NAME ROUTE 44 'BLACK SKY PIKE'?

In its day, the "Coudersport and Jersey Shore Turnpike" was a prominent road that carried motorists through the so-called Black Forest to link Potter County with the Clinton County communities of Jersey Shore or Lock Haven.

That name for Rt. 44 and a parallel section of Rt. 664 has faded over the years, although the link from Lock Haven north to Haneyville is still called the "Coudersport Pike" in that region.

Now, there's a move afoot to rename the road in an effort to draw tourists. The plan, unveiled by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners, is to have the highway designated as "Black Sky Pike."

It's the brainchild of Commissioner Tom Bossert, in recognition of the area's growing reputation as a mecca for professional astronomers, stargazing hobbyists, and everyone else who enjoys viewing the night sky.

"If you look at an aerial photograph of the United States, the darkest sky in the U.S. begins in Lock Haven and follows the Coudersport Pike to Cherry Springs clear to Coudersport," Bossert said.

Clinton County Planner Tim Holladay was directed to contact Potter and Lycoming County officials to build support for the plan. An official name change to Black Sky Pike would have to be approved by the Pa. General Assembly.