How to watch the eclipse in South Carolina
The Palmetto State will be thrown under the Moon-shadow for 13 minutes
Is Carolina on your mind for the eclipse? The Palmetto State is where the Moon-shadow ends its journey across the USA, sweeping across Greenville and Columbia, and existing just north of Charleston.
However, do note that the weather in this part of the world can be troublesome in August. The coasts could be cloudy. Hurricanes are even possible! Then again, it could be a beautiful day. Either way, have a Plan B to drive away from cloud, probably inland.
Here are three great places to watch the Total Solar Eclipse in South Carolina amid natural surroundings:
1 – Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville, South Carolina
A rural retreat for those in Greenville, this place is full of trails for bikers and hikers, so could be a great place to watch the eclipse. Paris Mountain State Park camping facilities are top-notch and include paved camping sites, 13 of which offer tent pads, and five trailside campsites around the North Lake Trail Loop.
Partial eclipse begins: 13:09 pm EDT, Totality: 14:38 pm EDT (lasts 1 minute 52 seconds), Partial eclipse ends: 16:02 pm EDT
2 – Caesars Head State Park, South Carolina
You do sacrifice about 50 seconds of Totality to watch the eclipse at Caesars Head State Park, but it’s a tempting proposition nonetheless. There’s a network of hiking trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area that links Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks, while there’s fishing in the Middle Saluda River, Matthews and Julian Creeks for brook, rainbow and brown trout.
Partial eclipse begins: 13:08 pm EDT, Totality: 14:37 pm EDT (lasts 1 minute 36 seconds), Partial eclipse ends: 16:02 pm EDT
3 – Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina
If you want to be among the very last people to witness Totality, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is where to put yourself. You will have to share the experience with both alligators and oystercatchers (and perhaps even a loggerhead sea turtle). Expect there to be enterprising boat owners offering eclipse-themed boat trips on the big day itself. Try boat owners in Awendaw or McClellanville.
Partial eclipse begins:13:17 pm EST, Totality: 14:46 pm EST (2 minutes 33 seconds), Partial eclipse ends: 16:10 pm EST
Photo credit: Caesars Head State Park – DiscoverSouthCarolina.com
