7 U.S. Parks Offering Stunning Views of Totality for the April Solar Eclipse

Combining the solar eclipse on April 8 with the expansive beauty of a state or national park is an obvious choice. After all, what could be more magnificent than witnessing a celestial event amidst nature's breathtaking landscapes?

In the U.S., two national parks—Hot Springs National Park and Cuyahoga Valley National Park—along with over 100 state parks, will lie in the path of totality as it travels through Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

If you’re preparing for the 2024 solar eclipse and need destination ideas, here are seven top state and national parks perfect for experiencing the phenomenon.

1. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Among the smallest national parks in the U.S., Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is also among the luckiest: it will be one of only two national parks to experience totality (when the moon fully obscures the sun, plunging the sky into darkness). To enjoy the best views, the 5,550-acre park features over 25 miles of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, from the easy 1.7-mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail to the challenging 10-mile Sunset Trail. Afterward, treat yourself to the area's thermal waters at the two bathhouses downtown. If you'd prefer to save the stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains for later, Hot Springs offers its own events and concerts to celebrate the eclipse.

2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, situated in northeastern Ohio, ranks among the most popular national parks in the U.S.; it was the ninth most-visited in 2022. This park is poised to experience a substantial duration of total darkness—approximately four minutes, starting around 3:13 p.m. If you don’t want to wait until 2099 for the next total solar eclipse to cross Ohio, claim your spot during the day in the expansive 33,000-acre national park. For a picturesque eclipse viewing location, check out the 1.8-mile Oak Hill Trail or visit Beaver Marsh to see the namesake animal paddling through the wetlands.

If you enjoy scenic train rides, consider exploring the region before or after the eclipse on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s National Park Scenic Excursion.

3. Lake Wappapello State Park, Missouri

The solar eclipse in April will pass through southeastern Missouri, allowing totality to be seen in 14 of its state parks. Lake Wappapello State Park, covering 1,854 acres in Williamsville, is among them and is expected to have one of the longest durations of totality, exceeding four minutes of darkness. Nestled along the shores of the 8,400-acre reservoir, anglers can cast for crappie, bass, and catfish—particularly during April, which is peak fishing season. Experience the eclipse with scenic waterfront views from the .7-mile Lake View Trail or the 2.6-mile Asher Creek Trail.

4. Garner State Park, Texas

Texas is set to be a prime destination for eclipse enthusiasts this spring, with totality visible from major cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. The rolling landscapes of Texas’s Hill Country will offer some of the best viewing spots, including the 1,774-acre Garner State Park. With over 15 trails to discover and a 2.9-mile stretch of the Frio River perfect for leisurely floats or paddle boating, the park will experience nearly four and a half minutes of totality, providing an extended period of darkness. Beyond the eclipse, explore the charming landscapes and towns of Texas Hill Country and see why this region is among Dinogo’s top places to visit in 2024.

5. Niagara Falls State Park, New York

On April 8, make your way to the Canadian border to experience the solar eclipse at Niagara Falls State Park. As America’s oldest state park, it will enjoy nearly four minutes of totality on eclipse day, along with some scientific excitement: Starting April 4, NASA experts (including astronauts) will host free public events in the park and throughout the city during the weekend leading up to the eclipse. For viewing, the park expects Terrapin Point, Prospect Point, and Luna Island to be popular spots, although icy conditions may restrict access. There’s even a possibility to view the eclipse aboard the Maid of the Mist, weather permitting.

6. Erie Bluffs State Park, Pennsylvania

A small section of Pennsylvania’s northwest corner will witness the total solar eclipse on April 8, with four state parks experiencing totality: Presque Isle State Park, Erie Bluffs State Park, Pymatuning State Park, and Maurice K. Goddard State Park. With expected large crowds, some locations are bracing for visitors: Erie’s tourism board specifically advises against visiting Presque Isle State Park, which has only one entry and exit point. As an alternative, consider the 587-acre Erie Bluffs State Park, offering a stunning setting with wide, open coastline and 90-foot bluffs, providing about three minutes and 40 seconds of totality.

7. Niquette Bay State Park, Vermont

While Burlington, Vermont, and its surroundings are famous for their stunning fall foliage, the northern part of Vermont is an excellent spring destination as it lies in the path of totality. Just twenty minutes north of Burlington, Niquette Bay State Park serves as a hub for exploring the state and experiencing nearly three and a half minutes of totality. The 584-acre park features diverse landscapes for viewing, whether you prefer a lakeside perspective along Lake Champlain or a backdrop of the Green Mountains. Another nearby option for eclipse enthusiasts includes the ski resorts Stowe Mountain Resort and Smugglers’ Notch Resort, both within an hour’s drive from the park, offering elevated views of the event. After the eclipse, consider a 30-minute drive southeast to the charming town of Waterbury, known for its delightful culinary scene (and yes, the Ben & Jerry’s Factory is located here!).