Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that seven State Park campgrounds in New York will open early in April 2024 to accommodate visitors who want to witness a rare total solar eclipse. The eclipse is expected to pass over Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks, and an influx of visitors is anticipated in these regions. By opening the campgrounds early, the state aims to provide people with the opportunity to experience this celestial event in the natural beauty of New York.
Reservations for a total of 335 campsites, cottages, and cabins across eight counties in western, central, and northern New York will become available starting the week of July 3, 2023. The eclipse is set to occur on April 8, 2024, and will trace a narrow path of totality across 15 U.S. states, including parts of western and upstate New York. Visitors with reservations for the night of April 8 will have a check-out time of 11:00 a.m. the following morning, allowing them to avoid traffic and enjoy the attractions of the region after the eclipse.
Governor Hochul encourages those interested in witnessing the eclipse to reserve their spots early. The solar eclipse in 2024 is a unique opportunity as the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. will not occur until August 2044.
New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid emphasizes that visitors will not only have the chance to witness this awe-inspiring cosmic display but also enjoy the early spring beauty of the state parks. Enhancing accommodation options aligns with the state’s commitment to providing an enhanced experience for visitors.
To ensure a safe viewing experience, it is crucial to take proper precautions. Looking directly at the sun without specialized eye protection, except during the brief total phase of the eclipse, can cause severe eye injury. Viewing the partial phases of the solar eclipse requires specialized solar viewing glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for protecting the eyes during the eclipse.
The total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. People within the path of totality, where the moon’s shadow covers the sun entirely, will experience a total solar eclipse, with the sky becoming dark as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, viewers along the path of totality may be able to observe the sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere that is typically hidden by the sun’s brightness.
By offering early campground accommodations and promoting safety during the eclipse, Governor Hochul and the state government are ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors can make the most of this extraordinary celestial event while enjoying the natural wonders of New York State.