For basic information about how, when and where to experience North America’s total solar eclipse and why you must try to get yourself to the path of totality on April 8, check my main feed.
It may not get the attention that Texas is enjoying as a place to go see the 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8, but Arkansas should be close to the top of the list for anyone wanting to maximize their chances of a clear sky and a great view of the eclipsed sun.
The Natural State’s first total solar eclipse since June 8, 1918, and its last until August 12, 2045, about 1.7 million people live in the path of totality in Arkansas. According to GreatAmericanEclipse.com, 84,000 to 337,000 visitors could drive to the path of totality in Arkansas on April 8. That would make it the fifth most popular state with visitors to the 115-mile wide path of totality, which will pass through parts of 15 US states. However, the Arkansas Department of Transportation expects an estimated 1.5 million additional road users, including 500,000 from within Arkansas.
Here’s exactly what you need to know to see the eclipse in Arkansas, from eclipse maps of the path of totality and eclipse times to climate predictions, traffic advice, how and where to find accommodation, and all about festivals, events, and the best places to view.
Arkansas: Path of Totality And Time Of The Eclipse
A total solar eclipse results when the new moon completely blocks the sun for a few minutes, casting a narrow dark shadow across Earth’s surface. On April 8, this path of totality will be between 118 and 116 miles wide as it surges across Arkansas, going southwest to northeast, entering the state at the borders with Oklahoma and Texas at 13:45 CDT and exiting at the border with Missouri at 14:00 CDT. So it will take just 15 minutes to cross Arkansas.
Where you need to be to see the total solar eclipse is paramount. You must be within the path of totality, which cannot be stressed enough. There is no level of totality, as some maps suggest. Within the path, you’ll see a total eclipse of the sun, but outside of it—even a mile on the wrong side of the border—you’ll merely see a partial solar eclipse, with no darkness nor views of the sun’s corona.
Top tip: On the centerline of that path, totality will last for between 4 minutes, 18 seconds and 4 minutes, 12 seconds, depending on your exact location (punch in any location here for a full schedule), but there’s no need to be on the centerline. It’s more important to be where the skies are clear. You should try to stay away from the edge of the path of totality, but in Arkansas, that should be straightforward for most.
Arkansas Edge Cities: Fort Smith
Be very careful if you plan to be in Fort Smith, on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, for the eclipse because the northwestern edge of the path intersects its southern suburbs. Many will stay overnight in Fort Smith and drive southeast on eclipse day, perhaps to the Mount Ida or Russellville regions. That’s a great idea since it will be more affordable than renting close to the centerline within the path, but it’s absolutely imperative that you move on April 8.
Top Tip: if you’re staying overnight in Fort Smith—or anywhere else just outside of the path—get up seriously early and plan to spend the entire day in your chosen location. However, don’t necessarily choose somewhere on the centerline.
Arkansas: Destinations Within The Path of Totality
Almost two-thirds of Arkansas is in the path of totality. The path begins in southwestern Arkansas, first enveloping Texarkana and Ouachita National Forest, then Hot Springs National Park, Little Rock, Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley, and Russellville on its way to the Ozarks before exiting into Missouri. There’s a slew of Arkansas State Parks in the path.
Here are some key locations either on or near the centerline (click the link to reach the community site, which lists events and festivals):
Tip tip: on April 8, Russellville could see up to 168,000 visitors—more than anywhere else in Arkansas—mainly because it’s on the centerline and connected by Interstate 40 to Fort Smith to the west and Hot Springs to the southeast.
Arkansas: Eclipse Accommodation, Events, Camping And Festivals
Recommended reading: Arkansas Tourism’s official eclipse 2024 website
Little Rock, Hot Springs and Russellville aside, Arkansas is the ideal destination for the eclipse for outdoor types. Stargazers will be indulged, with the Ouachita Mountains, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and Buffalo National River Dark Sky Park boast impressively dark skies (see above), though light pollution is irrelevant during totality itself. Hundreds of private farms and pop-up campgrounds are making it relatively easy to secure at least basic accommodation in Arkansas. Don’t be scared off by the high quoted prices—they will come down as the eclipse approaches (this trend repeats itself across the decades, just as eclipses do!).
For the latest events, ticketed festivals, fee-free community plans and more, check National Eclipse’s Eclipse Events page and this interactive eclipse map from The Eclipse Company. You’ll also find a mix of campgrounds, RV parks, music festivals, science-themed events, and observing-only day events. The latter also links to Booking.com.
Hipcamp’s Solar Eclipse Camping Guide 2024 and Campspot’s Where to Camp for the 2024 Solar Eclipse Path will be helpful for campers.
Top tip: For day-trippers after somewhere to park up, check this list of Arkansas State Parks in, and close to, the path of totality.
Arkansas: Climate And Weather
Where is the best chance of clear weather during the eclipse in Arkansas? According to eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson on his website Eclipsophile, climate statistics suggest a 54% and 59% chance of clouds throughout Arkansas during April. However, Anderson notes that north of Little Rock, the path is split between the Boston Mountains and the Ozark Plateau to the north of the centerline and lowlands to the south.
If it’s necessary to change location, Arkansas has two Interstates conveniently located in the path of totality. Interstate 30 runs northeast from Texarkana to Little Rock, while Interstate 40 heads northwest across the path.
Top tip: watch the weather forecasts and decide where to go 24 hours before the eclipse. Staying mobile and relocating isn’t for everyone, but there’s a high chance it could be decisive.
I’m an expert on eclipses—the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024. For the very latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles each day.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
