A remarkable and rare occurrence, the most recent total solar eclipse occurred in August of 2017 and the next one isn’t expected until 2044. During the eclipse, the orbital pathways of the moon and sun will overlap, casting a moving shadow that will cover a unique path across North America. This shadow will cross hundreds of miles in Mexico, the United States and Canada, but will last just under four-and-a-half minutes over each location.
The eclipse will begin to cross over southeastern Oklahoma around 12:28pm CST, with total coverage beginning at 1:45pm, lasting just over four minutes in the highest coverage areas. Find your site to catch this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, unforgettable event.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Safety Tips: The only safe way to observe any type of solar eclipse is through special-purpose solar filters like those found in eclipse viewers. Ordinary sunglasses will not suffice. Always inspect your filter before use, and never use a scratched or broken filter. Supervise children as they use their solar filters, and do not point your phone's camera at the eclipse, as it can damage the components within.
Cavanal Hill - Poteau
Cavanal Hill in Poteau is known as “The World’s Tallest Hill,” with its peak reaching 1,999 feet. Head up the four-and-a-half-mile road to the top for a front-row seat to view the eclipse over the breathtaking, expansive Poteau River valley and surrounding areas covered in the eclipse’s shadow.
Hugo Lake Park - Hugo
There are plenty of wonderful places to view the eclipse from inside the 25,000-acre Hugo Lake Park. For a completely unobstructed view of the eclipse, set up a seat along the Hugo Lake shoreline or rent a boat to see the show from the water.
Raymond Gary State Park - Fort Towson
Raymond Gary State Park in Fort Towson offers plenty of prime viewing spots, including the swim beach, on the lake in a rented canoe or fishing boat, or with friends and family at one of the roomy pavilions.
Pine Creek Lake - Valliant
Valliant’s Pine Creek Lake boasts 74 miles of shoreline that will provide an unobstructed view during the eclipse. Beyond the shoreline, there are plenty of picnic areas and two distinct campsites, both with plenty of individual and group spots to gather before and after.
Beavers Bend State Park & Broken Bow Lake - Broken Bow
The private and public deck spaces at Beavers Bend Lodge inside Beavers Bend State Park provide a top-notch eclipse viewing spot while also offering a breathtaking view of the Lower Mountain Fork River below. For a more secluded experience, head out on one of the many scenic hiking trails, lookouts or take to a canoe out on the Mountain Fork River for a unique experience.
Clayton Lake State Park - Antlers
Find a comfortable seat for eclipse viewing at any of the visitor pavilions at Clayton Lake State Park. You’ll also find gorgeous views of the dark sky both on and around the 80-acre lake.
Talimena State Park & Talimena National Scenic Byway - Talihina
You’ll find plenty of spots to watch the eclipse at Talimena State Park, including hiking trails that provide unique environments and vantage points. To get a bit more elevation, hop on the legendary Talimena National Scenic Byway, and pause at any of the 22 designated lookout points for a truly spectacular view.
Carl Albert Lake - Talihina
Whether you set up a spot along the four miles of shoreline or bring a boat into the middle of the 183 acres that make up Carl Albert Lake, this Talihina nature spot is something of a hidden gem and is guaranteed to give you an unforgettable view of the eclipse.
Winding Stair Recreation Area - Hodgen
Located at the peak of the Winding Stair Mountains, the Winding Stair Recreation Area will provide you with one of the highest eclipse viewing spots (at roughly 2,400 feet) and the most expansive views of the shadow below.
Cedar Lake - Hodgen
The shores surrounding the 86-acre Cedar Lake in Hodgen will provide an amazing and unobstructed view of the eclipse above. During the brief darkness, take in the nearby Ouachita National Forest, covered in the eclipse’s unique shadow.
