State Highpoints May Offer Amazing View of 2017 Total Eclipse

With a new observation tower and a cleared top, Sassafras Mountain might be a prime spot to view the 2017 total solar eclipse.

With a cleared top and hopes of a new observation tower, Sassafras Mountain might be a prime spot to view the 2017 total solar eclipse.

[Ed: Club members may want to read the updated article (with times) “Two Minute Highpoint Party or ‘Highpointing In the Dark'” in Issue #117 – Second Quarter 2017 of the newsletter (in your mailboxes now)].

For the first time in nearly a century, a total solar eclipse will be visible across the United States, and given the projected path of totality, highpointers may be able to head to the top of  a few different states to watch the event unfold.

The Washington Post recently posted an article showing the projected path, and Eclipse2017.org gives more detailed listings of where the eclipse can be seen in totality.

For those in the west or looking to travel in that direction, Idaho’s highest point, Borah Peak lies completely in the projected path of totality along with Gannett Peak in Wyoming.  Moving along to the east, Taum Sauk Mountain might just be southwest of this path, but it could provide a great opportunity to watch a partial version of the eclipse.

The most visited highpoint every year, Clingmans Dome, may see many extra visitors that day since it falls inside the path.  Of course, cloudy weather may provide a bit of trouble. Brasstown Bald, the highpoint of Georgia, also falls inside of the projected path, and given the design of the visitors center, it could make for a great viewing area.

South Carolina will be the final state to view the eclipse, and highpointers in the area should be thrilled with a trip to Sassafras Mountain for the occasion as all of Pickens County falls inside of the projected path.

Most experts suggest making plans early to watch the event unfold and to be willing to adjust on the fly to find the optimal viewing spot.

 

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4 Responses to State Highpoints May Offer Amazing View of 2017 Total Eclipse

  1. Joel says:

    Did you forget Gannett in WY….totality!!

  2. Joseph Guyther says:

    Gannett Peak WY is almost dead center of the path of totality which means a slightly longer duration of totality. It is also the highest peak along the path of totality AND of course a state high point.

  3. I did miss Gannett originally when I was looking at the county maps of the path. It is in there now. That would make for an awesome experience provided the weather cooperates.

  4. For those in CO and nearby states, there’s Alliance, NE where the Carhenge is and under the eclipse path. That could be eerie! One can fly to Denver, rent a car to Alliance and then get in two other state HP’s—either SD & ND or CO & KS HP’s. I plan to go there as that would be my closest point (providing I have moved back to AZ) and then get in the Dakota HP’s before heading back to Denver. Otherwise it’s another trip to the Smoky Mts. from Pensacola, my current location.

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