Lake Placid is in the path of an extraordinary experience!

On April 8, 2024, Lake Placid — along with the rest of the Adirondacks — will be one of the best locations in the northeast to view an exceptional event, a total solar eclipse. This isn't just an amazing sight, it's also exceptionally rare! Total solar eclipses happen over the same place on earth about once every 400 years; you won't want to miss this!

Eclipse viewing locations in Lake Placid

Lake Placid has several excellent spots for viewing the eclipse. The events and locations below are ideal because they will all offer parking, clear, flat scenery, and, in some cases, amenities. Because of the unpredictability of spring weather, it's important — and more fun! — to stick to a safe, easily accessible location. Mountain summits and newly thawed lakes are not ideal or safe for eclipse viewing.

  • Join fellow observers at Glow for the Gold, special viewing parties at Olympic Legacy Sites! Each event includes eclipse glasses, amazing scenery, music, glow sticks, and more! You'll find Glow for the Gold events at the following:
    • Mt. Van Hoevenberg
    • Olympic Jumping Complex
    • James C. Sheffield Olympic Speedskating Oval
    • Whiteface Mountain
  • The Town of North Elba is making two spaces available for comfortable, spacious viewing:
  • Watch from the naturally stunning Marcy Field in Keene Valley. Parking will be available on Airport Road.
  • Seek out a naturally beautiful spot with accessible parking and open spaces, such as John Brown Farm.

What to expect

As the moon moves closer to completely covering the sun, the day around you gradually darkens to something similar to dawn or dusk. Not only is the sight beautiful and unusual for the middle of the day, but it also tricks small animals such as birds into thinking its nighttime. The result? A quiet that is all around you, and the emergence of stars and planets in the sky, even if only for a few minutes. During this eclipse, Jupiter and Venus should be visible and there is the potential for a comet sighting, as well.

What time will the eclipse take place in Lake Placid, New York?

The total duration of the April 8, 2024 eclipse will be 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 41 seconds. Maximum totality will last for 3 minutes and 21 seconds.

  • Partial totality begins at 2:13:02 pm
  • Full totality begins at 3:25:07 pm
  • Maximum totality at 3:26:48 pm
  • Full totality ends at 3:28:29 pm
  • Partial totality ends at 4:36:43 pm

Packages and events

There's no place you'd rather be to experience the eclipse! Fortunately, the entire Lake Placid area will be part of this amazing event, so you don't need to fight for the "best seat," but you should make overnight reservations early! Several of the lodging accommodations in Lake Placid are offering cool packages for the eclipse, so you're sure to find an option that's just right for your stay.

Check out the events at the bottom of this page for up-to-date details! As we get closer to the date of the eclipse, more information about special activities, viewing parties, and specials will be announced.

Women is wearing solar eclipse glasses with a Whiteface gondola in the backdrop.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse is what happens when the moon passes between the earth and the sun. A bit of coincidence helps here, too: despite the massive difference in size and distance from the earth, the moon in our sky has the same apparent size as the sun. On occasion, the moon passes in front of the sun in a wonderfully precise way so that it actually blocks the disk of the sun in our sky. What happens then? The sky dims, even in the middle of the day, and all that we on earth can see of the sun is the corona: the beautiful, long streams of light that emanate from the sun.
What should I pack?

Dress for the weather: Lake Placid in April could be cold and snowy or the slightly warmer briskness of spring. Be prepared and bring layers! Layers will also be useful if you decide to arrive early or stay late and enjoy local attractions and outdoor adventures!
Can I show up at the last minute?

To maximize your experience, no. Please be aware that there will be a lot of traffic in the area that day, so getting to and from your chosen viewing spot will take longer than you might expect. Plan for traffic and delays and on eclipse day, be patient and kind.
Can I watch the eclipse from a mountain summit?

It may sound like a fun adventure, but the real solar fun is to be had at lower elevations. Spring weather can mean snow, ice, mud, and even a combination of all three. Read more about safe hiking and make that a plan for another day!
Can I bring my canoe and watch the eclipse from Mirror Lake?

While we can't stop you, we strongly recommend that you leave your watercraft at home and watch the eclipse from the safety of dry land. Spring paddling is something to take very seriously and is recommended for pros only. Explore our checklist to learn more about safe paddling.

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Solar Eclipse Safety Tips

A total solar eclipse is an amazing wonder of nature and we couldn't be more excited to have the eclipse cast its shadow over the Adirondacks this April! Between stunning snow capped mountains and glistening spring brooks it will be a spectacle to behold. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience it will be important to plan for April weather and increased traffic. Here are some planning and safety guidelines to navigate the ever changing weather while enjoying this remarkable event!

