07/14/2026
Catch the Eclipse from the Summit: Powder Ridge Hosts Mountaintop Viewing Wednesday, August 12
Connecticut skywatchers will have a front-row seat to a partial solar eclipse, and Powder Ridge Park is turning the occasion into a one-of-a-kind mountaintop experience.
The Powder Ridge Experience
Instead of watching from your backyard, ride the chairlift to the summit for panoramic views and an unforgettable afternoon under the changing sky.
Option 1: Mountaintop Picnic Experience
Enjoy a picnic lunch before the eclipse begins. Every picnic purchase includes a complimentary chairlift ride and certified eclipse viewing glasses.
Lunch for Two – $35 Charcuterie board, fried chicken, cold pasta salad, coleslaw, cookies
Lunch for Four – $60 Charcuterie board, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, cold pasta salad, coleslaw, cookies
Add a bucket of wings for two – $15 Choice of Buffalo or Parmesan.
Pre-Purchase is required for picnic – FireatTheRIdge.com - Reservations - Choose the date and 1:00 pm time. Choose outdoor dining option and pre-pay
Pickup Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Option 2: Scenic Chairlift Ride
Take a scenic ride to the top of the mountain for sweeping views above the tree line and an ideal vantage point for the eclipse. $10 per person
Each chairlift ticket includes certified eclipse viewing glasses. Pre-purchase option 2 at PowderRidgePark.com or onsite.
Whether you choose a picnic or simply ride to the summit, Powder Ridge offers a memorable way to turn an afternoon celestial event into a mountain adventure.
The Eclipse
Connecticut will experience a partial solar eclipse, with approximately 20% to 23% of the sun covered by the moon. While the path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain, viewers in Middlefield will still enjoy a fascinating celestial display.
Approximate viewing times for Middlefield:
Eclipse begins: 1:03 p.m. EDT
Maximum eclipse: 1:53 p.m. EDT
Eclipse ends: 2:41 p.m. EDT