Due to its exceptionally dark skies, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best places in the eastern U.S. for stargazing. Situated at 700 m above sea level in the largely undeveloped 106,000 hectare Susquehannock State Forest, the Park’s “Astronomy Field” offers an unobstructed 360-degree view.   Night sky enthusiasts flock to the park for its dark skies which are famous for great views of the Milky Way, planets, and hard-to-see astronomical objects and phenomena. 

• Travel dates are September 23 - 25, 2022
• Travel time is approximately 4 hours (plus or minus) from the Philadelphia area
• Trip includes - two nights accommodations; 1 dinner on Friday night, light breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and a light lunch on Saturday.   Covered Wagon Tour through the PA Grand Canyon, transportation to and from Coudersport and Saturday activities; stargazing event with an astronomer.
• Each person will have their own bed, but there may be more than one bed in each room.
• All bedrooms are on the 2nd floor.
• There are two full bathrooms on the second floor and one half bath on the first floor.
• There is only one private room, one semi private room (2 beds) and the third room has 3 beds.    Please see the drop down on the reservation platform for pricing.  I will be sleeping on the futon on the first floor.
• Linens and towels are included.
• Bring your own snacks
• Bring your own beverages - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic - water and coffee will be included.
• Dinner on Saturday will be at a local restaurant - each person will be responsible for their own tab
• Event is non-refundable -  there will be no refunds for inclement weather - The event is refundable in the event that the Wanderbug Travel Club cancels the event.  In the event that there is a  waitlist I will help you to facilitate finding a replacement guest to take you spot but it is not guaranteed that a replacement will be available.
• At least one meet and greet dinner will be held prior to the weekend so that guests are not meeting each other for the first time on the day the trip begins.

 Welcome to Southwoods Lodge where you will enjoy a beautiful quiet setting near Cherry Springs Dark Skies and an abundance of other local activities & attractions. The lodge offers full amenities in a clean, spacious, and homelike atmosphere making it an experience, rather than just a stay.

The space

Open first floor layout includes a spacious dining area and kitchen that is fully stocked with cookware, crock-pot, large griddle, coffee maker, dinner ware, towels, dishwasher and microwave. 

There is a 1/2 bath on the first floor.

The second floor features a full bathroom (tub/shower) accessed in the common hallway.

Bedroom 1 has a queen bed and a double size bunk bed.  The second full bath is accessed through this room and it features a claw foot tub equipped with a shower. 

Bedroom 2 has a double bed and is accessed through bedroom 1. 

Bedroom 3 has three queen beds. All stationary beds are made and ready for your arrival.

There is an ample amount of bath towels & wash cloths stocked for your use. Washer & dryer use is included with your stay. The large decks are great for relaxing, viewing the abundant wildlife and stars. The road used for accessing the lodge is open to registered ATVs and snowmobiles and connect to a network of roads/trails designated for their use. The lodge is located near Susquehannock State Forest giving you access to thousands of acres to hike, bike, take walks, hunt, fish, or just enjoy wildlife.

Guest access

board & table games, 3 bicycles, lawn chairs, additional folding tables & chairs, fire pit & firewood 

5:00 pm - Arrive at lodge and get unpacked and settled

6:30 pm - Welcome Dinner

Menu:

Chicken Parm

Penne Ala Vodka

Green Beans

Italian Salad

Garlic Knots

Smore's by the fire for dessert!

8:00 pm - Enjoy a relaxing evening getting to know one another by the campfire.  We'll make smore's, share funny stories and get to know each other better.  

 8 am - 11 am - Enjoy a leisurely continental breakfast and quiet time alone or with friends - read a book, journal, explore local trails...or sleep in!  It's your time to do with as you please! 

11:30 am - Depart for PA Grand Canyon

12:30 pm -   Take a tour through the wondrous Pennsylvania Grand Canyon on a horse-drawn covered wagon. The tour guides are fluent in the history of the Canyon going back to the 19th century. They will tell the tale while the horses wind their way on the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Take a jump into history while enjoying everything the canyon has to offer.  

5:00 pm - Depart lodge for dinner the Hotel Crittenden Tap Room

 Each guest will be responsible for paying their own tab at the restaurant. 

Check out the menu here:

http://www.hotelcrittenden.com/index.php/restaurant-and-taproom

7:30 pm -  Night Time Sky Tour with an Astronomer

The first half of the Night Sky Tour consists of a laser-guided tour of the constellations. Beginning in the northern area of the sky and continuing on in a complete circle, we will explore the most common constellations. Depending on viewing conditions at the site, some of the lesser-known constellations will also be pointed out. Under clear skies we should easily be able to view and identify 15-20 constellations during the evening. The descriptions and stories surrounding these patterns in the night sky are presented in a manner that is suitable for participants of all ages. This section of the program is approximately 45-60 minutes in length. 

The second half of the program consists of viewing Deep Space Objects (DSO’s) such as planets, galaxies, nebulae, open and globular clusters through the telescope. To increase the viewing experience, a video camera specifically designed for astronomy will be used in conjunction with the telescope. Participants will be able to view in real time, color images of the Deep Space Objects projected through 19-inch monitors. This section of the program is approximately 45-60 minutes long.

11 am Checkout - After breakfast, we pack up our belongings and head back home.