1
Plan Ahead
 
 
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — plan like it! A total solar eclipse is an exciting event that will attract an influx of visitors from far and wide to the region. Prepare for a perfect eclipse by making your plans well in advance.  Make lodging reservations as soon as possible. Some lodging properties are already completely booked out!  Use maps and GPS to plan where you’re going and note that cell service may be sparse in areas. Bring a map as a back-up to using your phone. If you’re just coming for the day, it’s a good idea to stock up on supplies before you arrive. Bring snacks and water and fill up your gas tank.
2
Come early, stay late
 
 
The eclipse itself may only last a few minutes, but there are plenty of reasons to make this a multi-day experience! Build in a buffer around the eclipse and enjoy more of the region in the days leading up to and after the eclipse. Added fun isn’t the only reason to extend your stay.  Large day-of crowds may create traffic delays and springtime travel conditions may vary. Avoid any hassle by being close to the path of totality to begin with.
3
Take spring conditions seriously
 
 
Mud, snow, and ice are the most common Adirondack trail conditions in April, which makes trails more susceptible to impacts and potentially dangerous for hikers. If you plan to hike around the time of the eclipse, please be mindful of varying trail conditions and respect muddy trail advisories. High elevation trails will have snow and ice on them. Temperatures can also change dramatically between a trailhead and the summit. If you have little experience in winter hiking, it is best to avoid hiking the High Peaks. Check trail conditions before you go, and be prepared for winter conditions. If you are going to hike, choose a low-elevation trail and come prepared. Bring extra layers and don’t forget to pack the 10 essentials—especially a headlamp. Be aware that there may be an increased number of visitors recreating on trails and at various locations around the region during this time. Have a back-up plan in case trailhead parking is full or, better yet, opt for a watch party and save the hike for another day.
4
Enjoy the eclipse with others
 
 
Normally we encourage seeking solitude on an Adirondack summit, but as the eclipse will plunge the region into temporary darkness, a mountain might not be your best option for a memorable experience. And since the eclipse will look the same from any location along the path of totality, why not stay in your favorite Adirondack town, and enjoy the eclipse with others! The excitement of the event has spurred on local businesses and towns to host numerous watch parties across the region, perfect for celebrating this incredible sight. 
5
Trash your trash and respect nature
 
 
Whether you’re on a trail or at a watch party, help keep the Adirondacks clean. If you’re on a hike, store litter — including food waste like peels, cores, and other scraps — in a garbage bag to be taken home and thrown out. While you’re in town, take advantage of trash and recycling cans. When the eclipse is done, pack up solar viewing glasses, chairs, food, and other waste or dispose of it in designated receptacles. Basically, if it comes with you, it leaves with you. We humans aren’t the only ones that will notice this natural phenomenon. Wildlife activity may also become unusual, as most mammals and birds will wander back to their nests and dens during the sudden dark conditions. Critters are liable to be confused, so give them some extra space and try not to interfere with their movements. And, as always, keep your snacks to yourself.
6
Avoid bodies of water
 
 
In early spring, Adirondack lakes may still be covered in unsafe ice and all water will be at near-freezing temperatures. Breaking through or capsizing in these cold waters can result in severe hypothermia and life-threatening conditions. It’s best not to trust ice-covered lakes at this time of year. It might hold snow or wildlife, but it likely will not hold you. Even if the ice is out, water still poses risks. The total darkness of the eclipse will cause decreased visibility that will make it harder to be seen and navigate in case of emergency. While bodies of water offer wide open views, the hazards of cold water and dark conditions make dry land a far safer viewing option.
7
Come prepared
 
 
With a large influx of travelers coming to the region to view the solar eclipse, it is important to travel prepared. Keep extra layers, snacks, and water in your car and don’t forget to fill up on gas before you go. Plan your activities ahead of time, and make sure to check weather updates. Due to an increased number of visitors around the region, your planned destinations may be more crowded, including hiking trails, restaurants, and attractions. Be prepared to change your route around the region based on conditions. Cell service may be sparse in certain areas, so alert others of your plans, and travel with a map and GPS.
8
View the eclipse safely
 
 
When watching the eclipse, it is essential to wear safe solar eclipse glasses. Solar viewing glasses are different from sunglasses and block out more of the sun’s harmful rays. Many watch parties and communities will have viewing glasses available, but it’s a good idea to bring your own just in case.  Why are these glasses necessary? The darkness of the eclipse will cause your pupils to constrict, making your eyes more susceptible to damage from the sun’s remaining rays. Remember not to view the eclipse through a camera, telescope, binoculars, or your phone without a special solar filter either. These devices will further concentrate the remaining light and increase risk of damage to your eyes.