Best Stargazing Spots in Pennsylvania

With everyone stuck at home, looking for entertainment and a way out, the best thing we can do right now is plan for future trips. One easy way to make that happen sooner rather than later is by spending some quality time in the great outdoors.

One destination East Coasters can easily look to is Pennsylvania. With so many rural cities where light pollution rarely affects the night sky, it’s perfect for stargazing.

Take your family on a road trip through Pennsylvania to observe beautiful night skies with this list of the best places to stargaze in the state:

Sara’s Campground, Lake Erie

Located along the shores of Lake Erie, Sara’s Campground is a perfect home base for family summer camping. Spend the day splashing and playing around the lake, relaxing on the beach and exploring the surrounding Presque Isle State Park. When it’s time for night fall, watch the sunset reflect over the beautiful lake, then stick around to observe the stars. There will be no trees in the way, and that provides the best stargazing experiences.

Cherry Springs State Park

Cherry Springs State Park is located in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, a small town on the cusp of the state border. Coudersport has little light pollution, allowing for the skies to get exceptionally dark at night, making it perfect for stargazing — it’s one of the darkest places on the East Coast. The Park’s Astronomy Field is the place to go, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of thousands of stars and constellations.

Cherry Springs State Park Photo: Michael Ver Sprill | Dreamstime.com

Ohiopyle State Park

Although Ohiopyle State Park is mostly known for some of the best whitewater rafting on the coast, the night’s dark skies make it a great place to stargaze. Go whitewater rafting during the day then camp overnight under the stars. Plan to take the guided star tour where you can learn how to identify some constellations while hearing the stories behind them.