Experience a once-in-a-lifetime event in Pennsylvania! Monday, April 8, 2024 a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and will pass directly over the Great Lakes Area of Pennsylvania that afternoon. For nearly four minutes, the afternoon sky will go dark as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Erie is the only major city in Pennsylvania in the path of totality.
No photograph can capture the stunning beauty of a total solar eclipse, you must see it for yourself. A good base in this area is the city of Erie, near the natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park. This park has a sandy peninsula ideal for maximizing your duration of totality, up to a generous 3 minutes and 45 seconds. Another location is Erie Bluffs State Park with viewpoints 90 feet above Lake Erie. From this vantage, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the moons shadow crossing the lake.
For eclipse viewing, mobility is essential especially in case of inclement weather. Within northwest Pennsylvania, Interstate 90 parallels the Lake Erie coastline providing options for relocation. Interstate 79 south of Erie provides another route for mobility and accessing this region.
The total solar eclipse begins at the Ohio border at 3:15pm EDT and leaves the state at the New York border at 3:20pm EDT. Through Pennsylvania, the speed of the Moon’s shadow will accelerate from about 2175 miles per hour to about 2340 miles per hour.
Given the significance of the 2024 eclipse, camping spots may be in high demand. Make sure to secure your spot well in advance and do not forget that its crucial to use proper eye protection, such as solar viewing glasses, during the partial phases of the eclipse. Only during the brief period of totality is it safe to view the eclipse without eye protection.
A great way for you and your family to view the eclipse is to enjoy it from a variety of Great Lakes area of Pennsylvania. This gives you the opportunity to be in your RV, rent a cabin, yurt, glamping tent or even take your tent and enjoy the great outdoors. What better way to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity than discovering your outdoor moments in Pennsylvania. Offering 19 campgrounds to choose from, you can view the map for location and names. Click to find your Great Lakes/Erie Area campground!