2024 total eclipse of the sun

On Monday April 8, 2024 a total eclipse of the sun will be viewable across northern New England. While such occurrences happen around the world about every 18 months, they occur at any given place, depending upon the location, only every 360 to 410 years on average.

The phase of totality - the time during which the sun is entirely blocked by the moon, and the earth is entirely in the moon’s shadow - will pass across northern Vermont and New Hampshire at about 3:30 in the afternoon.

April is mud season in New England. Trails in Vermont will be closed. Mountaintop environments are very fragile at this time of year. Conditions on both mountaintops and in the backcountry in general will be unpredictable and may be dangerous. We urge visitors and locals alike to seek out eclipse viewing events in cities and towns, and avoid the backcountry during this transitional time.

A limited number of Vermont State Parks will be open during the eclipse. These locations will have open parking areas and port-a-potties. However, please be aware that as the eclipse falls outside of the VT State Park's usual season, the permanent bathroom facilities will still be closed. These parks include:

Below are details to help you maximize your eclipse viewing experience in Vermont or New Hampshire, without endangering yourself of adversely impacting the natural resources and trails we all love.

If you have additional questions about viewing the eclipse in Vermont, visit the Vermont eclipse website. For more information about viewing the eclipse in NH, view these tips from Visit New Hampshire. 

Credit: Chloe Miller

consider ACCESS

Trails

• Trails are closed in early April to protect them from damage. When hikers walk on saturated soils, they cause soil compaction and erosion as well as damage to the trail and surrounding vegetation.
• High elevation trails are particularly susceptible to damage in early April. People should not plan to hike to mountaintops to view the eclipse.

Parking

• Many parking areas are not plowed in the winter and may still be snow-covered in early April. People should not expect all parking areas to be open.
• Do not block trailheads, driveways, or access roads. Leave room for others and make sure emergency vehicles can get through.

Access Roads

• Many access roads are also unplowed and some are used as snowmobile trails in the winter. People should not expect to use Google Maps to navigate to remote locations, particularly in state forests and National Forest. If you see a gate or a sign indicating that a road is closed, turn around!
• Visitors may encounter closed gates at state parks and state forests and wildlife management areas.
• Many more access roads are gravel and may be muddy in April.

Parking

• Many parking areas are not plowed in the winter and may still be snow-covered in early April. People should not expect all parking areas to be open.
• Do not block trailheads, driveways, or access roads. Leave room for others and make sure emergency vehicles can get through.

Services

• Services, such as bathrooms, garbage cans, and running water, that are available at many state parks in the summer will not be available in April.

Wildlife Management Areas and Access Areas

• Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and Fishing Access Areas are not meant or managed for high visitation. Visitors should not plan to use these areas to view the eclipse.

Camping

• Some State Parks may be open for camping while others will not. More information will be available on the Vermont State Parks website as decisions are made.
• Never cut live trees for campfires. Burn only dead and downed wood, or purchase camp wood locally.
• In some areas, there may be high fire danger in April. Make sure to check the fire danger before making a fire. Only build fires in safe locations away from any debris that could burn.

Trash and waste disposal

• Pack it in, Pack it out. Please remove all trash and leave the area better than you found it.

be safe

Ice

• Ice conditions will be variable in early April. People should not plan to view the eclipse from frozen or partially frozen waterbodies.
• If waterbodies are open, the water will be very cold.
• If planning to view the eclipse from a boat or canoe, follow all recommendations for safe boating.

High Elevations

• In April, conditions in the valleys may be spring-like, but winter conditions, including ice, snow and frigid temperatures, persist at high elevations. Furthermore, after a long winter, the alpine plants and soil are particularly susceptible to damage in the spring.

Weather

• Weather conditions are variable in April. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, one day can bring- wind, rain, snow, ice, mud, etc. Even if the weather forecast looks good, bring extra layers in case the forecast changes while you are out.

Emergency Services

• There is risk involved when visiting remote areas, especially when Vermont isexpecting many visitors. Search and rescue may take many hours or may not be available. Be prepared for self-rescue if you venture out into the backcountry.

Credit: F. Keating

protect Natural Resources

• Many fragile areas, like wetlands and high elevations, are particularly vulnerable in April. People should avoid wet or damp areas.
• April is also a difficult month for many wildlife species. If people encounter wildlife, they should keep their distance and leave the area.