• Three kids sitting on the balcony, hunter View State Park, sunset.

Above: Local residents Angelina, Nichole, and Levi gather at the overlook to witness the day’s final moments of light. They gave us some great insight about the surrounding area and provided valuable information on other photography destinations. Thanks!

HYNER VIEW STATE PARK PHOTOGRAPHY SPOT

AND GLAMPING

Calling all stargazers, solitude seekers, and wilderness enthusiasts: for those yearning to escape the everyday chaos, this area offers the perfect secluded sanctuary and photography location. 

The area, including all accommodations mentioned below—from our Featured Glampground and vacation rentals—enjoys pristine Bortle Scale 2 night skies, where stars shine with remarkable clarity and brilliance.  This is a top Milky Way photography location. But the skies clouded up when we went out, so sorry, we do not have the perfect Milky Way shot at Hyner View State Park.

Article is not AI generated. We traveled here showing Pamela Goodyer and her camera.

We managed to get one Milky Way shot before the cloudy skies arrived at Green Acres Glampground. Then the skies were so full we didn’t go to the overlook.  

THE DARKEST SKIES IN THE COUNTRY

For those unfamiliar with astrophotography terminology, a Bortle 2 rating represents near-pristine darkness—second only to the most remote locations on Earth. While Cherry Springs State Park boasts similar darkness levels, Hyner View offers its own unique celestial panorama. The park’s overlook provides an ideal vantage point for photographing the Milky Way’s ethereal ribbon against the night sky. However, nature occasionally intervenes—as it did during our visit, when gathering clouds veiled the cosmic display we had hoped to photograph. We did not get the shot. This is an incredible fall foliage location, and maybe we can return in October and try again.

HYNER VIEW PARK PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION

WHEN TO GO

This location is good in all seasons—verdant and fragrant in spring, sun-drenched and vibrant in summer, awash with fiery colors in autumn. Even winter has its charm, though the narrow mountain roads can become treacherous ribbons of ice when heavy snowfall blankets the area.

Optimal Visit: Milky Way Season during Milky Way Week and in the fall.

Time of Day to Photograph: Sunset is good, and so is nighttime for Milky Way shots. The road stays open so you have access at night.

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

Along with your wide-angle lens, of course, bring your zoom lens. You will find birds, including an eagle, at this location if you are lucky.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING

  • Organic sunscreen (sunscreen is a cancer-causer; the more it bakes into your skin, the more carcinogenic it gets).
  • Hiking boots
  • Water and Snacks
  • Bug repellent

WHERE IS HYNER VIEW STATE PARK LOCATED?

Hyner View State Park is located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Sproul State Forest, approximately 25 miles southwest of Renovo in Clinton County. Perched atop a dramatic mountain ridge at an elevation of 1,949 feet, this relatively small 6-acre park offers some of the nicest vistas in the area. The panoramic view stretches for nearly 30 miles across the West Branch Susquehanna River valley, presenting photographers with an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty throughout the seasons. The park’s primary draw is its magnificent overlook.

Milky Way in Heinerview State Park.

GREEN ACRES GLAMPGROUND

(PHOTO FROM A SPOT NEAR THE STREET)

We discovered the Mountain View glamping site at the foot of Hyner View Mountain, it’s 20 acres stretching alongside the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Walking the property’s winding paths, we found ourselves surrounded by pure serenity. You can see our shot on the water above. And here, our only shot of the night before the clouds rolled in. DETAILS BELOW.

Looking East S NW on my phone.

After carefully surveying the terrain, we selected the Overlook at Hyner View State Park as our ideal vantage point for photographing the Milky Way. The image shown here reveals the composition we had meticulously planned—a perfect alignment of landscape and celestial wonder. Despite checking weather forecasts and preparing thoroughly, an unexpected bank of clouds drifted across our canvas just as darkness fell. Such is the unpredictable beauty of outdoor photography; even the most detailed preparations must ultimately bow to nature’s whims.

    GREEN ACRES GLAMPGROUND NEAR HYNER VIEW S.P.

    A short drive from Hyner View State Park reveals an excellent location for overnight visitors: a luxury glamping retreat beneath some of Pennsylvania’s darkest skies. The tranquil setting offers rare serenity, while astronomers and photographers treasure the Bortle Scale 2 designation—perfect for photographing the Milky Way’s celestial splendor in all its glory or relaxing under the stars.

    GREEN ACRES GLAMPGROUND WEBSITE

    The location proved ideal—just minutes from Hyner View’s panoramic overlooks and Clinton County’s extensive trail networks.

    WE ARE PUTTING THIS LOCATION UP FOR OUR MOST COMFORTABLE MATTRESS OF THE YEAR AWARD.

    You can BOOK YOUR GLAMPING SPOT HERE.

    HOTELS/AIR-B-&-B

    Located next to the glamping, beneath the celestial canopy, is a fully-equipped rental for those seeking creature comforts. This cozy retreat features a private bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchen. As night falls, guests gather around the stone firepit, where dancing flames complement the extraordinary stellar display overhead—a rare East Coast vantage point for experiencing the night sky in its unfiltered brilliance.

    BOOK YOUR RENTAL HERE.

    RESTAURANTS

    The Lion’s Den, according to all of the locals and the group in the featured image above, is the best place in town to eat. It is directly across the street from Green Acres Glampground. They are open every day from 12 to 9 p.m. It is a family-owned restaurant offering good food in Hyner, Pennsylvania.

    We spoke to Hayleigh, who served us and provided outstanding service, also sharing the history behind The Lion’s Den’s name.

    9427 Renovo Rd (Rt 120), Hyner, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
    (570) 923-1980
    FACEBOOK PAGE – You can view the menu here.

     WEATHER

    Click here to check out the weather in Hyner View State Park

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