Searching for a Dark Sky in Our Home State
Seeing the Milky Way and millions of stars has always been on Justin’s and my bucket list, but we never expected to cross it off so close to home! One clear summer night in northern Pennsylvania, surrounded by trees and zero light pollution, we finally saw that incredible ribbon of stars stretching across the sky!
We had been wanting to go stargazing for ages, and while Cherry Springs State Park seemed ideal, but they don’t allow dogs. We love bringing Denali along on our local travels, so we looked for an alternative. Justin found Lyman Run State Park, just 8 miles from Cherry Springs, with pet-friendly campsites. It was a bit out of our comfort zone, but we decided to camp overnight, and it was worth it!
LYMAN RUN STATE PARK
We stayed at site #22, perfect for stargazing since it was set back with an open sky view. The campground was clean, well-maintained, and had convenient bathroom facilities. One lesson learned, if we’d walked to Lyman Lake, we’d have had an even more expansive view, but Denali was uneasy in the dark, so we stayed at the campsite.
Tips for a Successful Stargazing Trip:
1. Know the Sunset Times
We left around 3:00 PM, thinking we’d have plenty of time to set up, grab dinner, and get ready for stargazing. However, we got sidetracked by elk sightings and finding a place to eat. We ended up racing the setting sun to set up our car for camping. Also, once it got dark, our flashlights and car lights attracted bugs, adding another challenge to getting set up.
2. Plan for an Early Dinner
Food options near the state park are limited, with many places closing by 7 PM. We found Perma Stone Inn in Galeton, PA. They had delicious food, huge portions, and outdoor seating for Denali!
3. Check the Moon Phases
We lucked out with a moonrise around 11:00 PM. From 9 to 11 PM, the sky was breathtaking, with the Milky Way stretching overhead. Once the moon rose, the stars faded. So make sure you know what time the moon will rise and the phase of the moon during your visit! A new moon is best for stargazing!
4. Know the Weather
A clear sky is a must for stargazing! Fortunately, I had that covered! If you want the most accurate forecast, check out
Wxshield.com/weather or the National Weather Service’s forecast at
www.weather.gov.
5. Bring a Red Light Flashlight
It takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark. To set up equipment or navigate safely, red lights are the way to go. They preserve your night vision while still providing enough light to see. It’s also best to put away your phone or tablets. Even a quick glance at your phone can ruin your night vision and make it harder to fully enjoy the starry sky.
6. Don’t Forget a Tripod
Even if you’re just using an iPhone, a tripod makes a huge difference. With a tripod, my iPhone allowed for 30-second long-exposure shots, capturing brilliant, detailed images of the night sky. Without the tripod, I was limited to just 10-15 seconds, and the results weren’t nearly as impressive.
Bonus: Elk on our drive!
Something we didn’t expect on our drive to Lyman Run State Park was spotting elk along the way! Visiting Elk County and the Elk Country Visitor Center is on our PA travel bucket list, but we haven’t made it there yet, so it was such a treat to see elk crossing the road. We ended up running a little behind getting to our campsite because we couldn’t help but stop and watch them for a while!
Overall, Lyman Run State Park delivered an unforgettable stargazing experience. While we picked up a few helpful tips along the way, the clear sky and stunning views made it all worthwhile. We can’t wait to head back for more night-sky adventures this summer!
Have you been to Cherry Springs State Park or Lyman Run State Park? I’d love to see your stargazing photos!
Wx Shield 
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