Experience a Total Solar Eclipse in the Ozark Mountain Region
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, because a total solar eclipse is happening right here in The Natural State and there is no place better to view this once-in-a-lifetime event than in the gorgeous Ozark Mountain Region! Come see all the ways you can experience the Ozarks for the 2024 eclipse.
April 8, 2024 | 12:29 P.M.
BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
With its towering limestone bluffs and cerulean blue water, America’s first national river is perhaps one of the most mesmerizing places in the country to watch the eclipse.
The best locations for viewing the eclipse
Watch from campgrounds like Tyler Bend or Baker Ford to experience totality for over 3 minutes.
Hike to an overlook. On the lower Buffalo, try the Buffalo River Scenic Lookout or Red Bluff Overlook. In the middle section, hike The Narrows or portions of the Buffalo River Trail. And on the upper Buffalo, head to the Steel Creek Overlook.
Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable
Hike to iconic destinations: Hawksbill Craig (the most photographed location in Arkansas), the 209-foot-tall waterfall at Hemmed-In Hollow or the numerous caves of Lost Valley.
Go horseback riding and stay at Horseshoe Canyon Dude Ranch where you can ascend over 400 rock climbing routes and go zip lining.
Nearby towns to explore
Gilbert – Visit one of the smallest towns in Arkansas where you can experience totality for 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Jasper – Admire the historic stone buildings and savor homestyle food at Ozark Cafe.
Marshall – Experience totality for 3 minutes and 49 seconds and then head to the Kenda Drive-In Theatre, one of the last drive-in movie sites in the state.
BULL SHOALS LAKE
This magnificent body of clear, blue water has earned it the title, "The Caribbean of the Midwest.” Dive into the impeccable waters or explore 1,000 miles of scenic mountain shoreline.
The best locations for viewing the eclipse
For unobstructed views, rent a boat from one of the many marinas and head out on the lake for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
Try one of 19 parks that line the shore like Bull Shoals-White River State Park where you can fish for world-record trout, hike, mountain bike and camp.
Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable
Enjoy sailing, skiing, wakeboarding and boating across miles of glassy, blue water.
Elevate your fishing game and go spearfishing for walleye, crappie and catfish!
Take a guided cave tour at one of the world’s oldest limestone caverns, Bull Shoals Caverns.
Bull Shoals and Lakeview – These two neighboring lake towns are lined with family fun resorts, romantic B&Bs and local restaurants. Eclipse viewing here will last approximately 2 minutes, 30 seconds.
NORFORK LAKE
Norfork Lake is Arkansas’s hidden treasure. It’s the only Ozark lake with white, sandy beaches that make you feel like you’re walking along a tropical island. Enjoy tall white bluffs, forested hills and crystal-clear waters that give up to 60-foot visibility.
Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable
Scuba dive and snorkel at dozens of sites across the lake where you can discover underwater caves, a sunken playground, a school bus and more.
Go skiing, wakeboarding, swimming and fishing for huge striped and hybrid bass, slab-size crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish.
Hike 14 miles on the Norfork Trail and bike 10 miles on the Pigeon Creek Trail System.
Nearby towns to explore
Norfork – This charming town features the historic Jacob Wolf House, Norfork Brewing Company and many highly-rated cafes. Viewing time here is 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
Mountain Home – You can find everything you need here from shopping to dining, breweries and an entertainment district. Viewing time here is 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
WHITE RIVER
The White River is one of the most renowned rivers in the world for trout fishing! Here, you can disconnect and unwind where unspoiled natural beauty and adventure will continue to take your breath away long after the eclipse has ended.
The best locations for viewing the eclipse
What better way is there to view the eclipse than while reeling in some fish?
The Norfork Lookout Point is an epic overlook at the confluence of the North Fork River and White River with a totality time of 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
The overlook at City Rock Bluff will provide unobstructed views of the eclipse for 4 minutes.
Outdoor adventures that will make your trip memorable
Calico Rock – This small town is packed with historic museums, vintage shops, cafes and riverside cabins.
Cotter – A fishing town lined with docks, fishing resorts and scenic overlooks where you can catch the eclipse for just over 3 minutes.
Mountain View – Home to the Ozark Folk Center State Park where you can listen to folk jam sessions all year long. Enjoy 4 minutes and 13 seconds of totality here.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE ECLIPSE?
Start planning your trip today and see how you can experience an array of destinations throughout the Ozark Mountain Region that are just as unique as the eclipse.