{"id":657,"date":"2024-04-01T10:03:19","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T10:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blissfullybrininger.com\/?p=657"},"modified":"2024-04-01T10:03:22","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T10:03:22","slug":"cherry-springs-state-park-insiders-tips-for-an-stellar-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blissfullybrininger.com\/?p=657","title":{"rendered":"Cherry Springs State Park: Insider\u2019s Tips for an Stellar Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. When you click these links, I may get a small commission. It won’t cost you anything but helps me run this site. I only promote products that I think are great.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cherry Springs State Park is the ultimate destination for gazing at the stars.\u00a0 We absolutely loved our stay there.\u00a0 It is the darkest spot in Pennsylvania, which makes it the best spot to see the stars.\u00a0 Visiting had been on my bucket list for a few years.\u00a0 I had no idea that it was actually only a couple of hours away from us.\u00a0 Here is everything you need to know about visiting Cherry Springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a couple of options for camping at Cherry Springs State Park.\u00a0 The first is at the campground that is in the state park. The Cherry Springs State Park Campground is rustic, so you will definitely get to have a back to nature experience there.\u00a0 The second option is to set up camp in the overnight observation field. Fees for staying here are per person and not per site. \u00a0 We chose to rent a cabin<\/a> about 10 minutes from the observation field.\u00a0 I highly recommend this quaint cabin for those looking for an option outside of camping.\u00a0 It is essentially a tiny home that includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, & living room area.\u00a0 Outside there is a fire pit and charcoal grill.\u00a0 We enjoyed sitting by the fire and gazing up at the stars there.\u00a0 There are other homes nearby, but you feel totally secluded with the way this cabin sits back in.\u00a0 It is also dog friendly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Galeton Airbnb Cabin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Star Gazing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We were concerned with securing a spot, so we arrived earlier than necessary.  However, we did get some fantastic pictures of the sun setting.  If you aren\u2019t interested in watching the sunset, I would suggest getting there after dusk.  We went in June, so it didn\u2019t get dark until 10:00.  The park has guides with laser pointers to show you the constellations as well as the planets.  They also have telescopes that you can view the stars through.  White lights are not allowed, so make sure that you have red lights to guide your way back through the field on your way out.  You will also want to plan around the moon cycle.  Avoid visiting when the moon is fuller.  You will not get the full effect of the stars, due to the moon\u2019s brightness.  You are not allowed to sleep overnight in the observation field, but you can stay as long as you would like as long as you are awake.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Sun Setting at Observation Field<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hiking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cherry Springs State Park doesn\u2019t have hiking trails to speak of.\u00a0 There is one trail near the overnight observation field, The Cherry Springs Working Forest Interpretive Trail.\u00a0 I would consider it more of a nature walk.\u00a0 It\u2019s about one mile long with informational boards along the way. It is a beautiful walk and perfect for families.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We found spent time during the day hiking at Lyman Run State Park.\u00a0 It is only about 20 minutes away from Cherry Springs State Park.\u00a0 We recommend checking out the Rock Run & Spur Line Trail and the Lyman Run Creek Trail.\u00a0 These are both easier rated trails.\u00a0 Lyman Run is rated moderately on All Trails, but that is due to a creek crossing.\u00a0 Water levels were low in June, so we had no issues staying dry.\u00a0 It is about two miles long with minimal elevation.\u00a0 You get beautiful views of the creek for most of the hike.\u00a0 Rock Run\/Spur Line Trail is a little over 2 miles.\u00a0 This one has about a 400-foot elevation gain with some great views from a vista at the top.\u00a0 We were fortunate enough to have all three trails mostly to ourselves.\u00a0 We only crossed paths with a couple people the entire time on the trails.\u00a0 Also to note while on the Lyman Run Creek Trail, there was an ATV road that crosses the trail.\u00a0 Keep your ears open when in that area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Cherry Springs Interpretive Trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where to Eat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I highly recommend stopping at Mountain Top and Provisions.\u00a0 It\u2019s a little bit of a drive, but it was along our route to Cherry Springs.\u00a0 They are open Wednesday through Sunday with Wednesdays being their Wood Fired Pizza Night.\u00a0 Mountain Top is known for their smoked meat which you can get in a platter, as well as several sandwiches.\u00a0 They also have fantastic options for those who prefer to not eat meat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Need to Bring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n