Cherry Springs State park is definitely worth the 5 hour drive. I’m south of Pittsburgh (it’s about the same distance) and I’ve taken that trip a few times over the last few years.
It’s a dark park - no white light permitted in certain areas. So TAKE RED LIGHT FLASH LIGHTS !!!
When driving late at night you’ll need to park your car in a lot and walk a short distance into the Star gazing field. Red light Flash Lights !!!
You probably already know that that park is the darkest area along the eastern seaboard. There’s zero light pollution- so you’ll see more stars EVERYWHERE. if you know a few constellations, look for them ; you’ll see double the stars when at that park.
There really aren’t meteor showers during March - but it’s still worth the trip. Hotels aren’t close- but midnight drive in that area can be pleasant / just be careful of deer and snowy road conditions. You’ll literally be in the middle of the largest forest in Pennsylvania- so make sure you’re prepared and your car is in excellent condition.
Sorry - I didn’t really speak to the hotel concern. Because I’ve always camped using a tent. It’s amazing to just roll out of a sleeping bag at 2 am and lean out of your tent and see the most amazing sky. You’ll forget that you’re In Pennsylvania
GelandeStrasseJr t1_j8kp0in wrote
Reply to Cherry Springs National Park Potential Trip/Tips (First Time) by j2000d
Cherry Springs State park is definitely worth the 5 hour drive. I’m south of Pittsburgh (it’s about the same distance) and I’ve taken that trip a few times over the last few years.
It’s a dark park - no white light permitted in certain areas. So TAKE RED LIGHT FLASH LIGHTS !!!
When driving late at night you’ll need to park your car in a lot and walk a short distance into the Star gazing field. Red light Flash Lights !!!
You probably already know that that park is the darkest area along the eastern seaboard. There’s zero light pollution- so you’ll see more stars EVERYWHERE. if you know a few constellations, look for them ; you’ll see double the stars when at that park.
There really aren’t meteor showers during March - but it’s still worth the trip. Hotels aren’t close- but midnight drive in that area can be pleasant / just be careful of deer and snowy road conditions. You’ll literally be in the middle of the largest forest in Pennsylvania- so make sure you’re prepared and your car is in excellent condition.
Sorry - I didn’t really speak to the hotel concern. Because I’ve always camped using a tent. It’s amazing to just roll out of a sleeping bag at 2 am and lean out of your tent and see the most amazing sky. You’ll forget that you’re In Pennsylvania