The Great American Eclipse in Maine passes over some of the state’s deepest wilderness, darkest skies, and best outdoor recreation areas on April 8, 2024. Sure, you can hang out and watch, but you can also pair the eclipse with fun activities.
Here’s what you need to know.
Where to view the Great American Eclipse in Maine
The Great American Eclipse enters Maine from the west, cutting a wide swath until it exits the state and the country at the border with New Brunswick, Canada. The southern limit extends diagonally northward from the Rangeley Lajes through Howland. The northern border extends diagonally northward from the Quebec border to northwest of Caribou.
Those boundaries mean that the central line of the eclipse passes northeastward from roughly the Bigelow Mountains, cutting through the Moosehead Region, the 100-Mile-Wilderness, Baxter State Park, and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to Houlton.
Active ways to enjoy the eclipse in Maine
The Great American Eclipse passes over Maine’s most snow-blessed regions. In the northern and western mountains, northern Kennebec Valley, and most of the Maine Highlands and Aroostook County, opportunities for outdoor winter recreation are plentiful. Consider donning snowshoes or skis, wearing winter boots and cleats for walking, snowmobiling, or even winter camping.
Here are a few ideas:
• Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along the Maine Huts Trail or between the AMC’s Maine Woods Lodges.
• Alpine skiing or snowboarding at Sugarloaf or Saddleback. Of course, first, check to ensure the resort is still operating.
• Snowmobiling in western Maine, the Maine Highlands, or Aroostook County. Check with Northern Outdoors, New England Outdoor Center, or Visit Aroostook.
• Winter camping in Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. (Note: This experience is for experienced winter campers).
• Day and night stargazing in the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park or the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument’s International Dark Sky Sanctuary, home to some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi.
What else to know
Be sure to get appropriate eclipse glasses to watch the eclipse safely.
IMPORTANT: Early April is mud season throughout most of the region that will experience the Great American Eclipse. Dirt roads and hiking trails likely will have varied conditions ranging from snow and ice to mud and muck.
If you don’t have lodging reservations, make them pronto. Many accommodations are sold out already.
This just in (Feb. 28): Spacious Spies Balsam Woods campground in Abbott, just south of Greenville, is opening its rustic cabins (one shared bathroom available in main office) and 18 RV sites April 5-11; electricity and cable will be available. (Note: I stayed here in one of its deluxe cabins and it’s a great spot).
Early April is a crapshoot with the weather. It could be warm or frigid, sunny or rainy, windy or calm. This is especially true in the areas passed over by the Great American Eclipse in Maine. Be prepared for anything and everything.
More info and details about the Great American Eclipse in Maine.
And info about the Great American Eclipse in the Houlton area.
