Cherry Springs and Lyman Run State Parks are pleased to offer the following winter programs for December 2024 and January 2025. Come out to stargaze, walk, or learn about animals in winter! All programs listed are free. Registration isn’t required for in-person activities, but you can sign up to receive a weather update a few days before the program. Register using the links below. Email Susan at sschenck@pa.gov or call 814-435-5010 ext. 2 with any further questions.

Cherry Springs State Park Programs – December 2024

In-person programs –Registration optional

Saturday, December 14 – Full Moon Walk or Snowshoe

7 PM – 8 PM – Park in the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field Lot

Take a moonlit evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape. Join a park educator for a 1.5 mile walk along level ground on the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. Snowshoes will be available as conditions and attendance allow.  Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. Telescopes available if conditions are favorable.  After the hike, sip on warm hot chocolate or tea by a fire in the historic CCC pavilion.

Saturday, December 21 – Nature Journaling and Tea

10 AM – 11:30 AM – Historic CCC Pavilion 

Unwind from a stressful December by spending time in nature. Go on a short walk for inspiration, then return to the fireside to practice nature journaling while sipping on warm tea and hot chocolate.  No experience or artistic talent needed. Materials provided or bring your own. Intended for adults and teens. Note that program takes place in a historic pavilion, while there are walls and a cozy fireplace, there is no central heat.  

Saturday, December 28 – Year End Stargazing Stroll

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Night Sky Public Viewing Area 

Wrap up 2024 with a starry evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape. Join the park educator for a 1.5 mile walk along level ground in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Snowshoes will be available as conditions allow. Telescopes available if conditions are favorable. Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. Program will end by 7:30 PM, leaving time for all your Saturday night plans.  All ages. Please wear warm clothes and sturdy winter boots. No pre-registration required, all ages.

Online programs – Must Register to Receive a Link

Tuesday, December 3 – Planning Your Winter Stargazing Trip

6 PM – 7 PM – Online on Microsoft Teams

Perfect for helping out-of-town friends and family plan a visit to marvel at some of the darkest skies in the eastern US. Learn what visitors need to know before visiting Cherry Springs State Park this winter, including important park construction updates!  This program will cover how to plan an evening stargazing, what parts of the park to visit, places to stay, and how to prepare for Potter County winter weather. This program is designed for first-time or novice stargazers, looking to visit the park from December – March. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. 

Wednesday, December 18 – Night Skies Through the Seasons

6 PM – 7 PM – Online on Microsoft Teams

What’s in the night sky this time of year? Let’s find out! We’ll go over prominent planets, stars, constellations and more. The presentation focuses on the night sky objects visible for the month from December 2024 to February 2025 and is designed for first-time or novice stargazers.

Lyman Run State Park Programs – January 2025

In-person programs –Registration optional

Wednesday, January 1 – First Day Hike

1 PM – 3 PM – Meet at Parking Lot by the Dam

Hike length: approx. 3 miles, hilly terrain

Get out on the first day of the year! Join a park educator and our knowledgeable long-time park volunteers and explore the Lyman Run Trail. It’s great opportunity to get outside in the colder months to see the winter beauty of Lyman Run. Be preparedwith water-resistant hiking boots, traction devices, hiking poles/sticks, and water. A limited number of boot traction devices may be available to borrow.  This hike is brought to you by a partnership with the Friends of Lyman Run State Park.

Saturday, January 4 – Animals in Winter

2 PM – 3 PM – Meet at the Schott Pavilion in Daggett Run Day Use Area

Learn how animals stay warm on chilly winter days, then see who can build the warmest a habitat for an overwintering animal. Program is all outside,please wear warm winter boots, gloves or mittens, and your winter coats. Perfect for school-age kids and their families.

To register for Cherry Springs programs, visit: https://bit.ly/CherrySpringsPrograms

To register for Lyman Run programs, visit: https://bit.ly/LymanRunPrograms