Cherry Springs State Park
Coudersport, PA
A hilltop field with some of the darkest skies in the eastern US, certified as an International Dark Sky Park. Use red lights only; the public night-sky viewing area is free, and moonless nights from spring to autumn are best.
Cherry Springs State Park is a state park of just 82 acres (about 33 hectares) in Potter County, Pennsylvania, on State Route 44, in the middle of the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest on the Allegheny plateau at about 2,300 feet (roughly 700 m). Lonely Planet calls it one of the best places for stargazing east of the Mississippi.
Its remoteness and the surrounding hills keep artificial light away; Pennsylvania designated the site a dark-sky area in 2000, and the International Dark Sky Association awarded it Gold status in 2008. There are two areas: the Night Sky Public Viewing Area for short visits (no overnight stays) and the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field, which charges a fee and is for registered users. White light is banned there, lamps need a red filter or shielding, and green laser pointers are prohibited throughout the park. The sky is best around the new moon.
For road-trippers: the weather is often cool and damp, so pack warm clothes. Cell reception is usually poor. In July and August, when the Milky Way stands almost vertical, reserve overnight spots early; on clear nights several hundred visitors often come. Check programs and dates in advance.
- Nearest town
- Coudersport, PA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.6630, -77.8230
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hemlock CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Cherry Springs State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- Snyder's Family CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Cherry Springs State ParkTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Campground at Sinnemahoning State ParkCampsite19 mi from Cherry Springs State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Canyon Country CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Cherry Springs State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Pettecote Junction CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Cherry Springs State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Stony Fork Creek CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Cherry Springs State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Pennsylvania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cherry Springs State Park?
Cherry Springs State Park is in Coudersport, PA, at GPS 41.6630, -77.8230. It is about 10 mi from Galeton.
Can you camp near Cherry Springs State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Leos Landing Equestrian Campground, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cherry Springs State Park?
Cherry Springs State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua and Gorge, starry skies and elk – by camper through the Pennsylvania Wilds.
What is there to see near Cherry Springs State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Leonard Harrison State Park (19 mi), Kinzua Bridge State Park (40 mi), Corning Museum of Glass (52 mi) and Letchworth State Park (64 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cherry Springs State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)