Want to catch the big solar eclipse on Monday but aren’t close to the “path of totality”? If you’re out Tennessee way, you can still catch a big chunk of Sol being blocked. Catch the eclipse at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While outside the total eclipse path, viewers there will still experience an 86% to 87% obstruction of the sun during the event.
Ten minutes to two
In the national park, the moon will begin its intersection of the sun’s orbit at 1:49 p.m., the obstruction will reach its maximum extent at 3:08 p.m., and the event will conclude at 4:23 p.m.
Park officials warn that viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection is dangerous. Results can include long-term vision impairment or blindness. Regular sunglasses—no matter how dark—are not safe for viewing the eclipse. To ensure safe viewing, park staff will make available one free pair of glasses per family/group at the viewing locations listed below while supplies last.
If you want to have enough glasses for everyone in your group to view the eclipse at the same time, you’ll need to bring eclipse glasses along or purchase them. The park’s retail partner Smokies Life will have solar eclipse glasses available for sale ($1.50 each) at park store locations.
Where to watch
You can catch the eclipse at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Staff and volunteers will be available to provide eclipse information and safe, facilitated viewing at the following locations from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
- Newfound Gap parking lot
- Various locations around Cades Cove Loop Road, including near the John Oliver Cabin and at the Cades Cove Overlook
- Outside the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
A Junior Ranger Eclipse Explorer activity book will be available for free at the above locations for anyone who wants to earn a Junior Ranger Eclipse Explorer badge.
The most recent total solar eclipse visible from the United States took place on October 14, 2023, and the next one will occur in 2044.
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Grab a lawn chair and a welding mask and watch it for free if you’re in a viewing area,!
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 That seems enticing, but I’ll stick around the house and get some mowing done. I don’t understand the attraction, but I’ll help with the traffic situation by staying home. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