Sky Meadows State Park

Ambassador Whitehouse Trail

High meadow environments and gorgeous vistas welcome hikers traversing this 1.1 miles through National Park Service lands managed in cooperation with Sky Meadows State Park. A moderate walk, Ambassador Whitehouse Trail forks off of North Ridge Trail just past the intersection with Piedmont Overlook Trail, and makes a long switchback eventually intersecting with the Appalachian Trail.

Blaze Color: Lt. Blue

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Appalachian Trail, New Section

The Appalachian Trail is a National Scenic Trail that stretches more than 2,150 miles form Mount Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia. Approximately one quarter of the trail lies in Virginia with sections passing through Grayson Highlands State Park and Sky Meadows State Park. Sky Meadows' 3 -mile section, from the Thompson Wildlife Management Area on the south to Route 50 on the north, is fairly easy hiking. In Sky Meadows, the Appalachian Trail is accessed from North Ridge and Ambassador Whitehouse Trails. For more information on hiking the trail, contact the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at appalachiantrail.org or look for a trail club in your area.

Blaze Color: White

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Eastside Trails

Designed for equestrians, these trails have been described as a horseback rider's delight. Scenic views of the idyllic countryside abound. The trails start from the parking lot on the parklands east of Highway 17. Some trails have gravel but most are grass. Trails open to hikers are Rolling Meadows, Shearman's Mill, Hayfield, and Old Pasture. Only 2 trails are for horseback riders only and they are the Lost Mountain and Washington's Ridge trails. No dogs allowed on the eastside trail. Hikers must always yield to horseback riders by speaking to the approaching riders in a normal voice, stepping off the trail three to five feet while remaining visible and standing until the horses pass.

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Gap Run Trail

Gap Run Trail is a 1.2 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that is accessed from North Ridge Trail and from Boston Mill Road Trail. It takes hikers through open areas and through the woods along Gap Run Stream. As it climbs, it becomes rockier and narrower before intersecting with North Ridge Trail. Recent trail extension has been added.

Blaze Color: Orange

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North Ridge Trail

North Ridge Trail is a 1.5 mile, difficult hiking trail that is accessible from the Appalachian, South Ridge, Gap Run, Ambassador Whitehouse, Piedmont Overlook and Boston Mill Road Trails. The section of the trail from the Appalachian Trail to Gap Run Trail is particularly steep and rocky, earning this trail its rating. Much of the remainder of the trail passes through moderate terrain surrounded by fields of seasonal wildflowers. Bird and butterfly watchers will enjoy this stretch. This trail offers a challenging hike as well as great views of the area.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Old Trail

From 1983 - 2004, the Appalachian Trail had to be relocated onto Sky Meadows State Park lands. In 2004, in cooperation with the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail was rerouted back to its original corridor, leaving this section as part of Sky Meadows' trail system. It is accessed from the Appalachian Trail near its junction with North Ridge Trail and north of Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. Its 1.3 moderate miles can be combined with the Appalachian Trail to make a very nice upper-ridge hiking loop.

Blaze Color: White

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Piedmont Overlook Trail

Piedmont Overlook Trail is a .7 mile, moderate hiking trail that can be accessed from North Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail. From the Boston Mill road Trail, it takes hikers up a moderate but smooth incline through an open meadow offering many good views of the area. The trail then enters the woods and continues to North Ridge Trail.

Blaze Color: Red

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Shearman's Mill Trail

The Shearman's Mill Trail is a 1.0 mile, easy loop trail that starts near the barn on the parklands east of Rt. 17. This trail passes through a variety of habitats, including forest, field and wetland, crossing and following Gap Run Stream. This area of the park often rewards guest with glimpses of diverse birds and other wildlife inhabiting the region.

Blaze Color: Red

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Snowden Trail

Snowden Trail is a 1.1 mile, easy, self guided interpretive trail that starts at the end of Boston Mill Road, 1/2 mile from the parking lot. It takes guests through "Nature's Neighborhood" using signs to highlight the relationships between wildlife and their habitats. This trail also passes through a sensitive, seasonal wild flower area.

Blaze Color: Silver

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South Ridge Trail

South Ridge Trail is a 1.6 mile, moderate difficulty hiking trail that starts at Boston Mill Road Trail and takes you up the mountain to the North Ridge Trail.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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Camping Area

Sky Meadows offers a unique backcountry camping experience. The campground is accessible by a 1-mile hike from the parking area. There is no vehicular access to the campground. Campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and a level tent pad. Non-potable water is available by hand-pump. Vault toilets are available. Reservations are required. Walk-in reservations for individual campsites are possible for one night only, subject to availability.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Check-in 4:00pm; Check-out 3:00pm
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 59.3983 -77° 58.4733

Picnic Area

Construction is underway on a new picnic area located near the Valley Trailhead. During this transition period, limited picnic facilities are located in the Historic Area adjacent to the Visitor Center and Mount Bleak House. The new area will offer secluded individual picnic pads with grills, larger group pads, vault toilets, and a picnic shelter. Reservations for the shelter can be made online at www.dcr.virginia.gov

• Season/Hours: All Year/8am to Dusk
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 59.5050 -77° 57.9683

Picnic Shelter

One shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Toilets are located nearby as well as parking. It offers picnic tables, outdoor grills, a playground, trails and lots of open space for relaxing and play.

• Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 59.5050 -77° 57.9683

Visitor Center and Gift Shop

The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are located in the park's Historic Area, adjacent to the public restrooms. The Visitor Center features a small Habitat Room which houses mounted and live exhibits of the park's resident wildlife. Visitors can also receive information about the park's history, hiking trails, campground, and other amenities. The Gift Shop is designed to resemble a 19th Century mercantile. The shop stocks a wide range of wares including books, field guides, hiking and camping supplies, historical toys and games, local crafts and seasonal agricultural products.

• Season/Hours: All Year/11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 59.4516 -77° 57.9633

Turner Pond

Turner Pond is a 3-acre fishing pond located on the west side of Route 17, approximately 1 mile north of the park's main entrance. It is stocked in cooperation with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and is open to fishing year-round. A Virginia freshwater license is required for individuals ages 16 and older. Under 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult. A portable toilet is located beside the parking area. Daily parking fees are required. All park regulations are in effect at all times in this area.

• Season/Hours: All Year/8:00 A.M. to Dusk
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 59.6116 -77° 56.9500

Historic Area

The park's Historic Area contains the original 148 acres of land purchased by Abner Settle in the early 1840's. Settle, a farmer and merchang who operated a store in the village of Paris, built Mount Bleak House, which today is the centerpiece of the Historic Area. The stone portion of the house was completed in 1843; the frame section was addeded by 1850 to accommodate Abner's growing family.After the Civil War, the Settles moved six miles south to Piedmont Station (now Delaplane.) The remaining buildings in the Historic Area represent the history of the Crooked Run Valley from Colonial times through the post-World War II agricultural boom and include a Colonial era log cabin, an ice cellar and wash house, and a 1950's dairy barn. A walking tour brochure of the area is available in the Visitor Center. Mount Bleak House is open for tours year-round. Inquire in the Visitor Center for tour guide availability.

• Season/Hours: mid-April through Dec/11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 59.4674 -77° 57.9471

Information Pavilion

The Information Pavilion (currently under development) houses a display of antique farming tools and implements. Visitors to the Pavilion will also find a beverage vending machine, pay telephone, bulletin boards, and a large brochure rack containing information about Sky Meadows and nearby area attractions. Additionally, the Information Kiosk is located here, with park amenity overviews, printable trail maps, a calendar of park events, and information on all of Virginia's State Parks.

• Season/Hours: Year Round/8am to Dusk
• Fee: Parking Weekdays $3; Weekends $4
• Location: