The October eclipse is days away. Here are the best Texas state parks from which to see it

Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·2 min read
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When it comes to eclipse viewing, an unobstructed sky is ideal. Lucky for Texans, there are dozens of state parks that offer just that ahead of the eclipses in October and April.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently released a list of the state parks with the best viewing opportunities for the upcoming eclipses, the first of which will occur Oct. 14 and will cross the state from Odessa to Corpus Christi.

More: Everything you need to know about the solar eclipse in Texas and where to get free glasses

An area of Texas near San Antonio, where the two eclipse paths cross, will experience both the annular eclipse in 2023 and the total eclipse in 2024. Eclipse calculations were provided by Ernie Wright of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
An area of Texas near San Antonio, where the two eclipse paths cross, will experience both the annular eclipse in 2023 and the total eclipse in 2024. Eclipse calculations were provided by Ernie Wright of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

That will be an annular eclipse, during which the moon covers only part of the sun, creating a “ring of fire” effect. It will be visible for several seconds to multiple minutes, depending on your vantage point.

More: Fall foliage near Austin? Yes! Lost Maples State Natural Area ranks as best in the U.S.

From where can I view the October eclipse?

The October eclipse will be partially visible from wherever you are in Texas or the country, but the best views will come from being in the path itself.

Here is a list of the best state parks from which to view the October eclipse, according to Texas State Parks:

  • Big Spring

  • Choke Canyon

  • Devils River — Del Norte Unit

  • Garner

  • Goliad

  • Goose Island

  • Government Canyon

  • Guadalupe River

  • Hill Country

  • Kickapoo Cavern

  • Lake Corpus Christi

  • Lost Maples

  • Monahans Sandhills

  • Mustang Island

  • Old Tunnel

  • San Angelo

  • South Llano River

More: It might shock you to learn when Austin’s last total solar eclipse was

Best April total eclipse viewing opportunities

A total eclipse will occur April 8 with a path from Del Rio and northwest through Austin. Viewers must be in the path of totality to experience the full “twilight effect,” though it will also be visible throughout the country.

According to Texas State Parks, the best places to view the April eclipse are:

  • Atlanta

  • Blanco

  • Bonham

  • Cedar Hill

  • Cleburne

  • Colorado Bend

  • Cooper Lake

  • Daingerfield

  • Devil's Sinkhole

  • Dinosaur Valley

  • Enchanted Rock

  • Fort Parker

  • Garner

  • Government Canyon

  • Guadalupe River

  • Hill Country

  • Inks Lake and Longhorn Cavern

  • Kickapoo Cavern

  • Lake Bob Sandlin

  • Lake Tawakoni

  • Lake Whitney

  • Lost Maples

  • Lyndon B. Johnson

  • McKinney Falls

  • Meridian

  • Mother Neff

  • Old Tunnel

  • Pedernales Falls

  • Purtis Creek

  • South Llano River

  • Tyler

More: Planning to visit Austin for the 2024 solar eclipse? Make reservations now, officials say

Texas State Parks recommends visitors reserve campsite or day passes as soon as possible to ensure entry to the parks. Visitors are also encouraged to come early and stay late to avoid traffic delays and to pack extra food, water and fuel in case of delays.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Solar eclipse: Best Texas state parks to view the 2023, 2024 eclipses