Featured Photo by Kacey O'Brien
Witness a once-in-a-lifetime event this spring as it crosses North America. Train your eyes on the sky during the afternoon of April 8, 2024 when a cosmic coincidence passes over upstate New York. Add to your total solar eclipse experience by traveling to and from the “path of totality” through the Lake George Area.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse and Path of Totality?
A total solar eclipse is a rare astronomical occurrence when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the face of the Sun. Within the shadow of the Moon, the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. During a total solar eclipse (weather permitting) is the only time that the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, is visible as long streams of light emanating outwards.
The path of totality is the track of the Moon’s shadow across Earth, approximately 115 miles wide. Those in that path with see the Sun totally eclipsed by the Moon. Depending on how close you are to the center line is how long totality will last.
The Great North American Eclipse in New York & the ADKs
Being referred to as The Great North American Eclipse, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 will be seen across Mexico, 15 states in the contiguous United States, and Canada, moving in a northeast direction.
For parts of New York State, phases of totality could last from just under 2 minutes to 4 minutes and will be in the range of 3:16 p.m. to 3:29 p.m.
During this celestial event, more than half of the Adirondack Park will be in the path of totality. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include the southern Adirondack Mountains and the Lake George Area. However, destinations within an easy 1 to 2-hour drive from us that will experience a total solar eclipse include: Schroon Lake, Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Keene, Indian Lake, Newcomb, Port Henry, Old Forge, and Plattsburgh.
In the Lake George Area, we will experience what is considered a “deep” partial solar eclipse with a magnitude of 98.9%. Magnitude is the fraction of the Sun’s diameter that is covered by the moon, therefore our location will be only 1.1% off from a total solar eclipse.
For parts of New York State, phases of a partial solar eclipse will last for approximately an hour and a half and be in the range of 2:03 p.m. to 4:37 p.m. – when the Moon’s shadow enters New York from Pennsylvania, until it exits New York and enters Vermont.
Did You Know? As it moves through the State of New York, the speed of the Moon’s shadow will accelerate from approximately 2,210 mph to approximately 2,735 mph.
A Once-In-A-Lifetime Event
A total solar eclipse only happens over the same location once every 300+ years. The last total solar eclipse to pass over New York was on January 24, 1925, when New York City, specifically Manhattan, was the along the center line in the path of totality. The next total solar eclipses to reach New York State will be:
May 1, 2079 when the path of totality is predicted to once again be through New York City, but with the center line through Long Island.
October 26, 2144 when the path of totality is predicted to be through New York City and western New York with the center line through a small section of the state just south of Buffalo.
If you are an eclipse chaser or traveler with a cosmic fasciation, another total solar eclipse can be viewed in the United States just 20 years after the upcoming 2024 event. The August 23, 2044 total solar eclipse with reach North Dakota, South Dakota, and Colorado.
Total Solar Eclipse Tips
- During both the phases of a total solar eclipse and partial solar eclipse it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without “eclipse glasses” and special purpose solar filters on optical devices like camera lenses, binoculars, and telescopes. The concentrated solar rays during this event can cause severe eye injury.
- Inside the path of totality, you can remove your eclipse glasses or solar filters only when the Moon completely covers the face of the Sun. As soon as the Sun’s face starts to appear again, immediately replace your glasses or filters.
- Outside the path of totality, but within the partial solar eclipse, there is no safe time to remove your eclipse glasses or solar filters as the Moon will never completely cover the face of the Sun.
- Eclipse glasses and solar filters should have an ISO 12312-2 (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015) certification label and manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product. Inspect your glasses and filters before using. Do not use them if they are: scratched, torn, wrinkled, punctured, or otherwise damaged; missing the certification label or manufacturer’s details; or made before 2015.
- If you wear prescription eyeglasses, your eclipse glasses should be worn and fit right over them.
- Eclipse glasses can be bought online at a variety of big box retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Public institutions (i.e. libraries) will sometimes order and stock them for community members. And, viewing parties offer complimentary glasses while supplies last.
- If you are unable to get your hands on a pair of eclipse glasses or solar filters, there is an alternative method for viewing the partial solar eclipse indirectly. Do some research on how to make a “pinhole projector” requiring only household supplies, or how to create a “pinhole projection” using just your hands.
Did You Know? Although totality is brief, nocturnal wildlife in its path will sometimes wake up and non-nocturnal wildlife might fall asleep. Be observant and steer clear of wildlife experiencing atypical behavior patterns due to the total solar eclipse, for your safety and theirs.
Viewing Parties in the Lake George Area
Gore Mountain Solar Eclipse 2024
Gore Mountain in North Creek will be hosting a solar eclipse viewing party on April 8, 2024. You will be able to witness a partial solar eclipse from the top of Bear Mountain or the sun deck at the Base Area while listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album.
