including Hyner View State Park.
Pennsylvania Great Outdoors
The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors (PAGO) provides traveler resources and itineraries for a 3-county region that covers the south-western portion of the Dark Skies Landscape that includes Sinnemahoning State Park and Wildlife Center. PAGO also offers expert elk viewing tips, road trips, special events and more.
Related Articles
Pennsylvania Wilds Astronomy Club: Planets more readily visible in fall, winter
