09/24/2026
🌌 Look Up! It’s Fall Astronomy Week in PA Parks! 🍂✨
Autumn brings crisp night air, earlier sunsets, and some of the clearest, most spectacular views of the night sky all year. Whether you’re hoping to catch the core of the Milky Way, spot distant constellations, or watch for meteor showers, Pennsylvania’s state parks offer front-row seats to the cosmos.
Here are some of the top spots across the Commonwealth to roll out a blanket and stargaze this fall:
✨ Cherry Springs State Park (Potter County)
The undisputed crown jewel of East Coast stargazing. As a designated International Dark Sky Park perched high on the Allegheny Plateau, Cherry Springs offers an unobstructed, 360-degree view where thousands of stars—and even the shadow cast by the Milky Way—are visible to the naked eye.
✨ French Creek State Park (Berks & Chester Counties)
An ideal spot for stargazers in Southeastern PA. Nestled inside the largest block of contiguous forest between New York City and Washington, D.C., French Creek offers a peaceful escape from urban light pollution.
✨ Laurel Hill State Park (Somerset County)
Tucked into the Laurel Highlands of Western PA, this park features dark, clear skies over the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake—perfect for catching stellar reflections off the water.
✨ Lyman Run State Park (Potter County)
Surrounded by the deep wilderness of the Susquehannock State Forest, Lyman Run boasts near-zero light pollution and dark skies that rival its neighbor, Cherry Springs, with a fraction of the crowd.
🔦 Quick Stargazing Tips for Your Night Out:
▶️Use Red Flashlights: Cover white lights with red cellophane or use a red headlamp mode to preserve night vision (it takes about 15–20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark!).
▶️Dress Warm: Fall temperatures drop quickly after dark, especially at higher elevations—pack extra layers, blankets, and a warm thermos.
▶️Check the Moon Phase: Plan your trip around the New Moon for the darkest skies and brightest stars.
