The Great North American Eclipse will be a special time for the nation and Arkansas. The event takes place April 8, 2024 entering the state at 1:45 p.m. Arkansas is a prime place to experience the celestial phenomenon.
The path of totality crosses through the center of the state from the southwest to northeast. This path of totality is where the fullest darkness occurs. Totality times vary, but in general the closer to the center of the path, the longer the darkness is.
Arkansas has 52 state parks, and 26 state park locations are in this path. Arkansas State Parks are consistently rated among the best in the country and each park has its own beauty and story to showcase.
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area near Wickes is scheduled to have the longest duration of darkness with 4 minutes and 18.5 seconds. This state park includes 12.5 miles of the wild and scenic Cossatot River.
Arkansas’ first state park is also in the lineup. Petit Jean State Park will have 4 minutes and 15 seconds in totality. This state park can be found atop Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton.
Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View helps preserve the music and culture of the Ozarks will have 4 minutes and 13 seconds of the total eclipse.
Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle will experience 4 minutes and 10 seconds of totality. This state park is located atop 1,350-foot Mount Nebo and is home to one of four Monument Trails found only in Arkansas State Parks. Monument Trails were named best trails in the country by Outside magazine..
In Russellville, Lake Dardanelle State Park will experience 4 minutes and 8 seconds of totality. Fishing, paddleboarding, boating and camping are among the popular outdoor offerings here.
The Great North American Eclipse at Arkansas State Parks 3
Daisy State Park, located on beautiful Lake Greeson, will have 4 minutes and 3 seconds of the total eclipse.
Mammoth Spring State Park is home to Mammoth Spring, the largest spring in Arkansas and a National Natural Landmark. This park will experience 4 minutes and 2 seconds of totality.
At Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier, one can experience 4 minutes of the total eclipse.
Davidsonville Historic State Park in Northeast Arkansas, is a place where history meets recreation as it sits along the black river and a fishing lake, will have nearly 4 minutes.
Lake Ouachita State Park is located at the eastern end of Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’ largest lake, and will have just under 4 minutes in the path of totality.
Cruise up the Talimena National Scenic Byway on your way to view the eclipse at Queen Wilhelmina. Three minutes and 48 seconds of the total eclipse can be watched atop Arkansas’ second-highest peak.
Located right outside of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain is a popular place for hikers and will likely be extremely popular during the eclipse. With such close proximity to the state’s capital and a total of 3 minutes and 23 seconds in the total eclipse, this location may be one of the most visited in Arkansas. If you plan to watch the eclipse at Pinnacle Mountain, be sure to plan ahead.
A full list of all of the Arkansas State Parks in totality can be found at: www.arkansasstateparks.com/articles/experiencing-great-american-eclipse-arkansas-
Arkansas State Parks will be hosting events and interpretive programming throughout the weekend to mark the occasion. A list of events at Arkansas State Parks can be found at www.arkansasstateparks.com/events. Please note that guided programs are not scheduled on eclipse day.
The Great North American Eclipse will be a memorable occasion and safety and planning are paramount while experiencing this momentous event. Please note that state parks have set maximum capacity levels for the eclipse in an effort to maintain safety and protect resources.
Entry will be on a first-come basis and when the park is full, further entry may not be available. Maps with important information and specifics on the estimated number of day-use vehicles permitted at each park location are available at: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/articles/parkseclipsemaps.
Further Arkansas State Park eclipse tips can be found at: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/eclipse.
Although the Great North American Eclipse is set to be a historic event in time, the beauty of nature and the sky above is timeless and can be enjoyed year-round at Arkansas State Parks.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
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