2024 Total Solar Eclipse

 

Viewing the 2017 solar eclipse from Arlington Lawn

NPS Photo

Watch the Solar Eclipse from Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is one of two official national parks in the path of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears to totally obscure the sun. Arkansas has only been in the path of totality for an eclipse two other times in history - in 1834 and in 1918. The next total solar eclipse in the state will be in 2045.

What to Expect in the Park

In the days leading up to and during the eclipse, we expect the park (and the City of Hot Springs) to be extremely busy. If you do decide to view the eclipse from the park, be sure to plan ahead!

• We expect heavy traffic on roadways. Please check for local roadway closures and be patient and courteous while driving. Plan for local travel to take 2-3x as long as normal. Please check iDriveArkansas for the most up-to-date roadway information.
• Consider carpooling, and try to have plenty of gas or charge for your vehicle if you plan to drive. Parking in the park and around downtown Hot Springs is limited.
• Bring plenty of food and water.

 

Archeology Booth at Junior Ranger Day in 2021.

NPS Photo

Special Events

Even though totality will last just a few minutes, visitors will have many opportunities to participate in special events in the days leading up to the Eclipse. Park rangers are working with scientists from NASA, NOAA, and Earth to Sky to coordinate fun events, programs, and presentations throughout the community. These programs are all free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Learn more about space weather, ongoing NASA research, the impact of eclipses on Earth, eclipse dynamics, and more. Additionally, the park is hosting a 2-day “Eclipse Fest!” on Arlington Lawn with interactive activities, demonstrations, and presentations from the visiting scientists.

 

Thursday, April 4

2:00pm, Garland County Library (1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901)

• Join NASA at the Garland County Library for an interactive program about the science and discoveries made during an eclipse. (Check the library website for more information at www.gclibrary.com)

5:00pm – 9:00pm, Bridge St. Live (Bridge St. LIVE Entertainment District, 71901)

Join NASA, NOAA, and ETS at this free block party in downtown Hot Springs for hourly presentations. (Check the Bridge St. Live website for more info at www.hotsprings.org/events/bridge-st-live-eclipse-edition/

• 6:00 - 6:30pm - Eclipse Dynamics with Jim Silva (NOAA)
• 7:00 - 7:30pm - Solar Eclipse: Nature's Weather Experiment with Dr. Irfan Azeem (NOAA)
• 8:00 - 8:30pm - Effects of the Eclipse on Earth with Kristen Weaver (NASA) and Julie Hoover (NASA)

Friday, April 5

10:30am, Garland County Library (1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901)

• Join NASA at the Garland County Library for a free, hands-on, kid-friendly program! (Check the library website for more information at www.gclibrary.com)

12:00pm, National Park College (101 College Dr., Hot Springs, AR 71913)

• Join NOAA & NASA at National Park College Conference Center for an exhilarating talk about eclipses, space weather, and internship opportunities with NASA.

1:00pm, Garland County Library (1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901)

• Join NASA at the Garland County Library for an interactive program about the science and discoveries made during an eclipse. (Check the library website for more information at www.gclibrary.com)

4:30pm, Garland County Library (1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901)

• Join NASA at the Garland County Library for a free, hands-on, kid-friendly program! (Check the library website for more information at www.gclibrary.com)

7:00pm, Hot Springs Village (1101 Desoto Blvd., Hot Springs Village, AR 71909)

• Join NASA and NOAA at the Woodland’s Auditorium in Hot Springs Village for a panel discussion about the many impacts that eclipses have on science, research, the Earth, and space.

7:30pm, Lake Ouachita State Park (5451 Mountain Pine Rd., Mountain Pine, AR 71956)

• Join NASA, NOAA, the Hot Springs Village Stargazers Club, and park rangers for stargazing program. Space is limited and must be reserved. Call Lake Ouachita State Park for more info at [phone] or 1-800-264-2441 between 8:00am and 5:00pm daily.

Saturday, April 6

10:00am – 3:00pm: Eclipse Fest on Arlington Lawn (Hot Springs National Park)

• Join NASA, NOAA, ETS, and NPS rangers for a free, fun-filled informative, and interactive day about space and eclipses! There will be presentations, demonstrations, and a chance to earn some cool gear.
   

