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Cuyahoga Valley National Park announces temporary parking lot closures ahead of April 8 solar eclipse in Northeast Ohio

'We are doing our best to be prepared and we are looking forward to welcoming unusually high numbers of visitors.'

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — As preparations continue for the April 8 solar eclipse in Northeast Ohio, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park has announced plans to temporarily close a variety of parking lots -- some of which will be closed for the duration of the eclipse.

“If you live in the area, your home or neighborhood is where you’ll have the ‘best seat in the house’ for eclipse viewing, said CVNP Superintendent Lisa Petit. “We are doing our best to be prepared and we are looking forward to welcoming unusually high numbers of visitors.”

RELATED: What time does the solar eclipse happen on April 8 in Northeast Ohio? Check this list to see when you can watch in your area

PARKING LOT CLOSURES & IMPACTS

The following parking lots will close at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, and won’t reopen until 8 p.m. on Monday, April 8, which is after the eclipse is over.

  • Boston Trailhead
  • Boston Store limited mobility lot
  • Brandywine Falls (parking lot only, Brandywine Falls accessible via Stanford Trail or Bike & Hike Trail)

We’re told park officials are keeping these specific lots closed so staff can focus on the major eclipse hubs of activity.

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The following parking lots will close at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, and reopen at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 8:

  • Boston Mill Visitor Center
  • Canal Exploration Center
  • Crow Foot Gully
  • Happy Days Lodge (south of Rt. 303)
  • Hines Hill Center
  • Ledges Shelter
  • Little Meadow
  • Octagon Shelter
  • Pine Hollow
  • Station Road Bridge Trailhead
  • Kendall Lake

An official with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park tells 3News closing these lots overnight “will give us a chance to get staff and volunteers in place in the morning to monitor parking, close full lots and help visitors.”

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park also listed the following suggestions for those coming there to experience the eclipse:

  • Plan for a long day and visit the park website before heading out.
  • Come early, stay late. Consider staying for a hike after the eclipse.
  • Download the NPS app ahead of time and save CVNP information for offline use.
  • Consider carpooling and have a full tank of gas or charge for your vehicle.
  • Park in official spaces only. Parking lots will close when they are full.
  • Pack it in, Pack it out. Consider taking your trash with you when you leave, as facilities may be overwhelmed.
  • Be aware that emergency response could be delayed due to traffic.

RELATED: April 8 solar eclipse: These Ohio locations will spend the longest time in totality

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