Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing

Location of Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia

Where

Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Rd., Huddleston, VA 24104.
Discovery Center Pavilion

When

April 8, 2024. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Come on out to the lake and be a part of this rare and amazing celestial event! On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

From our vantage point we will get to witness only a partial solar eclipse of about 85% coverage. Solar eclipses should never be viewed directly with the human eye, so eye protection for viewing the eclipse is a must. A limited number of free safety glasses will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis; other glasses can be purchased for $1.

The start time for the eclipse will vary by location. For Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Huddleston, VA, it will begin at 1:57 p.m., peak at 3:15 p.m., and end at 4:29 p.m. Please join our park interpreter at the Discovery Center Pavilion between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for answers to eclipse-related questions and fun astronomy activities.

Bring a chair or blanket to sit on for a more comfortable viewing time as the entire event of the eclipse lasts over two hours. The next solar eclipse visible from the US won’t be until 2044, so don’t miss out. The event is free but regular parking fees apply.

Solar Eclipse Viewing

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-297-6066
Email Address: smlake@dcr.virginia.gov