7:30pm at Lake Ouachita State Park (5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956)

• Join NASA, NOAA, the Hot Springs Village Stargazers Club, and park rangers for stargazing program. Space is limited and must be reserved. Call Lake Ouachita State Park for more info at [phone] or 1-800-264-2441 between 8:00am and 5:00pm daily.

Sunday, April 7

10:00am – 3:00pm: Eclipse Fest on Arlington Lawn (Hot Springs National Park)

• Join NASA, NOAA, ETS, and NPS rangers for a free, fun-filled informative, and interactive day about space and eclipses! There will be presentations, demonstrations, and a chance to earn some cool gear.

2:00pm, Entergy Park Pavilion (140 Entergy Park Ln., Hot Springs, AR 71913)

• Join NASA & City of Hot Springs Parks and Trails at the Entergy Park Waterfall Pavilion for a special, family friendly eclipse presentation. Bring your own chair!

Monday, April 8

Hot Springs National Park has designated three locations within the park boundaries as official viewing locations for the eclipse.

1. Arlington Lawn

2. Hot Springs Mountain, Mountain Tower Parking Lot

3. West Mountain Summit Overlook

Starting at 9:00am park rangers, along with NASA and NOAA scientists, will be at each station providing demonstrations and information about different ways to experience the eclipse through sound, touch, feeling, and sight. There is limited space at each of these viewing locations. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, snacks, blankets (for Arlington Lawn), and camp chairs (for the mountains).

Plan Ahead!
On Monday, April 8, Hot Springs Mountain Drive and West Mountain Drive will be closed to through traffic to ensure easy access for emergency service vehicles. The park will be running shuttles to the top of each of the mountains. Shuttles will begin at 8:00am and will run every 20-30 minutes. Shuttles will take people to designated drop off points until each mountain has reached its capacity. The last shuttle down will be at 4:30pm.

Pick up for Hot Springs Mountain and North Mountain will be at the Happy Hollow Jug Fountain on Fountain Street. Please note that the city will close Fountain Street to through traffic. Visitors will need to walk up Fountain Street to the shuttle pick up. The drop off points on the mountain will be at the Hot Springs Mountain Picnic Area and the North Mountain Stone Shelter.

Pick up for West Mountain will be at the intersection of Prospect Ave. and West Mountain Dr. and at the intersection of Whittington Ave. and West Mountain Dr. Drop off points on the mountain will be at the West Mountain Stone Shelter and the West Mountain Summit Overlook.

Restrooms, water, and viewing space is limited at both Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain. Please be prepared by bringing camp chairs, water, food, and any other necessary supplies. Note that any items you bring must be able to fit with you on the shuttle bus. Please help keep the park clean and pack out everything that you bring in and dispose of trash in appropriate receptacles.

 

Thermophile exploration table!

NPS

Eclipse Fest!

April 6 & 7, 10:00am - 3:00pm on Arlington Lawn

Join the NPS, NASA, NOAA, and Earth to Sky for 2-days of total-ity awesome eclipse fun on Arlington Lawn! With presentations, STEM-based activitites, and interactive demonstrations, this will be an event you won't want to miss! Participants will have the opportunity to earn some cool gear by visiting the different booths, be sure to ask a ranger for more information!

This event is FREE and activities are for all ages!

 

Road crossing on West Mountain

NPS photo

Park Operations & Closures

Road Closures

Saturday, April 6

Starting on Saturday, April 6 at 10:00pm, West Mountain Drive, West Mountain Summit Road, and Blacksnake Road will all be closed to vehicular traffic until the evening of Monday, April 8. These closures will help provide access for emergency service vehicles.

Sunday, April 7

On Sunday, April 7 at 6:00pm after the Mountain Tower closes, Hot Springs Mountain Drive and North Mountain Loop will be closed to vehicular traffic until the evening of Monday, April 8.

Shuttle Information

Monday, April 8

Free shuttles will start running at 8:00am and will run every 20-30 minutes. Shuttles will take people to designated drop off points until each mountain has reached its capacity. The last shuttle down will be at 4:30pm.

