(Last Updated On: October 17, 2022)

Stars shine in the night sky at Cherry Springs State Park

If you are looking for a place to really escape into nature, then the Cherry Springs State Park is a great option.

Nestled in Coudersport at north-central Pennsylvania’s rustic and remote forests, this is the perfect place for a digital detox.

Known for its incredibly clear night skies, which provides a fantastic spot for stargazing. This Pennsylvania state park is also a noted destination for hiking, fishing, swimming and biking. While snowmobiling is a popular activity in the winter too.

Its rustic campground is in keeping with the remote surroundings, as it doesn’t have electricity, water or sewer hookups.

But what it does offer you a fabulous base to immerse yourself in the tranquility and solitude of the magnificent landscape that is all around you. Which is reason enough to make a reservation there.

Activities

Visitors to the park can partake in a plethora of outdoor recreational pursuits during their time there.

Below is a small selection of some of the activities you can do whilst at Cherry Springs.

Swimming at Cherry Springs State Park

While the park itself does not have a lake, don’t let this stop you from bringing your swimming costume.

Nearby Lyman Run State Park has a wonderful sandy beach you can go for a dip at. You will also be able to rent a boat here, as well as order food and drink from a snack bar, or use the conveniences at its bathhouse.

Fishing at Cherry Springs State Park

Those wanting to indulge in a bit of fishing will have to make their way over to Pine Creek which is not far from the park.

Offering terrific, large freestone fishing, those who cast a line here should be able to catch plenty of brown trout, rainbow trout and smallies.

Like with all outdoor public recreational spaces in Pennsylvania, you will need a valid fishing licence before you can partake in this activity.

Hiking at Cherry Springs State Park

Although hiking trails at the park are limited to a one-mile trail, it is a pathway that is pretty manageable for people of all levels of fitness.

Beginning at the information kiosk, the self-guided trail tour will take you through a picturesque part of the forest. Showcasing a fascinating range of flora and fauna along the way.

Picnicking at Cherry Springs State Park

Whilst at the park, picnicking is a very popular activity.

Throughout it, you will find a number of picnic tables that are located at various scenic points. Some of which have grills available for you to use.

All of them provide a picturesque locale in which to enjoy your al fresco meal.

Snowmobiling at Cherry Springs State Park

When the thick snow of winter comes, the park offers up fantastic opportunities to enjoy snowmobiling.

You won’t be able to do any snowmobiling within the park itself. However, you will be able to traverse many miles of trails around nearby Potter County.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can hire them out at any of the various outlets that are located there.

Stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park

One of the park’s main attractions is the opportunity to stargaze.

With the skies being crystal clear here at night, you can do this at two designated locations – the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field and the Night Sky Public Viewing Area.

Those who want to take in the cosmos over the course of a whole night should consider camping at the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. This will provide you with excellent opportunities for both general viewing and photography.

If you would rather not be out all night, and only want to spend a few hours checking out the stars, The Night Sky Public Viewing Area is a good place to do this.

Located opposite the observation field, on a good night you should be able to see the Milky Way through a telescope or binoculars.

The best time to visit either of these destinations is between April and October, when the skies are usually at their clearest.

Nature & Wildlife

The park is situated in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, whose woodland regions are renowned for being Elk Country.

During your time at the park you should see plenty of these magnificent creatures.

Other animals you should encounter include deer, rabbits, weasels, otters and chipmunks. In its quieter sections you might also see raccoons, minks and porcupines.

Pets at Cherry Springs State Park

Pets are allowed on the grounds of Cherry Springs State Park, although they are some spaces where they are not permitted, including at the Astronomy Observation Area, or at the campground.

For full clarification of where you can or cannot take your dogs while in the park, please phone the park’s main office.

Camping at Cherry Springs State Park

For those looking for overnight accommodation, the park has a rustic campground that accommodates 30 sites.

Nestled in the heart of the Pennsylvania woods, these sites are primitive, so do not come with water, electric or sewer hookups. However they all come with a fire ring, picnic table and lantern hanger. You will also find a number of water spigots, vault toilets and a dump station at the campground too.

Please note, all roads that run through the campgrounds are signed as one way and are not paved. So make sure your vehicle has tires that can cope with this terrain.

As well as these rustic sites, the park also allows you to set up camp at its overnight astronomy observation field area. You’ll need to pay a fee to do this, and spaces here are available on a first-come first-served basis, but the chance to get to see the majesty of the cosmos from this prime position should be missed.

Park Location

Cherry Springs State Park
4639 Cherry Springs Rd
Coudersport, PA 16915
Phone: 814.435.1037

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Cherry Springs State Park: