13 Hiking Trails Across America With Stellar Views Of April’s Total Solar Eclipse, According To AllTrails

Nothing beats a total solar eclipse, and on Monday, April 8, 2024, the Great North American Eclipse of 2024 will be one of the biggest celestial events of our lifetime. Visible in more than a dozen American states, there are countless incredible destinations to experience the phenomena for yourself – including these 14 editor-curated picks in the path of totality.

On Monday, April 8, 2024, the eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean, with Mexico’s Pacific coast experiencing totality at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT. The eclipse will then travel across Mexico and enter America at the southwest Texas border. From there, it will sweep across the states and into Canada before dissipating. The entire event will last approximately two and a half hours, but totality will only last 90 seconds to 4 minutes 28 seconds, depending on your viewing location.

If you're up for more of an adventurous viewing experience, we're partnering with AllTrails to share the best hiking trails where you can witness the total solar eclipse for yourself, from Texas all the way north to Maine.

1. Bald Cypress Trail, Texas

Texas is the first American state that will experience the total solar eclipse this April, and one of the best destinations to experience it for yourself is the Bald Cypress Trail, an easy out-and-back trail near Spring Branch that measures just 1.6 miles. Nestled within Guadalupe River State Park, this easy trail is jam-packed with stunning river views.

Learn more about the solar eclipse over Texas in our state-specific article.

2. Mountain Fork River Trail, Oklahoma

The easy, 2.6-mile Mountain Fork River Trail in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is as pretty as they come. With stunning water views and a forest sure to be springing back to life, this trail is full of wonder.

Discover more incredible spots to watch the eclipse in Oklahoma here.

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3. Sam's Throne Trail, Arkansas

In Arkansas, Sam's Throne Trail offers sweeping views of the Big Creek Valley and bluff lines. The area is popular among rock climbers, but the Sam's Throne Trail is a moderate adventure measuring 2.9 miles in length and 400 feet of elevation gain.

Read all about the solar eclipse in Arkansas in this article.

4. Blue Spring Trail, Missouri

At more than 300 feet in depth, Missouri's Blue Spring is one of the state's most unexpected wonders, called "Spring of the Summer Sky" by Native Americans. Located along the Current River, the Blue Spring Trail is an easy adventure the entire family will love, measuring in at approximately 100 feet of elevation gain and three miles of hiking.

Learn more about the solar eclipse over Missouri in our state-specific article.

5. Columbus-Belmont State Park Trail, Kentucky

Located near Columbus, Kentucky, the Columbus-Belmont State Park Trail is an easy 2-mile trail that features stunning views of the Mississippi, plus unobstructed views of the sky for eclipse viewing!

Read all about the solar eclipse in Kentucky in this article.

6. Fern Clyffe Waterfall Trail, Illinois

We love waterfalls here at OnlyInYourState, and the Fern Clyffe Waterfall Trail is the definition of a natural gem. The trail itself is moderately challenging – but measures in at less than a mile – and features stunning views of the forest, rock formations, and its namesake waterfall.

Discover more incredible spots to watch the eclipse in Illinois here.

7. Mounds State Park Perimeter Loop, Indiana

An easy route around the edge of an Indiana state park, the Mounds State Park Perimeter Loop is less than three miles long and features peaceful views of the White River and surrounding forest.

Discover more incredible spots to watch the eclipse in Indiana here.

8. West Branch North Loop Trail, Ohio

In Ohio, the West Branch North Loop Trail is a three-mile trail that features stunning forest and lake views any time of the year. West Branch State Park is popular for camping – and a fantastic spot to call home while visiting the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which lacks campgrounds of its own.

Read all about the solar eclipse in Ohio in this article.

9. Buckaloons Scenic Trail, Pennsylvania

A one-mile trail around the Buckaloons Campground within the Allegheny National Forest Recreation Area, the Buckaloons Scenic Trail is an underrated beauty we can't get enough of.

Learn more about the solar eclipse over Pennsylvania in our state-specific article.

10. Green Lake to Round Lake Trail, New York

In New York's Green Lake State Park, the Green Lake to Round Lake Trail leads hikers around two picturesque lakes surrounded by stunning foliage. The 2.9-mile gravel trail is rated as easy, with less than 200 feet of elevation gain throughout.

Discover more incredible spots to watch the eclipse in New York here.

11. Kettle Pond Trail, Vermont

Vermont's Kettle Pond State Park is a scenic beauty, and the best way to experience it for yourself is on the 3.2-mile Kettle Pond Trail. With little elevation gain and stunning views, the entire family will love this Vermont trail – especially when paired with a solar eclipse!

Read all about the solar eclipse in Vermont in this article.

12. Lake Francis State Park River Trail, New Hampshire

Overlooking the Connecticut River, the 1.4-mile Lake Francis State Park River Trail is as peaceful as they come. You'll love listening to the sound of the flowing river and taking in the quiet beauty of New Hampshire.

Learn more about the solar eclipse over New Hampshire in our state-specific article.

13. Piazza Rock via Appalachian Trail, Maine

A 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Rangeley, MainePiazza Rock is part of the Appalachian Trail and measures approximately 600 feet of elevation gain. The moderate trail is popular for backpacking, hiking, and camping, and while it can be quiet depending on when you time your visit, it's likely to be more crowded on April 8. Discover more incredible spots to watch the eclipse in Maine here.

For even more incredible hiking trails where you can experience the upcoming total solar eclipse, check out the AllTrails Solar Eclipse Map. Be sure to sign up for AllTrails+ to read reviews, save and download trail maps, and more.