Pick up/Drop Off Information

Pick up for Hot Springs Mountain and North Mountain will be at the Happy Hollow Jug Fountain on Fountain Street. Please note that the city will close Fountain Street to through traffic. Visitors will need to walk up Fountain Street to the shuttle pick up. The drop off points on the mountain will be at the Hot Springs Mountain Picnic Area and the North Mountain Stone Shelter.

Pick up for West Mountain will be at the intersection of Prospect Ave. and West Mountain Dr. and at the intersection of Whittington Ave. and West Mountain Dr. Drop off points on the mountain will be at the West Mountain Stone Shelter and the West Mountain Summit Overlook.

Plan Ahead

Restrooms, water, and viewing space is limited at both Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain. Please be prepared by bringing camp chairs, water, food, and any other necessary supplies. Note that any items you bring must be able to fit with you on the shuttle bus. Please help keep the park clean and pack out everything that you bring in and dispose of trash in appropriate receptacles.

Fordyce Bathhouse Temporary Closure

The Fordyce Bathhouse will mostly follow a normal operational schedule and will be open every day from 9:00am – 5:00pm. On Monday, April 8^th, the Fordyce will close around 1:30pm to ensure that everyone has time to get outside to witness the total eclipse at 1:49pm and will reopen at 2:00pm. Rangers and volunteers will be available with park information, maps, and the bathhouse museum will be available for self-guided tours.

 

View the eclipse from Arlington Lawn, West Mountain Summit Overlook, or the Mountain Tower Parking Lot.

NPS Photo

Official Eclipse Viewing Locations

Hot Springs National Park has designated three locations within the park boundaries as official viewing locations for the eclipse. These locations are Arlington Lawn, the Mountain Tower Parking Lot, and the West Mountain Summit Overlook.

Starting at 9:00am, rangers and special guests from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Earth to Sky (ETS) will be stationed at each of these locations with ongoing demonstrations and eclipse information to provide an immersive eclipse viewing experience through sound, touch, feeling, and sight.

There is limited space and facilities at each of these viewing locations. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, snacks, blankets (for Arlington Lawn), and camp chairs (for the mountains).

 

NPS Photo

Plan Like a Park Ranger!

Parking

Parking around Hot Springs National Park is very limited. Visitors who wish to enjoy the eclipse from the park are encouraged to arrive early. Parking is not permitted along roadsides, on vegetation, or on other non-designated areas within the park. Carpooling is recommended!

Camping

Camping is strictly prohibited anywhere in the national park outside of the designated sites at Gulpha Gorge campground. All campsites must be reserved through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Internet & Cell Service

Internet and cell service may be limited due to heavy usage during the eclipse. Have a secondary plan to communicate with your friends and family. Know where to go in case you get separated and carry a paper map!

Be Prepared! Practice Leave No Trace!

Hot Springs National Park has limited services and restroom facilities. Plan to bring enough water and snacks for your group for the day. Please dispose of trash in designated locations and pack out everything that you bring in. It’s up to all of us to keep our park clean!

 

Totality.

Eclipse Timeline

12:32pm – Partial Eclipse begins

During this phase, you can only look at the sun with proper solar viewers! Using your naked eye or sunglasses could result in long term eye damage.Placing your solar viewers on your cellphones or cameras for photos is not recommended. Make sure you have the right viewer for photography and magnification.

1:49pm – Totality begins

This is the ONLY TIME it is safe to look directly at the sun without solar viewers!

1:53pm – Totality ends

Time to put your solar viewers back on!

3:10pm – Partial Eclipse ends

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the top 10 most asked questions about the eclipse at Hot Springs National Park below. For any additional questions, please call the Fordyce Bathhouse at [phone] or send us an email!

 

Will special areas be designated in the park to view the eclipse?

Yes! The park will have 3 "official" eclipse viewing areas: Arlington Lawn, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower Parking Lot, and the West Mountain Summit Overlook. Rangers and NASA/NOAA scientists will be positioned at these locations with ongoing activities, demonstrations, and eclipse information. 

Arlington Lawn
If you plan to view the eclipse from Arlington Lawn, please bring a blanket (not a camp chair), water, and snacks. Restroom facilities are limited on the Lawn and could require walking up to half a block away. 

