This past weekend I took a trip up to Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, to do some star gazing. Despite having attended college only sixty miles south of the park, I had never heard of it until recently.

Cherry Springs State Park is known as one of the darkest areas on the eastern seaboard, perfect for astronomers, photographers and anyone else interested in seeing an abundance of stars.

The park is located 2,300 feet above sea level and sits in the middle of almost entirely undeveloped forest, and as such is shielded from the bright lights of local homes and towns which are nested down in valleys.

Because of this, it is not exactly a cake walk to get to, and more so to leave in the dark. The hour and a half drive from Lock Haven was scenic with only two turns. From town, follow PA Route 120 also known as Susquehanna Avenue west for roughly 20 miles until you reach the town of Hyner, Pa. A little local tip, leave a few hours earlier than needed and drive up to Hyner’s View State Park for sweeping views of the Susquehanna River and valley below. If you are lucky, you may even catch some of the hang gliders taking flight off of the ramp next to the overlook.