Total solar eclipse expected in parts of USA on April 8

A total solar eclipse will cross the United States on April 8, 2024, in a path from Texas through Maine and passing through five national forests. 

This will be my third total solar eclipse as a Forest Service owl. The previous two were in 1979 and 2017. After this year’s eclipse, we will not see another total solar eclipse in the United States for 20 years—in 2044. For many, the 2024 eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

It’s important to plan ahead. The path of totality – the area where the moon will completely block out the sunlight – will draw millions of people to experience it. Here are six eclipse tips for a safe and enjoyable solar eclipse viewing experience on national forests and grasslands.

Eclipse Tip 1: Know before you go.

It’s a good idea to know exactly where you are going and how to get there. Also, arrive early so you can be set up and comfortable for the big event! 

National forests and grasslands in the ‘April 8, 2024, path of totality’ with approximate local times include:

• Caddo National Grassland, Texas 1:40 – 1:55 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas, Oklahoma 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Arkansas 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri 1:50 – 2:05 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Shawnee National Forest, Illinois 1:55 – 2:10 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Hoosier National Forest, Indiana 3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

These national forests are large. The solar eclipse path of totality may only pass over a portion of the forest. Check the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse through the eyes of NASA map. Each of the forests listed has a link to its main web page for more local information.

National Forests just south of the path of totality – where viewers may camp or visit before and after the eclipse – include the Allegheny National Forest in New York, Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest in Vermont, and White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire.

Woodsy recommends learning about the recreation rules, restrictions, fees, and passes that may be required to access and use certain parts of the forest you plan to visit. Woodsy says these rules are in place to protect habitat, wildlife, natural and cultural resources, and you. For more information about visiting and recreation on national forests, go to fs.usda.gov and search for the know before you go page.