Vermont Recreation Organization Cautions Eclipse Chasers to Avoid the Mountains on Eclipse Day

Contact: Chloe Miller, Green Mountain Club Communications Manager
[email protected]; 907-632-7405 (cell)

Vermont Recreation Organization Cautions Eclipse Chasers to Avoid the Mountains on Eclipse Day

Winter conditions may exist, and emergency resources will be limited. Stay safe – stay in town

Northern Vermont — On April 8, 2024 northern Vermont will experience a total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomenon. The Green Mountain Club, a nonprofit organization that advocates for hiking and environmental protection in the state, is advising eclipse viewers, both local and visitors, to stay safe on eclipse day — and that means avoiding backcountry viewing and hiking trails.

Vermont’s mountains in early spring have unpredictable, varied conditions that may include deep snow and ice, cold temperatures, precipitation, and muddy or impassable roads and trails. Unexpected weather, and the rugged nature of Vermont’s hiking trails, may create dangerous conditions for even the most experienced hikers.

“We are thrilled to have so many visitors coming to Vermont to experience this wonderful phenomenon, but we have to keep safety and stewardship top of mind,” said Green Mountain Club Executive Director Mike DeBonis. “We urge visitors and locals alike to seek out eclipse viewing events in cities and towns, and avoid the backcountry during this transitional time. Luckily, anywhere you can see the sun, you can see the eclipse — and flat, wide areas may provide the best view.”

The towns and cities of Burlington, St. Albans, St. Johnsbury, and others are hosting viewing parties on wide expanses like waterfront areas, beaches, airport runways and city and state parks. These events will have parking and bathroom plans and emergency services in place. See GMC’s compiled list of target events here: Where to Watch

For experienced hikers and Vermonters who may think going for a hike would be a wonderful way to get away from it all on Eclipse Day, we urge you to consider the following factors that put stress on state resources:

• It’s Mud Season! Snow is melting and the ground is thawing after a long winter, producing a soupy, muddy mess. Dirt roads (40% of Vermont’s roads) may be soft and difficult to drive without rugged vehicles. Dirt hiking trails suffer the same consequences, and both are prone to permanent damage from vehicle and foot traffic. Speaking of traffic…
• Traffic will be heavy, and at times, impossible. Vermont is expecting anywhere from 50,000-250,000 folks to come to the path of totality. The number will grow if clear skies are predicted. Our rural state does not have highway capacity to smoothly carry that many cars. Some visitors may run out of gas while they sit in traffic, further snarling traffic operations. It will be difficult to get where you want to go on Eclipse day.
• Cellular networks may be overwhelmed and you may have a difficult time making calls, sending messages, and accessing data like driving directions.
• Because of the above complications, the state’s emergency resources and responders may be unable to assist should backcountry search and rescue be needed.
• Rare and endangered alpine vegetation is found on a few mountaintops in Vermont, and is extremely vulnerable to trampling by footsteps. Please protect Vermont’s special natural places and save the hiking for another day.

“For a variety of reasons, we expect Eclipse Day to be breathtaking, but crowded and complicated,” DeBonis adds. “We advise folks to pick a front country destination, plan to arrive early and be prepared for crowds and traffic. Please join us in our efforts to respect Vermont’s towns, parks, and natural spaces by cleaning up after yourself (including human and pet waste) and keeping you and your party safe.”

Vermont Eclipse Resources

GMC’s Eclipse Page
About Mud Season (Vermont’s early spring period of snowmelt)
Vermont Tourism Board’s Eclipse recommendations
Vermont State Parks list of open parks and guidelines

About the Green Mountain Club

The Green Mountain Club was founded in 1910 with one goal: to build a long-distance hiking trail that spans the length of Vermont’s mountains. The Long Trail was completed in 1930. Today, Green Mountain Club staff and volunteers care for roughly 500 miles of trail in Vermont, including the Appalachian Trail in Vermont; Kingdom Heritage Lands trails in the Northeast Kingdom; and the Long Trail and its side trails. We support the hiking community with education and access to enjoy Vermont’s beloved trails.