On April 8, the Granite State will be in the path of a solar eclipse for the first time since 1959. The Great North Woods will be in the path of totality, which means the region will experience night-like darkness for the full three minutes and fifteen seconds that the moon blocks the sun’s light. The remaining majority of the state will experience over 95% coverage of the sun for the duration of the eclipse. This once-in-a-lifetime solar event is one you don’t want to miss! Don’t wait around for the next one (in 2079!)- here are some places across the state where you can view the eclipse (in your protective Eclipse Glasses, of course!).
State Parks
In the path, or partial path, of the eclipse
Great North Woods Parks
! Adroscoggin Wayside, Errol
! Beaver Brook Falls Wayside, Colebrook
! Coleman State Park, Stewartstown
! Deer Mountain Campground, Pittsburg
! Dixville Notch State Park, Dixville
% Eisenhower Memorial Wayside, Carroll
% Forest Lake State Park, Dalton
% Jericho Mountain State Park, Berlin* (gates are open, no facilities)
! Lake Francis State Park, Pittsburg
! Milan Hill State Park, Milan
! Mollidgewock State Park, Errol
% Moose Brook State Park, Gorham
! Nansen Wayside Park, Milan
! Umbagog State Park, Errol
! Weeks State Park and John Wingate Weeks State Historic Site, Lancaster
!= In the path of totality
%= In the path of partial totality (over 95% coverage of the sun)
For more information, visit nhstateparks.org
Viewing Events
Listed in order of proximity to totality
In the path of totality:
Total Eclipse of the Parks, Stewartstown
The day of the eclipse, Coleman State Park will be open for viewing, and we’ll have hot food and refreshments for purchase, plus fun activities for the kids. If you plan on attending this event, parking spaces are very limited and reservations are required for entry.
A Special Eclipse Concert, Columbia
Listen to the entertaining sounds of Prince Edward Island’s talented musicians Cynthia MacLeod and Gordon Belsher. This Special Eclipse Concert takes place smack dab in the path of totality at the Great North Woods Center for the Arts.
In the path of partial totality:
Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham
Elevate your view of the Total Solar Eclipse to 4000’ up the highest peak in the Northeast. To commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon, guided Stage Coach tours will take visitors halfway up the Mt Washington Auto Road for the opportunity to experience 99.2% eclipse totality at 4000’. Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs to set up, upon arrival at the viewing site. The tour is about 2.5 hours round trip, with 1.45 hours at higher elevation to watch the event unfold. dress for the conditions, the weather on Mt Washington can change rapidly particularly this time of year.
Solar Eclipse Party at Wildcat Mountain, Gorham
Experience the Wild in a new light! Wildcat is gearing up for a mind-blowing 98% totality during the Total Solar Eclipse. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime skiing and riding experience, plus a pop-up BBQ and Bar that’s bound to eclipse all your expectations! Lift operations will pause at 3 p.m. during the peak totality and will resume after totality, spinning until 5 p.m. There will also be a costume contest, eclipse-themed crafts.
Mt. Washington Observatory, Mt. Washington
The team at the Mt Washington Observatory has planned a whole series of events to help celebrate this epic phenomenon leading up to and on the actual day of the eclipse. See more details here.
Eclipse Fest at Cannon Mountain, Franconia
Watch the eclipse slope side at Cannon Mountain! Dub Apocalypse, an instrumental dub reggae band, will take the slopeside stage from 2:30pm – 5:30pm for an apocalyptic beach party on Cannon Mountain! The eclipse will reach maximum (95%) at 3:28pm and you will get to dance or ski right through it! There will be custom commemorative Cannon Mountain Eclipse Glasses (available while supplies last). Cannon is offering an event only ticket for $30 and limited Walk-On Trams for $40. The Tram ticket includes access to the event. This event is free to passholders but they will need to register in advance.
Solar Eclipse Lunch With A View, North Conway
This once-in-a-lifetime event deserves an incredible viewing location so why not head to the summit of Cranmore Mountain for a solar eclipse-themed lunch and viewing party. This special event is only happening from noon to 4 p.m. on April 8. Tickets available to purchase online.
Starlight Lodge 2024 Eclipse Viewing Party!, North Conway
Starlight Lodge in North Conway New Hampshire Solar Eclipse 2024 viewing party package includes light appetizers and refreshments during the eclipse, souvenir eclipse holiday ornament and viewing glasses. Our beautiful garden area will be a perfect location for viewing this once in a lifetime event. We have limited space and recommend that you make your plans as soon as possible. Call 603-356-3551 and ask for Silvia or book now!
Tuckerman Brewing Company, Conway
Celebrate the celestial event at the eclipse party at Tuckerman Brewing Company. Opening at noon on April 8, with door prizes for the first 100 people. Eclipse viewing glasses will be available for guests, and music by DJkris from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to ring in the darkness. Their location in Conway is expected to have nearly 98% coverage of the sun. Peak eclipse is expected to be around 3:30 p.m. There is no cover charge for this family friendly event.
Eclipse Watch Party at Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough
Gather in Moultonborough on April 8 to watch the 98% eclipse at the Castle! Get a free pair of solar eclipse glasses while supplies last, witness the eclipse through solar telescopes and talk with an astronomer from the NH Astronomical Society. The event is free and open to the public, pre-registration is encouraged.
Eclipse Watch at Laconia Public Library, Laconia
Join us in the Library Garden to watch the solar eclipse! Free solar-viewing glasses will be available to Laconia residents and library card holders beginning on Monday, April 1. Any remaining glasses will become available to all others on Saturday, April 6. Solar-viewing glasses are courtesy of the STAR Library Education Network and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. No sign-up is required and all ages are welcome.
Great American Eclipse Viewing Party at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord
Countdown to the Eclipse at the Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Discovery Center in Concord. The viewing party starts at 12 p.m. on April 8. A total solar eclipse hasn’t happened since 1959 and won’t happen again until 2079. For such a significant astronomical event, you’re invited to watch it unfold at New England’s premier space and aviation museum.
Colby Hill Inn, Henniker
With an expectation of 95% coverage of the sun by the moon, the Colby Hill Inn is hosting a Total Solar Eclipse Celebration on April 8. An Earth Science Professor will be on site to assist with the viewing, bringing a telescope. Join them from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to gather up a gourmet picnic to take to your favorite part of the property ($45 pp); or stay after the eclipse for the Solar Eclipse Happy Hour from 3:45 p.m. – 6 p.m. ($45 pp including drinks and appetizers).
SEE Science Center, Manchester
The SEE Science Center is hosting a community viewing event at Arms Park from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. for the partial solar eclipse. The Manchester area, while not in the path of totality, will experience a partial eclipse with 95 % of the sun covered. SEE will be offering several different safe ways to view the eclipse, activities that explain eclipse science and music with local radio station WZID. Certified U.S. made solar viewing glasses can be purchased to use anywhere at the SEE Science Center Gift Shop.
America’s Stonehenge, Salem
Celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse at a Drum Circle at America’s Stonehenge. This area will see 95% totality sometime between 3:15 pm and 3:40 pm. Mystery Hill is the highest point in the area, and perfect for viewing the eclipse. Staff will guide the drum circle as a way to celebrate, visitors are encourage to bring their own drums if they have them, or drums can be purchased on site. Tickets are $20 per person for the day. Be sure to arrive early enough to allow time to walk to Mystery Hill where the drumming circle will take place.
Keep an eye out for upcoming eclipse events happening this weekend!