For the first time in 7 years, a total solar eclipse will cut a path across North America on April 8th 2024, offering an unforgettable astronomical spectacle. This is a special event that is broadcast across the world on TV and social media by those lucky enough to be in the path of the eclipse. Thousands of tourists will flock to the towns and cities where the shadow of the moon will be cast.
While these towns are a special way to experience a potential once-in-a-lifetime event, a few people will travel to the more wild places to immerse themselves in nature as the patch of earth descends into momentary darkness.
The milky way visible in total darkness above granite rocksIf you’re planning a more adventurous viewing of the eclipse, check out this list of trail recommendations that you can find on HiiKER. We have broken these down by state.
Texas
Big Bend National park, TX- Lemons Ridge Pass trail: This easy to moderate route takes you along Lemon Ridge in San Saba county, TX. There is no big climbs here, so you can just enjoy the sensations of the Eclipse around you!
- Dog Canyon trail: A simple out and back trail with some small amounts of climbing. The desert landscape here offers a unique way to experience the eclipse while hiking.
- Juniper Canyon Trail: This is a more advanced hike and should only be done by someone with a good level of experience (especially in an eclipse). The views from the top of Townsend point are worth it!
Oklahoma
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: The Elk Mountain Trail is an easy hike with broad views of the sky.
- Oklahoma City River Trails: This urban trail system offers easy access and flat, unobstructed viewing.
- Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area: The Yellow Trail offers moderate hiking with scenic overlooks.
Arkansas
- Upper Dogwood trail: This easy loop near Hot springs is the perfect vantage point for the eclipse.
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park: The East Summit Trail is steep but short, leading to panoramic views.
- Hobbs State Park: The Pigeon Roost Trail is easy and offers great viewing spots.
Missouri
- Elephant Rocks State Park: An easy, wheelchair-accessible trail offers broad views.
- Herucles glades wilderness loop: This 16 mile loop is not particularly challenging (despite the distance). You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the experience of the wildlife around you.
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park: The Shut-Ins Trail is an easy walk leading to expansive viewing areas.
Illinois
- Shawnee National Forest: The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is an easy hike with wide views.
- Starved Rock State Park: The River Trail offers moderate hiking and great viewing spots.
- Ferne Clyffe State Park: The Round Bluff Nature Preserve offers easy hiking and clear viewing.
Vermont
Southern view from White Rocks Mountain, Vermont- Battell Trail: The Battell trail leads to the summit of Mount Abraham, gaining you access to 360 degree views.
- Camel’s Hump State Park: The Monroe Trail provides a challenging yet rewarding hike, culminating in a summit with 360-degree views.
- Dorset mountain trail: As the name suggests, this trail takes you to the summit of Dorset mountain for the perfect view point for the eclipse.
New Hampshire
- Mount Monadnock State Park: The White Dot Trail, while steep, is quite popular due to the stunning views it offers from the top.
- Franconia Notch State Park: The Falling Waters Trail provides a moderate hike with multiple open areas to view the sky.
- Crawford Notch State Park: The Arethusa Falls Trails is an easier trek leading to a beautiful waterfall, but it also has clear areas for viewing the sky.
Maine
- Acadia National Park: The Cadillac South Ridge Trail is a moderate hike leading to the highest point on the eastern seaboard – a fantastic spot to view the eclipse.
- Mount Battie State Park: The Mount Battie Trail is an easy, short trek with a great summit view over the ocean.
- Baxter State Park: The Chimney Pond Trail offers a moderate hike with open, clear views of the sky.
New York
- Mount Marcy via Van Hoevenberg Trail: As the highest point in New York, the peak of Mount Marcy would be an exceptional place to view the eclipse. The Van Hoevenberg Trail is a moderately difficult hike, but the spectacular views from the summit are well worth the effort.
- Slide Mountain Wilderness, Catskills: The Curtis-Ormsbee Trail is a less traveled path up to the summit of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills. The trail offers several clearings with unobstructed views of the sky, perfect for eclipse viewing.
- Breakneck Ridge Trail, Hudson Highlands: This challenging trail offers panoramic views of the Hudson River and Storm King Mountain. The numerous bald spots along the trail would provide excellent vantage points for the eclipse.
There are thousands more trails along the path of the eclipse to choose from. To find the perfect trail for you, check out the HiiKER explore map.
Safety Tips for Eclipse Viewing:
Watching a solar eclipse is a thrilling experience, but it’s essential to do it safely. Here are some safety tips:
- Use Proper Eye Protection: Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays during an eclipse. You must use special eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standards.
- Don’t Look Directly at the Sun: Before and after totality, when the moon completely covers the sun, don’t look directly at the sun without appropriate eye protection.
- No Unfiltered Cameras, Telescopes, or Binoculars: These devices concentrate the sun’s rays and can cause serious eye injury. If you want to use them, make sure they are fitted with a certified solar filter.
- Watch Out for Wildlife: During a total eclipse, it will become dark, and nocturnal animals may become active. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Download your maps for offline use: Heading out on a hike is reason enough to make sure you have a map available offline. Adding in an eclipse is cause for absolute certainty you’ll know where you are. With HiiKER, you can download maps to your phone for offline use for free.
Remember to plan your hike around the timing of the eclipse and ensure you have proper safety equipment for viewing.
