Total Eclipse Over Georgia

 

For the first time in nearly 40 years, our country will be in the path of a total solar eclipse. August 21 at 2:35 p.m. will be one of the biggest stellar shows most of us will ever see. Luckily, several Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are directly in the path, or very near it. Within the path, you can see 100% totality, while outside you'll see very near full-coverage. State Park gift shops will have viewing glasses for sale, as well as commemorative memorabilia (and any last minute things...did you pack water?). Parks close to the view also have accommodations, so you can relax and make a long weekend of it. Pick a park, pack your viewing glasses and get a parking spot early so you don't miss out!


Rules

To ensure visitor safety, all park rules should be observed during this exciting event. Camping of any type is allowed only in reserved campsites. No overnight parking or alcohol is allowed. Pets must remain on leashes and are not allowed down into Tallulah Gorge. Do not leave pets in vehicles. Remain on trails and do not enter parks from access areas other than official park entrances. We hope all visitors have a memorable and safe experience. A ParkPass is required for all vehicles and must be displayed at all times.

Gates & Parking

  • Most park gates will open at 7 a.m. and those in northeast Georgia expect long lines for entry. To ensure visitor safety, gates will close once parking reaches capacity.
  • Hardman Farm and Traveler's Rest are closed on Mondays, so they will not be open for viewing.

EventsMap of Eclipse Over State Parks

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Solar Eclipse Festival

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Celebrate this rare solar eclipse with lawn games, play areas, music, a food truck, kayaks and a sun-and-moon selfie spot. Very limited solar glasses for sale. In addition to the gift shop, concessions and merchandise will be available at several tents throughout the park. Cash only at tent locations. No gorge floor (Sliding Rock) permits available, but other trails, the beach and bridge will be open. Parking is limited and gates will need to close once we reach capacity.

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Total Solar Eclipse

1 p.m.–4 p.m.

Join us at the top of the mountain for one of the best views of the total solar eclipse. A limited number of viewing glasses will be for sale. In addition to the gift shop, concessions and merchandise will be available at an outside tent. Cash only at tent locations. This park's gate will close when parking is full.

Eclipse Canjos

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

A special edition of volunteer Les Barnett's famous canjos. Meet with Les and the park naturalist at the Mellenger Center and build your own canjo in celebration of the solar eclipse which occurs Monday August 21st.

Vogel State Park

Total Eclipse of the Park

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Come experience this once (maybe twice) in a lifetime event at Vogel State Park. We are in the very narrow path of totality, so you will be able to see the sun completely hidden by the moon. You will learn how to view the eclipse safely, the science behind the phenomenon, and there will be arts and crafts for kids. This park's gate will close when parking is full.

Richard B. Russell State Park

Solar Eclipse Paddle — Event is Full

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Join us for a paddle on Lake Russel to view the eclipse where we will be in total darkness around 2:30 p.m.

Solar Eclipse Pontoon Boat Ride — Event is Full

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Join us for a pontoon ride on Lake Russel to view the Eclipse where we will be in total darkness around 2:30 p.m. Participants will receive a pair of glasses. Meet at the Rowing Ramp area. Limited to first 20 registrants.

Smithgall Woods State Park

Smithgall Solar Eclipse — Event is Full

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Come join Smithgall Woods in a viewing of the Solar Eclipse! Our location puts us in the path of totality, meaning the moon will completely cover the sun from view. We will view the eclipse with our two Celestron telescopes, as well as the naked eye. The last solar eclipse was in 1979 so don't miss this rare opportunity!

Elijah Clark State Park

Solar Eclipse by Kayak — Event is Full

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Join the naturalist as we paddle around Clarks Hill Lake looking for the best spot to enjoy the epic solar eclipse.

Don Carter State Park

Solar Eclipse by Kayak/Canoe — Event is Full

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Join the naturalist as we paddle up the northern part of Lake Lanier looking for the best spot to enjoy the epic solar eclipse. Enjoy the changes in tones as the landscape turns darker in the middle of the afternoon.

Fort King George State Historic Site

Eclipse Paddling Trip — Event is Full

1 p.m.–4:15 p.m.

Join us as we kayak to Butler Island and view a solar eclipse. This is the first total solar eclipse visible in America in nearly 40 years. From our location, roughly 94% of the sun will be obscured.

Fort McAllister State Park

Super Spectacular Sharktooth Island Solar Paddle

2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

We will paddle to Shark Tooth Island to enjoy the day with hot dogs and cold drinks while watching the solar eclipse. This is the first total solar eclipse visible in America in nearly 40 years. From our location, roughly 94% of the sun will be obscured. $75 per person. Space is limited. Call for reservations.

Fort Yargo State Park

Eclipse Viewing

2 p.m.–3 p.m.

Join Fort Yargo State Park on the roof of our Beach Pavilion as we view the solar eclipse. We are not in the direct path to experience the “total” solar eclipse but guests will witness a 99%+ eclipse. Solar sunglasses will be available to purchase on site. Located at beach concession stand.

Crooked River State Park

Solar Eclipse

2 p.m.–3 p.m.

Come join us in viewing a near total eclipse. One of the last for several years. Eye wear provided.

Panola Mountain State Park

Eclipse Excursion — Event is Full

1 p.m.–4 p.m.

Come and join us for a guided hike up Panola Mountain where you will see first-hand at the top of our mountain one of nature’s most spectacular moments, the solar eclipse. It has been nearly 40 years since this event has happened at this magnitude so you don’t want to miss it! Register in advance. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided.

Mistletoe State Park

Eclipse Paddle

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Join the naturalist for a canoe paddle around Clarks Hill Lake while we view the solar eclipse. Please bring protective glasses to view the eclipse. Registration required, ages 6+.

General Coffee State Park

Eclipse Party

1 p.m.–3 p.m.

We will be celebrating this rare event with an eclipse party at picnic shelter #2. Join us as we explore this solar event with a series of educational activities leading up to the eclipse. Learn why an eclipse happens, how to make and use a pin hole camera, and more. We will have a limited number of solar filter glasses available.


Accommodations: Sunday, 8/20–Tuesday, 8/22

(last updated August 18, 8:45 a.m.)

Black Rock Mountain State ParkTallulah Gorge Eclipse T-Shirt

Park full

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Park full

Moccasin Creek State Park

Park full

Vogel State Park

Park full

Tugaloo State Park

Park full

Smithgall Woods State Park

Park full

Victoria Bryant State Park

Park full

Hart State Park

Park full

Richard B. Russell State Park

Park full

Unicoi State Park & Lodge

Park full

Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

Park full

Don Carter State Park

Park full

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

Park full

Cloudland Canyon State Park

2 cottages, 6 yurts, 33 campsites available

Crooked River State Park

9 cottages, 38 campsites available

Elijah Clark State Park

6 cottages, 121 campsites available

Fort McAllister State Park

7 cottages, 36 campsites available

Fort Mountain State Park

25 campsites available

Fort Yargo State Park

8 camper cabins, 2 yurts, 26 campsites available

General Coffee State Park

36 campsites available

Mistletoe State Park

1 cottage, 64 campsites available

Watson Mill Bridge State Park

13 campsites available