On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse’s path of totality will cut across the top part of Pennsylvania. Although the eclipse will begin at approximately 2 p.m. and end at 4:30, totality — when the sky becomes as dark as night and a ring of light rests along the entire horizon — will last only fleeting minutes.
Pittsburgh is not in the path of totality; the eclipse will reach 97.1% coverage for about 3 minutes, leaving a thumbnail sliver of sun visible, according to tracking site Eclipse2024.org. Since the sun is still partly exposed, the eclipse cannot be viewed here without special glasses.
The path of totality grazes through municipalities in the northeastern part of the state. Erie will remain in totality the longest, clocking in at 3 minutes and 42 seconds. Greenville — about 63 miles south of Erie and the southernmost town in the path — will see totality for 1 minute and 48 seconds.
The city of Erie has been preparing for an influx of visitors since April 2023 with the launch of a yearlong countdown timer. Six months ago, Christine Temple, VisitErie’s director of communications, said the expected tourism increase prompted uncharacteristic changes for the city.
The next total solar eclipse will be visible in the region in 2144, with an annular eclipse — where a ring of the sun is left around the moon — in 2093, and partial eclipses in 2099 and 2111, according to a presentation from Penn State Behrend professors and researchers in October.
Looking for the longest amount of time in darkness and a scenic area to view the eclipse? You’re in luck. Last October, Temple showed off some of the city’s favorite spots.
Remember: Eclipse glasses must stay on at all times, save the moments that the eclipse is in totality. For more information on glasses vendors and other viewing devices, visit NASA’s Total Solar Eclipse Safety page.
This park is synonymous with Erie and its expanses of beach are prime for sky watching.
Although Presque Isle will be open during the eclipse, Temple said the city is recommending against viewing there. The peninsula’s single entry and exit point is primed for a traffic jam, since crowds will most likely watch the eclipse and then immediately hit the road.
Maritime Museum/Port of Erie (Cancelled)
Near the port of Erie, the Maritime Museum is hosting Celestial Celebrations: Solar Eclipse 2024. The free, family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aside from viewing the eclipse from the museum’s plaza along the water, it will offer programming on celestial navigation techniques and creating star charts.
Lake Erie Community Park & Erie Bluffs State Park
These two parks are about 17 and 18 miles east of downtown Erie. Both are in the woods along a bluff above Lake Erie, making for gorgeous and awesome views. Their height is somewhat dangerous; parts of the bluff are not fenced off, and Temple warned that the land has been eroding in recent years. If your furry friends are coming, be sure they’re on a short leash.
Both parks have limited parking, making them most fit for those seeking a serene afternoon eclipse surrounded by nature.
About 9 miles east of downtown Erie, Shades Beach is a smaller park along the lake. Although its sand isn’t as fine or extensive as Presque Isle’s, it offers plenty of space to set up lawn chairs and watch the eclipse — April isn’t exactly swimming season, anyway.
Shades Beach also has — to no surprise — a grassy area with pavilions and a playground. If you’re planning an outdoor afternoon adventure for younger kids with less traffic, this may be the spot for you.
Freeport Beach
Eight miles east of Erie will land you at Freeport Beach, a rocky beach with a wide picnic area.
North East is full of diners, watering holes, cafes and sweets shops if the first thing on your mind after a once-in-a-lifetime event is a place to eat.
No pets are allowed at this spot, Temple said.
Perry Square Park
Perry Square is in downtown Erie, directly next to Gannon University’s campus and surrounded by restaurants. Getting in and out of downtown Erie may prove more difficult than the remote options, but if it’s a packed, social atmosphere you’re after, look no further.
Picnicana Park
Called “the nicest of all the parks” by Temple, Picnicana is a large picnic ground 6 1/2 miles south of downtown Erie. It boasts three large pavilions, a playground, a ballfield and trails. Its trade-offs are that it isn’t along Lake Erie and — like Freeport Beach — does not allow pets.
Still, kids and adults will find a wide open field for viewing and plenty of space to play and explore before and after the eclipse.
Through the eclipse weekend and into Monday, Erie will be chock full of free and ticketed events. Check VisitErie’s events calendar for more information. See VisitErie’s viewing locations map: