We are now less than a year away from one of New England's biggest events in a long time. The 2024 total solar eclipse will pass through northern New England on the afternoon of April 8, 2024. This spectacle will truly be something to see, should the weather hold up (there will be an article on that later). Here's a look into the path of totality as it runs through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
VERMONT
Vermont has two main attraction types in the path: ski resorts and Burlington. Burlington is by far the most populated city within the path in New England. This, naturally, will entice many viewers to this area. While no major viewing plans have been submitted yet, this city has multiple parks as well as the University of Vermont. Being a city, there are also lodging, restaurants, shops and museums around to fill time before and after the eclipse. The beautiful Lake Champlain will also be right there as well.
There are several prominent ski resorts in the path. These include, but are not limited to Stowe, Sugarbush, Bolton Valley and Jay Peak. There's a very good chance (meaning pretty much guaranteed) that all of these resorts will still be open for skiing in early April. It'll be interesting to see how these resorts handle this day as a mountain top with an expansive view would be a prime place to experience the eclipse.
On the topic of mountain tops, Vermont has plenty of them around the state, including inside the path. While a hike up a mountain to watch the event would theoretically make for a great day, many of Vermont's hiking trails will very likely be closed for mud season on April 8th. These closures will be dependent on snow pack as trails with snow cover from top to bottom will likely be open. This option will have to be a wait and see type of thing.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire's great north woods will get clipped by the event. Being north of the White Mountains, there isn't much by way of attractions or cities for the event. What there is, however, is an abundance of isolated forests and smaller mountains. If you want to find a place to see the eclipse without dealing with massive crowds of people, New Hampshire will likely be a good place to look.
Colebrook is the most populated place in the path. There are some mountains that could be hiked to see totality including Magalloway Mountain. This mountain could make a great viewing spot. This mountain is isolated and difficult to get to, so keep that in mind. There are also several state parks and plenty of trails and nature around as well.
MAINE
A majority of the path in Maine runs through the state's unorganized townships. With that said, there are some more populated places to set up base. These include Millinocket, Greenville, Caribou and Houlton. The famed Baxter State Park also lies nearly in the middle of the path. Mt. Katadhin theoretically would be a great viewing spot, however, just like Vermont, this mountain's trails will likely be closed for mud season. Sugarloaf Mountain is a prominent ski resort in the state. This resort will be in the same situation as Vermont's resorts when deciding how to handle the day.
Houlton has become a hot spot for the eclipse in New England. This town may be the most visited town in New England as plans are already underway for a weekend-long eclipse festival. Tens of thousands are currently being expected to visit this festival. Aroostook County is full of open fields and forests and will make for a nice viewing place.
Stay with New England Storm for monthly eclipse articles leading up to the event as well as everything weather in New England.
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