These National Parks In the Solar Eclipse's Path of Totality Issue Advice for Visitors

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio have released guidance for visitors as they each prepare for massive crowds on Monday.

Destinations in the path of the upcoming total solar eclipse are bracing for a surge of spring travelers, and national parks are taking steps to help manage the crowds.

Specifically, officials at Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio will be in the path of totality and have shared tips for visitors as well as need-to-know arrival information.

“We expect heavy traffic on roadways. Please check for local roadway closures and be patient and courteous while driving,” Hot Springs National Park shared in their advisory, and will also have shuttle that will bring visitors to official viewing areas. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a 33,000 acre park south of Cleveland, is expecting an surge of traffic, and has also published an advisory with parking lot closures and helpful information for travelers. 

The park will close multiple parking lots the evening before the eclipse, from sunset on Sunday to sunrise on Monday including: Boston Mill Visitor Center, Canal Exploration Center, Pine Hollow, Station Road Bridge Trailhead, and others. The park will be closed from sunset on Sunday, and the entire day on Monday including Boston Trailhead, Boston Store limited mobility lot, and Brandywine Falls. A full list of the closures can be found on the park’s website.

The park also encouraged locals to stay home due to the influx of expected crowds.

“If you live in the area, your home or neighborhood is where you’ll have the ‘best seat in the house’ for eclipse viewing," Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Superintendent Lisa Petit said in its advisory. “We are doing our best to be prepared and we are looking forward to welcoming unusually high numbers of visitors.”

Businesses located near national parks are also experiencing a business boom ahead of the eclipse. Valley Overlook Lodging & Campground is a 62-acre property with furnished cabin and campground surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and says they have visitors from around the country visiting during the eclipse, and their lodging has been booked for months. 

“People are very excited, and what this has shown us is there are eclipse enthusiasts who will travel for this event. Being immersed in nature, and in the park, is going to add to the eclipse experience,” Valley Overlook’s Marketing representative Mary Schoen told Travel + Leisure.

The FAA has also provided guidance that airports, and the sky, will likely be busier than usual for the eclipse and the peak spring break holiday. 

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