Viewing the solar eclipse at Virginia State Parks

Mark your calendars for April 8 as Virginia State Parks prepare to host an extraordinary event: the solar eclipse. With 42 unique parks scattered across the state, you can find the perfect spot to witness the breathtaking convergence of the sun, the moon and the Earth.

Countdown to the eclipse

Where to watch

The next solar eclipse that will be visible in the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044, so you don’t want to miss this one!

What you’ll see during this year’s solar eclipse will vary based on the weather and your location. Depending on the park you’re at, the moon will block the face of the sun between 76 and 90 percent.

Check out the table below to learn more about when to expect the solar eclipse at each park. As you start planning your visit, don’t forget to pack your solar viewing glasses. If you don’t have any, each park will sell in their visitor center or gift shop for $1 plus tax while supplies last.

State Park	Eclipse Begins	Time of Peak	% Obscured	Eclipse End
Wilderness Road	1:49 p.m.	3:09 p.m.	90.1%	4:25 p.m.
Sweet Run	2:02 p.m.	3:19 p.m.	89.9%	4:30 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum	1:51 p.m.	3:10 p.m.	89.6%	4:25 p.m.
Seven Bends	2:00 p.m.	3:18 p.m.	89.6%	4:30 p.m.
Sky Meadows	2:01 p.m.	3:19 p.m.	89.1%	4:30 p.m.
Shenandoah River	2:01 p.m.	3:18 p.m.	89.1%	4:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel	1:51 p.m.	3:10 p.m.	88.9%	4:25 p.m.
Clinch River	1:52 p.m.	3:11 p.m.	88.9%	4:26 p.m.
Douthat	1:57 p.m.	3:15 p.m.	87.8%	4:27 p.m.
Hungry Mother	1:53 p.m.	3:12 p.m.	87.6%	4:27 p.m.
Natural Bridge	1:57 p.m.	3:16 p.m.	86.7%	4:28 p.m.
Leesylvania	2:02 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	86.7%	4:31 p.m.
Mason Neck	2:02 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	86.7%	4:31 p.m.
Claytor Lake	1:55 p.m.	3:12 p.m.	86.5%	4:27 p.m.
Grayson Highlands	1:53 p.m.	3:12 p.m.	86.3%	4:27 p.m.
New River Trail	1:54 p.m.	3:13 p.m.	86.2%	4:28 p.m.
Widewater	2:02 p.m.	3:19 p.m.	86%	4:30 p.m.
Lake Anna	2:01 p.m.	3:18 p.m.	85.8%	4:30 p.m.
Caledon	2:02 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	85.4%	4:31 p.m.
James River	1:59 p.m.	3:17 p.m.	85.3%	4:29 p.m.
Fairy Stone	1:56 p.m.	3:14 p.m.	84.7%	4:28 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake	1:57 p.m.	3:15 p.m.	84.7%	4:29 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake	1:59 p.m.	3:17 p.m.	84.3%	4:30 p.m.
Powhatan	2:00 p.m.	3:18 p.m.	84.3%	4:30 p.m.
Westmoreland	2:02 p.m.	3:19 p.m.	84.3%	4:31 p.m.
Holliday Lake	1:59 p.m.	3:17 p.m.	84.2%	4:30 p.m.
High Bridge Trail	1:59 p.m.	3:17 p.m.	83.3%	4:30 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield	1:59 p.m.	3:17 p.m.	83.2%	4:30 p.m.
Twin Lakes	1:59 p.m.	3:17 p.m.	82.9%	4:30 p.m.
Staunton River Battlefield	1:58 p.m.	3:16 p.m.	82.6%	4:30 p.m.
Pocahontas	2:01 p.m.	3:18 p.m.	82.5%	4:29 p.m.
Belle Isle	2:03 p.m.	3:19 p.m.	82.4%	4:31 p.m.
Staunton River	1:58 p.m.	3:16 p.m.	81.7%	4:30 p.m.
Occoneechee	1:58 p.m.	3:16 p.m.	81.4%	4:29 p.m.
York River	2:02 p.m.	3:21 p.m.	81.4%	4:31 p.m.
Machicomoco	2:02 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	80.5%	4:31 p.m.
Chippokes	2:02 p.m.	3:19 p.m.	80.3%	4:30 p.m.
Kiptopeke	2:03 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	79.2%	4:32 p.m.
First Landing	2:03 p.m.	3:21 p.m.	78.4%	4:31 p.m.
False Cape	2:03 p.m.	3:21 p.m.	76.7%	4:31 p.m.

Viewing the solar eclipse safely

Viewing a total solar eclipse can be an incredible experience, but it's crucial to do so safely to protect your eyes from permanent damage. Here are some steps to ensure safe viewing:

• Use proper eye protection: The only safe way to view a solar eclipse is through specially designed solar filters or eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are not safe for viewing the sun. Ensure that your eclipse glasses are not damaged, scratched or older than three years, as these factors can compromise their safety. To ensure guests can view the eclipse safely, parks will have a limited number of solar viewing glasses available for purchase. They cost $1 plus tax and will be located in parks’ visitor centers and gift shops.
• Inspect your eye protection: Before using your eclipse glasses, inspect them for any defects such as scratches, pinholes or tears. If you notice any damage, do not use them to view the eclipse.
• Wear eye protection throughout the entire eclipse: Whether you're witnessing a partial or total eclipse, it's essential to wear your eclipse glasses or use solar filters for the entire duration of the event. Never remove your eye protection while looking directly at the sun, even if it appears dimmed during a partial eclipse.
• Use solar filters for cameras and telescopes: If you're using binoculars, telescopes or cameras to view the eclipse, you must attach a solar filter to the front lens. Never look through these optical devices without proper solar filters, as they can magnify the sun's intensity and cause severe eye damage.
• Be cautious with solar viewing apps: While there are smartphone apps available that claim to allow safe viewing of the sun, it's essential to use them with caution. Some apps may not provide adequate protection, so it's best to rely on certified eclipse glasses or solar filters for direct viewing.
• Learn more from NASA.

By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy the spectacle of a total solar eclipse while protecting your eyes from harm. Remember, it only takes a few seconds of looking directly at the sun to cause permanent eye damage, so always prioritize safety during this awe-inspiring event.

Special Programs

Enhance your eclipse experience with our educational programs led by knowledgeable park rangers. Dive into the science behind solar eclipses as we explore their mechanics, historical significance and safety precautions for observers. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, these programs offer valuable insights into the wonders of the cosmos.