Hot Springs Mountain Tower Parking Lot
If you plan to view the eclipse from the Mountain Tower Parking Lot, make plans to either hike up Hot Springs Mountain or take the shuttle. Shuttle service will begin at 8:00 am at the Happy Hollow Jug Fountain and will run every 20-30 minutes until capacity has been reached.

Pick up for Hot Springs Mountain and North Mountain will be at the Happy Hollow Jug Fountain on Fountain Street. Please note that the city will close Fountain Street to through traffic. Visitors will need to walk up Fountain Street to the shuttle pick up. The drop off points on the mountain will be at the Hot Springs Mountain Picnic Area and the North Mountain Stone Shelter.

Restrooms, water, and viewing space is limited at Hot Springs Mountain. Please be prepared by bringing camp chairs, water, food, and any other necessary supplies. Note that any items you bring must be able to fit with you on the shuttle bus. Please help keep the park clean and pack out everything that you bring in and dispose of trash in appropriate receptacles.

If you'd like to hike, the Peak Trail, Oertel-Shortcut Trail, and the Floral-Honeysuckle-Peak Trail are all just a little half a mile long with a 400 ft. elevation gain. Be sure to check out a park map and plan your route accordingly. Bring a camp chair, water, and food. Restroom facilities at the top of Hot Springs Mountain are limited.

West Mountain Summit Overlook

If you plan to view the eclipse from the West Mountain Summit Overlook, make plans to either hike up West Mountain or take the shuttle.

Pick up for West Mountain will be at the intersection of Prospect Ave. and West Mountain Dr. and at the intersection of Whittington Ave. and West Mountain Dr. Drop off points on the mountain will be at the West Mountain Stone Shelter and the West Mountain Summit Overlook.

Restrooms, water, and viewing space is limited at West Mountain. Please be prepared by bringing camp chairs, water, food, and any other necessary supplies. Note that any items you bring must be able to fit with you on the shuttle bus. Please help keep the park clean and pack out everything that you bring in and dispose of trash in appropriate receptacles.

If you'd like to hike, the Oak Trail, Mountain Top Trail, and Canyon Trails all lead up to the summit. Be sure to check out a park map and plan your route accordingly. 

How close will parking be to the designated viewing areas, and how will they be marked?

Hot Springs National Park does not have a designated parking lot for access to the park. There is limited street parking around the national park, as well as private pay-to-park lots. We recommend carpooling and arriving early to find parking closest to where you'd like to be.

For the most up-to-date information from the City of Hot Springs, be sure to check out their dedicated eclipse website.

Should heavy traffic be expected?

Yes! Hot Springs National Park encourages everyone viewing the eclipse from the park to arrive early and stay late to allow most of the traffic congestion to clear out. There is plenty to do within the national park, so plan a hike, take a stroll downtown, and find a good spot to relax. 

For the most up-to-date information on traffic, check out the iDriveArkansas website and the Arkansas Department of Transportation's Solar Eclipse Traffic Management Plan. 

How many people do you expect to be in the park for Totality?

The State of Arkansas anticipates 1.5 million out-of-state visitors to travel to the state and at least 500,000 Arkansans to travel to the path of Totality. Hot Springs National Park has not way of knowing how many people will be in the park, but we estimate between 80,000 and 200,000 throughout the days before, during, and after the eclipse.

Will food services, restrooms, water and other services be available?

A portion of Hot Springs National Park is nestled within downtown Hot Springs, where there are many restaurant and shopping options. Bathhouse Row also has several bathhouses that offer food services. The park maintains several cold and hot water jug fountains that are always open to the public (but may be harder to access during the eclipse). Public restrooms are limited.

Will areas be designated for the setup of telescopes?

At this time, the park will not be designating a special area for telescopes.

Will the park rules be modified to allow visitors to backcountry camp in the park?

No. Camping anywhere in the park outside of the designated camping spots at Gulpha Gorge campgound is strictly prohibited and in direct violation of federal regulations. 

Will the park host special programs and activities for kids or families before or after Totality?

Even though totality will last just a few minutes, the national park has put together an impressive schedule to ensure that everyone can understand, appreciate, and reflect on this rare moment. The park is working closely with NASA, NOAA, and Earth to Sky to coordinate fun events, programs, and presentations throughout town.

