Coudersport Pike may be renamed Black Sky Pike

Proposed change seen as helping with area’s tourism

By SCOTT JOHNSON — sjohnson@lockhaven.com
LOCK HAVEN — Black Sky Pike?

If the Clinton County commissioners get their way, that’s going to be the new name for Coudersport Pike.

The commissioners unanimously approved a motion Thursday, suggesting to the state that the Coudersport Pike — or Route 664 which runs from Lock Haven to Coudersport — be renamed Black Sky Pike in an effort to increase tourism.

Commissioner Tom Bossert advocated the idea, saying that stretch of roadway is known as one of the best places along the East Coast to gaze at the stars at night because of its darkness and remoteness.

The name would also tie into the theme of Cherry Springs State Park near Galeton, which is Pennsylvania’s first Dark Sky Park. That 48-acre state park in the Susquehannock State Forest is known by astronomers as one of the best places along the East Coast for stargazing because of its exceptionally dark skies and lack of ambient light.

“You can see things at that location in the sky which is almost impossible anywhere else in the East Coast,” Bossert said. “If you look at an aerial photograph of the United States, the darkest sky begins in Lock Haven and follows the Coudersport Pike to Cherry Springs clear to Coudersport.

“It’s very unique on the East Coast and it is being advocated by the PA Wilds that those people who look at stars that this is the place to be in Pennsylvania,” he continued.

County Planner Tim Holladay said state tourism officials are continuing to promote the dark skies along the Coudersport Pike to Cherry Springs State Park.

The commissioners voted to instruct Holladay to confer with Lycoming and Potter County officials and suggest they also promote the name change.

Route 664 is a state road and, as such, will need to be renamed by the state Legislature, according to PennDOT spokesman Steve Chizmar.

One concern is the limited amount of area where motorists can pull off along the Coudersport Pike to gaze at the stars. Bossert said the county may make the former Springer schoolhouse, along the Coudersport Pike in Gallagher Township, a stargazing location.

In addition, Bossert said the county may want to enact an ordinance that controls the area’s “viewscapes” in order to protect the dark skies in the area.