MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Though April 8 falls outside their regular season, Vermont State Parks are welcoming eclipse viewers to enjoy the event at their facilities, but with limited amenities.
The system during a normal year opens most facilities at the end of May but officials say they are working to set up porta-potties and additional parking where possible. Officials are cautioning that the early spring date could come with unpredictable conditions, including dangerously cold water in lakes and trails that remain closed for mud season.
“The weather is very unpredictable, so people want to make sure they dress appropriately. And we’d also ask people to pay attention to signage this time of the year with mud season. We have a lot of trail closures to protect the resource and those areas will be signed,” said Nick Caputo with Vermont State Parks.
Officials say parks with good viewing locations include: Bomoseen, Boulder Beach, Branbury, Crystal Lake, DAR, Elmore, Emerald Lake, Mt. Philo, Grand Isle, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Lake St. Catherine, Little River, Niquette Bay, Silver Lake and Waterbury Center.
The gates may be closed at some parks and others will have limited parking.
Click here for all our eclipse coverage to help you get ready for the big day.