Many people will be watching next month’s total solar eclipse from a mid-state area lake or river. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for large crowds.
Summer is already peak season for hitting local waterways. Add a solar eclipse to the mix, and August 21 is sure to be a busy day on the water.
Dave Funderburk is a ranger for the Corps of Engineers. He said the Corps is stressing safety on the big day.
“Just be aware that there’s going to be a lot of people here,” said Funderburk. “Make sure you wear your PFD (personal flotation device).”
The Corps of Engineers says free eclipse viewing areas have been designated at Lake Barkley in Kentucky, and Cheatham Lake, Old Hickory Lake, J. Percy Priest Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, and Center Hill Lake in Tennessee.
Each will be well within the path of totality. The moon will pass in front of the sun as it sweeps across Kentucky and Tennessee between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Lake Barkley
- Tailwater Right Bank Day Use Area – Duration of Totality: 2 minutes 35 seconds
8439 U.S. Highway 62 West, Kuttawa, KY 42055
Cheatham Lake
- Right Bank Day Use Area – Duration of Totality: 1 minute 51 seconds
1798 Cheatham Dam Road, Ashland City, TN 37015
Old Hickory Lake
- Laguardo Recreation Area – Duration of Totality: 2 minutes 35 seconds
7609 Highway 109 North, Lebanon, TN 37087 - Rockland Recreation Area – Duration of Totality: 2 minutes 31 seconds
5 Power Plant Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075 - J. Percy Priest Lake: Stones River Greenway – Duration of Totality: 2 minutes 15 seconds
3778 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076
Cordell Hull Lake
- Defeated Creek Day Use Area – Duration of Totality: 2 minutes 35 seconds
140 Marina Lane, Carthage, TN 37030 - Donaldson Park (also near Dale Hollow Lake) – Duration of Totality: 1 minute 1 seconds
1110 Jackson Street, Celina, TN 38551 - Center Hill Lake: Center Hill Dam – Duration of Totality: 2 minutes 35 seconds
270 Lancaster Road, Lancaster, TN 38569
Visitors are also encouraged to stay at Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the path of totality to view the total eclipse, and are welcome to join the public at designated viewing areas.
Courtesy of WKRN’s News 2