Scenic skyride tickets will be limited, and lift tickets will be $40 the day of this event. For 2023-24 and 2024-2025 season pass holders, this event is free. Skiers should be aware that during the partial solar eclipse there will be a significant decrease in light & visibility, and lifts will close at 2 p.m.
Garnet Hill Lodge 2024 Solar Eclipse Event
The celestial event of the year will also be observed at Garnet Hill Lodge in North Creek. Garnet Hill Lodge’s 2024 Solar Eclipse Event, a two-day celebration, starts with brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 7th. Following brunch, join Roving Astronomer, Bernie Foreman, from 4 to 8 p.m. Bernie will have his telescope set up for stargazing, and can answer any questions you have about the night sky. Dine in the Garnet Hill Lodge Restaurant afterwards (reservations recommended) and wrap up the eve of the eclipse with s’mores around a bonfire on the front lawn.
Begin your morning on April 8th with a hike on the trails weaving through Garnet Hill Lodge’s property. Be back in time for a presentation by Bernie at 11:30 a.m. on “What Happens During an Eclipse,” and refuel with a buffet lunch ($29.95 plus tax, reservations required). Take your spot on the front lawn by 1:30 p.m. for the best view of this rare occurrence in the Adirondack Mountains (glasses provided). Dine in the Garnet Hill Lodge Restaurant afterwards (reservations recommended) and enjoy live music by Dave Hale from 6 to 9 p.m.
Lake George Waterfront Cruises Solar Eclipse Cruise
The best view of this “celestial event of the century” can be found on the wide-open water. Set sail with Lake George Waterfront Cruises on April 8 for their Solar Eclipse Cruise from 2 to 4 p.m. Each passenger with received a pair of certified solar eclipse sunglasses when hopping aboard.
The Lagoon to the Moon
Take part in cosmic festivities at The Lagoon in Lake George. The Lagoon to the Moon solar eclipse viewing party includes live music, drink specials, and a space-themed cocktail party. More details to come!
Pizza Pie in the Sky Eclipse Party
Attend an out-of-this-world celebration at Adirondack Pub & Brewery during the April 8th eclipse. Enjoy a FREE pizza pie at The Pizza Pie in the Sky Eclipse Party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while witnessing the partial eclipse pass over Lake George. More details to come! *Glasses provided.
Revolution Rail Co. 2024 Solar Eclipse Railbike Ride
SOLD OUT! For a once-in-a-lifetime eclipse adventure. Take the North Bridge Run railbike tour with Revolution Rail Co. from North Creek into the path of totality. This will be a 7-mile out-and-back trip where you into pedal through Adirondack forests, alongside the Hudson River, and over a spectacular trestle bridge as the solar eclipse unfolds above.
Barkeater Chocolates Chocolate Mini Sunglasses
Photo Credit: Jaynie Ellis
Barkeater Chocolates is ready to welcome visitors into North Creek for the solar eclipse. On your way to any of the viewing experiences above, make a stop at this chocolate factory for a bag of milk or dark chocolate mini sunglasses; each bag comes with a pair of real eclipse glasses to safely observe the eclipse.
The Lake George Area – Home Base for Your Total Solar Eclipse Trip
View the total solar eclipse by traveling to and from the path of totality through the Lake George Area. Or stay right here, the Birthplace of the Original Vacation, and observe the deep partial solar eclipse. From comfy beds to clear views, time spent in the Lake George Area will always be out of this world!
Throughout the region are plenty of year-round lodging options that make the perfect home base. Name-brand hotels or Adirondack-inspired inns are relaxing places to return to after a day spent on the road. At any of our accommodations you’ll find at worry-free stay and good night’s sleep so you can focus on having fun and checking off your itinerary.
On your April 8th itinerary should be finding a suitable place to witness the partial solar eclipse, if you’re not heading to a viewing party or traveling to the path of totality. You’re in luck – the Lake George Area is well-known for its countless scenic spots. Grab a table one of many waterfront restaurants to watch the partial eclipse safely from inside. Families might prefer to head to one of our town parks, where they will have an unobstructed view of the sky and plenty of room to roam – just don’t forget everyone’s eclipse glasses! Photographers will find the perfect shot at the summit, hiking our southern Adirondack Mountains to capture pictures and videos within the solitude of nature.
*Please be aware and prepared when hiking in the spring. Trail conditions can be icy, muddy, or a combination of both.
**Hikers will want to reach the summit before the phases of the partial and total solar eclipse begin, as it is never safe to hike with poor light or visibility.
After the eclipse has passed, extend your trip and experience everything else the Lake George Area has to offer. The weather in April can be iffy, but we have an endless amount of outdoor recreation and indoor activities alike. Don’t miss out on some other great events that are happening on and around April 8th.
Stay tuned for more updates and accurate information as the date draws closer!
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