Cherry Springs State Park has gained an international reputation for its quality stargazing.
The park, at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, is 12 miles from Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44.
All stargazing and other programs will be cancelled if it rains or thunderstorms.
Anyone may observe the night sky at Cherry Springs on his or her own without attending a stargazing program. All visitors should arrive before dark. Search for the Clear Sky Chart online for 48-hour forecasts about viewing conditions.
There are picnic areas available near the park’s Night Sky Viewing Area, with tables and charcoal grills onsite.
A free park welcome and walking tour will be held before the Night Sky program Aug. 30. Beginning at 7 p.m., park staff will guide guests on a tour of less than a mile on mostly level terrain to see park facilities and learn about their past, present and future. Guests should meet at the information kiosk near the restroom in the visitor parking area on the north side of Route 44.
From 7 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, join park staff at the Night Sky Viewing Area for astronomy-themed educational games that provide an introduction to astronomy and the Night Sky Tour that follows. Preregistration is not required for this fun, family-friendly, free event.
Registration is required for the park’s very popular, free night sky tour, which is scheduled for Aug. 30, 31 and Sept. 1.
From 8:30 to 10 p.m. on each of those days, park staff will give a laser-guided tour of the constellations and recount the legends and myths surrounding them. Afterwards, take an up close look at celestial objects through park telescopes.
A nightscapes photography workshop will be held Aug. 31 with Curt Weinhold. The first 10 people who register will be accepted for the three-hour workshop, which starts at 8:15 p.m. Participants will learn how to photograph the starry night sky, including constellations and the Milky Way, and foreground material using their own DSLR camera and lenses. There is a $60 fee for the workshop. Visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park for details.
Gods in the Sky, a Native American Night Sky story, will be at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 31 and again on Sept. 1 for the first who preregister and prepay up to a maximum of 16 people per night.
This small group experience with the North Star Outdoor Guides’ Dark Sky Telescope Tours ensures a more individualized program and telescope time at Cherry Springs State Park. There is a $20 fee. For details, visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park.
Online preregistration for stargazing programs is required. Visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park.
If there is a problem with registering online or for information about these free programs, call (814) 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.
