‘We have no clue what it’s going to be like’: State parks prepare for record attendance during eclipse

Space.com listed the iconic cataracts as the most scenic spot in America to view the total eclipse, and National Geographic ranked it No. 11 on its list of the top 20 travel experiences in the world for this year.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to take in the spectacle at the international travel destination, including throngs at Niagara Falls State Park on the American side.

But that setting harbors just one of dozens of New York state parks gearing up as prime viewing options throughout the state.

is especially true in parts of western and northeastern New York that fall within or near the path of totality, where the moon will completely block out the sun – save for a ring of light called a corona – for more than three minutes sometime after 3 p.m.

Staff, including rangers and police, are coming in from other parts of the state that will not experience the totality of the eclipse to help at those in that path, according to Niagara Region parks spokeswoman Angela Berti.

“The time of year is giving us a bit of a challenge, because it’s April and our seasonal staff that would normally be around to help with large-scale events in the summertime are definitely not there,” Berti told The Buffalo News.

The administrative office in Niagara Falls will be closed so staff can help out at parks around the region, she said.

“We’re asking people if they show up to follow staff direction on parking and staying in properly marked designated areas and staying on trails,” she said. “Respect the fact you’re in a park and we’ve got limited staff. We want to make sure that everyone stays safe.”

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation opened its campgrounds early, but sites and cabins are sold out Sunday night and near capacity for Monday, according to state officials.

Admission to all state…