Where is Cherry Springs State Park
Located in the northern region of the state, Cherry Springs State Park resides entirely within the state of Pennsylvania. The state park is Pennsylvania’s first Dark Sky Park and was the second park to receive International Dark Sky Park designation. Multiple astronomers and stargazers have said that within the park you can experience some of the darkest skies on the east coast. The park also offers an interpretive nature trail, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing. The closest cities to Cherry Springs US State Park are West Branch and Potter. The park is located 156 miles and a three-hour drive west of Scranton, 123 miles and a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Buffalo, New York, and 182 miles and a three-and-a-half-hour drive northeast of Pittsburgh. Cherry Springs State Park is also located near several other outdoor recreation areas. These areas include Bucktail State Park Natural Area, Colton Point State Park, Denton Hill State Park, and a list of several more.
How Large is Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park covers a total area of 85 acres. The state park’s geography mostly includes open meadows and woodlands. The park is located at an elevation of about 2,300 feet above sea level and atop the Allegheny Plateau. The land that Cherry Springs State Park protects was once a section of the Susquehannock State Forest. The remainder of the Susquehannock State Forest, which surrounds the state park covers over 260,000 acres. When conditions are perfect in the park are perfect for stargazing visitors can expect to see about 10,000 stars with their naked eyes. In comparison, rural residents living outside city limits only see about 200 to 300 stars on average.
Cherry Springs State Park Weather
The weather at Cherry Springs State Park varies throughout the year and is controlled by a continental climate. In summer, temperatures in the park average between 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures in the park average between 15- and 45-degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest days of the year arrive at the park in July and August. The coldest days appear in Cherry Springs State Park in January and February. On average, Cherry Springs State Park sees about 120 days of rain per year. The total accumulation of rainfall throughout the year in the park is about 48 inches. Snowfall in the park totals around 70 inches per year. A large majority of this snowfall occurs in December, January, and February. However, snowfall has occurred as late as April.
When did Cherry Springs Become a State Park
Cherry Springs State Park first became a state park in 1922. The state park was originally named the “Cherry Springs Scenic Drive”. In the 1930’s the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC built many structures in the park including several pavilions. Development of the park as a dark sky park began to occur in the late 1990’s. Cherry Springs State Park was first designated as a dark sky park in 2000. In 2008, the park received further designation from the International Dark-Sky Association as the second International Dark Sky Park.
Things to do in Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience several recreation activities including stargazing. Our State Park Visitors Guide outlines the most notable adventurous and activities are below:
Participate in a Interpretive Program
One of the best ways a visitor to Cherry Springs State Park can learn about the park is to participate in an interpretive program. These programs normally cover topics related to the park’s ecology, history, skies, or geology. The schedule for these programs varies throughout the season. However, an updated schedule can be found on the park’s website.
Hike the Cherry Springs Forest Interpretive Trail
The Cherry Springs Forest Interpretive Trail offers visitors information about the surrounding forest and on practices they can take to protect and nurture the forest. This short and relatively easy trail begins at the park’s information kiosk near the visitor parking lot. The trail extends for about one mile and features several wayside exhibits. The trail is self-guided but is also sometimes the location of park nature walks.
Mountain Biking near the park
While no mountain biking areas are designated within Cherry Springs State Park, the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest maintains several trails designated for the sport. Visitors looking for more information on biking trails in the area can check out the park’s information kiosk or visit the Susquehannock State Forest website. This recreation area and Cherry Springs State Park often coordinate events and work together.
Attend the Dark Sky Festival
Every year the night skies of Cherry Springs State Park draw visitors from all around the country. Therefore, its no surprise that the most popular event hosted at Cherry Springs State Park is the Dark Sky Festival. During the festival, the park holds several night sky viewings and other additional interpretive programs. The exact days of the festival vary from year to year. However, the park’s website is normally updated with information regarding the festival’s dates and schedule of events.
Attend the Woodsman Show
The Woodsman Show at Cherry Springs State Park has been held every year since 1952. Events woodsman participate in throughout the show include tree-felling, cross-cutting, log-rolling, and axe throwing. Attendance at the event normally numbers over 10,000. The Woodsman Show at Cherry Springs State Park is held every year in early August.
Wildlife Viewing
Cherry Springs State Park and the surrounding forest hosts a variety of avian and other wildlife species. Birds often seen and studied in the park include ospreys, hawks, owls, bald eagles, and an array of songbirds. Other wildlife seen throughout the park and forest includes white-tailed deer, rabbits, gray squirrels, wild turkeys, bobcats, and several species of frogs, beetles, and moths.
Camping in Cherry Springs State Park
The campground at Cherry Springs State Park contains 30 campsites built to accommodate both recreational vehicles and tent campers. Visitors looking to stay within the park can make reservations for the park’s campsites through the park’s website and reservation portal. Visitors looking to camp during the summer season or during one of the park’s popular festivals should make their reservations several months in advance.
When to visit Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park is open year-round and offers a variety of experiences throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the state park is during the Dark Sky Festival or the Woodsman Show. Each of these two events allow visitors to experience the most the park can offer. Visitors unable to visit during the two festivals should look to visit the park in late spring. Wildlife is very active in the park and surrounding forest this time of the year, and temperatures in the park are optimal for hiking the interpretive trail and for stargazing late at night.
Must Have Items to bring to Cherry Springs State Park
Every trip outdoors requires a bit of packing and planning, and a successful trip to Cherry Springs State Park is no exception. Below is a list of essential equipment every visitor should consider bringing with them to the park.
Water & High Energy Snacks
Water and high energy snacks are the two most important pieces of equipment every visitor should make sure they bring along with them to Cherry Springs State Park. Campers staying in the park should especially bring supplies of water and high energy snacks.
Stargazing Equipment
While the night skies of Cherry Springs State Park do not require visitors to bring lavish equipment such as telescopes, avid stargazers may still feel the need to so that they can get a better view of planets and the milky way.
Wildlife Field Guides & Binoculars
Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the wildlife species that call Cherry Springs State Park home will want to bring along a Pennsylvania or North America specific field guide. Birders will also want to remember to bring along their binoculars in order to spot species perched in the tall trees of Cherry Springs State Park and the Susquehannock State Forest.
Layers of Clothing
Wearing layers of clothing to Cherry Springs State Park is the best way to combat fluctuating temperatures. List of Parks advises that campers staying in the park should especially bring a series of layers to wear at night. These layers can be removed or added at will as your body temperature increases and decreases.
Where to Stay Near Cherry Springs State Park
Visitors looking to stay within Cherry Springs State Park should make a reservation for one of the park’s campsites. These reservations can be made through the park’s website and reservation portal. Campers looking to stay in the park in the summer months or during one of the park’s events should make reservations several months in advance. Visitors looking to stay in a hotel near the park should first look for options in West Branch and Potter. Additional options can be found two and a half hours away in Buffalo, New York.
Food Near Cherry Springs State Park
The closest food to Cherry Springs State Park is located in West Branch and Potter. These cities contain several restaurants and grocery stores visitors can utilize to stock up on supplies or grab a needed meal. Visitors looking for a larger city with a more pronounced culinary scene may want to make the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Buffalo, New York.
Airports Near Cherry Springs State Park
The closest international airport to Cherry Springs State Park is located in Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 125 miles and a two hour and forty-minute drive away from Cherry Springs State Park. The next closest international airport to Cherry Springs State Park is located in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh International Airport is located 231 miles and about a four-hour drive away from the park.