These programs are all free, family friendly, and open to the public. Attendees can expect information about space weather, ongoing NASA research, the impact of eclipses on Earth, eclipse dynamics, and how you can contribute to NASA science. Additionally, the park is hosting a 2-day long “Eclipse Fest!” on Arlington Lawn with interactive activities, ongoing booths, demonstrations, and presentations from the visiting scientists.

The schedule for these events is as follows:

Thursday, April 4^th:

• 2:00pm at the Garland County Library

  • Join NASA at the Garland County Library for an adult-focused, interactive program about the science and discoveries made during an eclipse. (Check the library website for more info).

• 5:00pm – 9:00pm at Bridge St. Live

  • Join NASA, NOAA, and ETS at this free block party in downtown Hot Springs for hourly presentations. (Check the Bridge St. Live website for more info).

Friday, April 5^th

• 10:30am at the Garland County Library

  • Join NASA at the Garland County Library for a free, hands-on, kid-friendly program! (Check the library website for more info).

• 12:00pm at National Park College

  • Join NOAA & NASA at the National Park College Conference Center for an exhilarating talk about eclipses, space weather, and internship opportunities with NASA.

• 1:00pm at the Garland County Library

  • Join NASA at the Garland County Library for an adult-focused, interactive program about the science and discoveries made during an eclipse. (Check the library website for more info).

• 4:30pm at the Garland County Library

  • Join NASA at the Garland County Library for a free, hands-on, kid-friendly program! (Check the library website for more info).

• 7:00pm at Hot Springs Village

  • Join NASA and NOAA at the Woodland’s Pavilion in Hot Springs Village for a panel discussion about the many impacts that eclipses have on science, research, the Earth, and space. There will be a Q&A at the end.

• 7:30pm at Lake Ouachita State Park

  • Join NASA, NOAA, the Hot Springs Village Stargazers Club, and park rangers for stargazing program. Space is limited and must be reserved. Call Lake Ouachita State Park for more info.

Saturday, April 6^th

• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Eclipse Fest on Arlington Lawn

  • Join NASA, NOAA, ETS, and NPS rangers for a free, fun-filled informative, and interactive day about space and eclipses! There will be presentations, on-going booths, demonstrations, and a chance to earn some cool gear.

• 7:30pm at Lake Ouachita State Park

  • Join NASA, NOAA, the Hot Springs Village Stargazers Club, and park rangers for stargazing program. Space is limited and must be reserved. Call Lake Ouachita State Park for more info.

Sunday, April 7^th

• 10:00am – 3:00pm: Eclipse Fest on Arlington Lawn

  • Join NASA, NOAA, ETS, and NPS rangers for a free, fun-filled informative, and interactive day about space and eclipses! There will be presentations, on-going booths, demonstrations, and a chance to earn some cool gear.

• 2:00pm at the Entergy Park Pavilion

  • Join NASA & Hot Springs Parks and Trails at the Entergy Park Waterfall Pavilion for a special, family friendly eclipse presentation. Bring your own chair!

Monday, April 8^th
Hot Springs National Park will be open for visitors to view the eclipse. The park is hosting three official viewing stations:

• Arlington Lawn

• Hot Springs Mountain, Mountain Tower Parking Lot

• West Mountain Summit Overlook

At each station there will be NPS rangers, NASA & NOAA scientists, and ongoing demonstrations and different ways to experience the eclipse through sound, touch, feeling, and sight. There is limited space and facilities at each of these viewing locations.

Visitors are encouraged to bring water, food, blankets (for Arlington Lawn), and camp chairs (for the mountains). Shuttles to the top of Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain will begin at 8:00am and will stop once the overlooks are full. The last shuttle down will be at 4:00pm.  

Can eclipse-related merchandise be purchased in the park: maps, caps, T-shirts, etc?

Yes! The Bathhouse Row Emporium located in the Lamar Bathhouse along Bathhouse Row has eclipse memorabilia for sale. The park store is open every day from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Where can I get eclipse safety glasses?

The Bathhouse Row Emporium located in the Lamar Bathhouse has eclipse glasses for sale. The park store is open every day from 9:00am - 5:00pm.