WEATHER

6 scenic places to see the solar eclipse

Abbey Finch

Special to The Record

Hope for clear skies on Aug. 21 so you can take advantage of New Jersey’s most breathtaking views of the much-anticipated solar eclipse. While New Jersey won’t be able to see the total eclipse — the moon will cover about 75 percent of the sun here — there are plenty of striking spots to view this astronomical phenomenon. The eclipse starts at 1:44, peaks around 2:45 and completely ends around 4 pm, so plan accordingly to get to your viewing spot on time. Oh, and don’t forget your eclipse glasses.

Eclipse glasses:5 places to get them before the big day

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Are they fake?:Experts warn against counterfeit eclipse glasses

You can get spectacular views in the state with bonus scenic overlooks, wildlife, and natural reserves at several locations a close drive away.

1. Garret Mountain Reservation, Woodland Park

People look at Paterson from the Garret Mountain Reservation Overlook.

This 568-acre park features several miles of wooded tails and plenty of open spaces to view the eclipse. Pick one of the many scenic New York City overlooks or open fields to find a good viewing location, all of which are easily accessible by car. Or climb to the top of the 75-foot Lambert Observation Tower that offers stunning panoramic views over 150-foot cliffs.

Go: Weaseldrift Road, passaiccountynj.org/facilities/Facility/Details/28

2. Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park

Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park.

Head to the Ridgefield Park Area by Overpeck Creek for an easy yet scenic eclipse viewing spot. The boat launch by the Equestrian Center has plenty of space to watch the eclipse or pack a picnic and lay out in the field opposite the playground and fitness center. It’s free and there is an abundance of parking.

Go: 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, co.bergen.nj.us/841/Overpeck-County-Park

3. South Mountain Reservation, South Orange

Washington's Rock and Lookout at the Crest Drive loop at the south end of South Mountain Reservation is the Revolutionary War location of Beacon 9, it has a view east to Staten Island and Manhattan and southward of Millburn, known as Millville during the Revolutionary War.

There are a few good places in this giant natural reserve to watch the eclipse. Washington Rock, a historic monument that overlooks the NYC skyline, features miles of prime viewing sky. You can park right next to the viewing area. You might also try walking up to the top of Hemlock Falls, one of New Jersey’s best waterfalls, which is a little further from the road. Getting to the Falls requires about a 10 to 15-minute mild hike through the woods.

Go: South Orange Avenue, www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/south-mountain-reservation

4. Ramapo Mountain State Forest, Oakland and Ringwood

A view of Ramapo Lake from the rocks at the very edge of the front of Bear Run home in the Ramapo Mountain State Forest that overlooks Ramapo Lake.

If you’re looking for excellent eclipse viewing plus a moderate hike, head to the Lakeshore Path around the Ramapo Lake, a 120-acre manmade water reserve. The Lake Loop circles the Lake and is accessible by several trails. The Lake has a huge break in the forest trees to view the daytime sky. There are a number of other excellent watch points in the park, too. The Wanaque Ridge trail offers outstanding western views. You’ll see several parking areas off Skyline Drive, opposite the entrance to Camp Tamarack.

Go: Exit 57 off Route 287, Oakland, state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ramapo.html

5. High Point Monument, Wantage

A view of Steeny Kill Lake from the Steeny Kill Trail, with the High Point Monument in the background.

Aptly named, High Point Monument is the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet above sea level. From the area around the monument honoring war veterans, you’ll get 360 degree views of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. It’s an ideal location for eclipse viewing and well worth the trek. You can either plan the day around a hike to the Monument or park close to the viewing point. This time of year, there is a $10 fee for New Jersey residents to enter the High Point Monument area.

Go: Monument Park, High Point State Park, state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/highpoint.html

6. Richard W. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst

Another easy-to-get-to eclipse viewpoint is the DeKorte Park in the Meadowlands. There are 3.5 miles of walking paths and panoramic views of the wetlands, perfect for a clear view of the sky. Check out the March Discovery Trail or the Kingsland Overlook for an absolutely perfect outlook.

Go: 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, http://www.njsea.com/njmc/nature/parks-trails.html

Here's a map of the above locations: