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Virginia
13

Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
Virginia
Northern Region
Sky Meadows State Park
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Sky Meadows State Park Lots and lots of delicious strawberries © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park © Hak K. Lee
Sky Meadows State Park © Hak K. Lee
Sky Meadows State Park Visitors enjoying the food © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Baby Goat at the Animal Tent © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Bluegrass Music © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Sand Painting © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Laughing Horse © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park 2008 Delaplane Strawberry Festival © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Hayrides are fun © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Big Tom Turkey © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Bagpiper © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Tunnel Game © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Hybrid Falcon © Didi McConnell
Raptor Conservancy of Virginia
Sky Meadows State Park Face Painting © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Barn Owl © Didi McConnell
Raptor Conservancy of Virginia
Sky Meadows State Park Screech Owl © Didi McConnell
Raptor Conservancy of Virginia
Sky Meadows State Park Crafts for everyone © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park 2008 Delaplane Strawberry Festival © Didi McConnell
Kent Knowles of the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia giving a talk on the Red Tail Hawk
Sky Meadows State Park 2008 Delaplane Strawberry Festival © Didi McConnell
Raptor Conservancy of Virginia
Sky Meadows State Park Scottish Clansman © Didi McConnell
Sky Meadows State Park Petting a cute Pig © Didi McConnell
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SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK
SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK
11012 Edmonds Lane
Delaplane, Virginia   20144

Phone: 540-592-3556
Toll Free: 800-933-7275
Reservations: 540-592-3556
Email: park email button icon
The land for this park was donated in 1975 by Paul Mellon of Upperville to the Commonwealth of Virginia. It consisted of 1,132 acres. The name Sky Meadows came from former owner Sir Robert Hadow, who named the property "Skye Farm" after an island in Scotland. In 1988 Mellon donated another 486 acres. This area has been developed into an equestrian staging and bridle trail area.

Just an hour?s drive from Washington, D.C., Sky Meadows State Park in Clarke and Fauquier counties, offers a peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and provides a look into a bygone era. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail and a primitive hike-in campground, as well as picnicking, hiking and riding trails, interpretive programs and a visitor center in the historic Mount Bleak House.
Nature of the Area
Settlement of the area can be attributed to nearby Ashby's Gap, which gave settlers access to the Shenandoah Valley. Just south of Ashby's Gap, a 5,000-acre tract of land became the property of James Ball. Upon his death in 1754, the land was divided into five parts and given to his children. The land of the present day manor house later became the property of Isaac and Mary Settle, prominent citizens in nearby Paris, Va. Isaac Settle built the Mount Bleak house and gave it to his son Abner as a wedding gift in 1835.

About 1870 Mount Bleak became the property of George M. Slater, a former Confederate soldier. Slater had been one of the first nine men detailed by General J.E.B. Stuart to accompany John Singleton Mosby, a noted Confederate officer and partisan leader. Mosby's Rangers, as they were known, spent some time in this area, and this is when Slater first saw Mount Bleak. He returned after the war and lived there for 55 years.

The property changed owners several more times in the 1900s. In 1975, Paul Mellon of Upperville, Va., donated the 1,132-acre tract to the Commonwealth for the development of a state park. In 1987, 245 acres were acquired to provide an Appalachian Trail corridor, and in 1988, Mellon donated another 486 acres, inceasing the park's acreage to 1,862.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
Cottages and Cabins
An amazing getaway from hustle and bustle of everyday life. What do you have in mind A romantic weekend A family vacation Or, a weekend getaway with friends We recommend escaping to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
13 miles from park*
Fishing
Freshwater fishing in one-acre pond. Fishing is permitted from the shoreline only, with a valid license. Fish typically include largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill. No boat rentals or launch.


Location
Sky Meadows State Park is located near Front Royal, Purcellville and Stephens City

Picnicking
Shelters available on first-come, first-served basis. Only three picnic tables are available under shelter. Overlooking rolling pastures, the area includes drinking water, grills and modern restroom facilities.
Bicycling
Bicycling is limited to the park's gravel roads. Off-road biking and mountain biking are not permitted in this area.

The multi-use trail, shared with hikers and horseback riders, requires caution due to varying traffic.

Riders should be aware that some sections of the road can be steep or uneven; proper gear is recommended.

Please note: bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails for safety reasons - stick strictly to designated areas only.

Remember always wear a helmet when cycling as it reduces risk of serious injury during potential accidents.

Ensure you follow all posted signs about bicycle use within the park boundaries for your own safety.
Trails
Hiking and bridle trails. Hiking trails - The park has six hiking trails ranging from less than one mile to almost two miles long. There is a one-mile nature trail for hiking only. In addition, the park offers access to the Appalachian Trail. The park is a three day hike from Harper?s Ferry, W. Va., and two days from Shenandoah National Park. To protect our wildlife, all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on paved park roads.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch and Red-tailed Hawk. The park is home to over 100 bird species including migratory ones such as Warblers. Birdwatchers may also see Woodpeckers, Sparrows and Hawks during their visit.

The Piedmont Environmental Council offers guided bird walks in springtime for visitors interested in learning more about local avian life.

There are several trails suitable for bird watching with varying difficulty levels; Rolling Meadows Trail being a popular choice due its diverse habitats attracting different birds.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 13 Wonderful park for children
park review stars; one to five Last spring we took our Grandson for his first fishing trip. We all enjoyed the safe ease use of the pond. Our four old caught his first fish on his second cast! We are on our back today to try our luck again.
May 25
park review stars; one to five Bud was our guide through the house and we were WOWed by his thorough knowledge of all the family history, the furnishings, the Civil War family details and the area which was preserved for the Park! What a joy to see the well cared for grounds and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this reserve your service has given us. Thank you, Park Service!
August 19 Small park, but excellent hiking by sfordick
park review stars; one to five We hiked Piedmont Overlook, on to Ambassador Whitehouse, then the Appalachain Trail, on to North Ridge, and then Gap Run back to the Park Office in July 2013. Piedmont Overlook was just beautiful with the vista views. The trail mostly goes through fields with hundreds of butterflies. So pretty! I was excited that Sky Meadows has access to the Appalachian Trail. I would definitely recommend a visit to Sky Meadows just for the hiking, but they also have picnicking, camping, and horseback trails also. A beautiful, peaceful park to visit.
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Area Campgrounds
Mountain Lake Campground
127 Mountain Lake Lane
Paris, VA
540-837-2134
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is less than two miles south of Paris, Va., via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South; or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park entrance is on State Route 710.

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Virginia State Parks

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