Sky MeadowsState Park - Virginia |
Sky Meadows State Park is located in extreme northwest Fauquier County, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Paris, Virginia. It is about an hour outside of the Washington, D.C. metro region. It starts in a valley between the foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains, then has meadows and forests stretching up to the ridge of the mountain and the Appalachian Trail.
There is a basic walk-in campground, over 12 miles (19 km) of hiking trails and 6 miles (10 km) of bridle paths. The horse trails are east of US 17 and the hiking trails (and most of the park) is west of US 17.
With a combination of meadows, grazed fields, forest, scrub, and streams, it has a wide variety of ecological zones.
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location
maps
Visitor Map of Sky Meadows State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Bicycle Map of Virginia. Published by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
brochures
Trail Guide for Sky Meadows State Park (SP) in Virginia. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Travel Guide for Northern Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Brochure of Virginia State Parks. Published by Virginia State Parks.
Features & Stories of the Travel Guide for Virginia. Published by Virginia Tourism.
Sky Meadows SP
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Meadows_State_Park
Sky Meadows State Park is located in extreme northwest Fauquier County, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Paris, Virginia. It is about an hour outside of the Washington, D.C. metro region. It starts in a valley between the foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains, then has meadows and forests stretching up to the ridge of the mountain and the Appalachian Trail.
There is a basic walk-in campground, over 12 miles (19 km) of hiking trails and 6 miles (10 km) of bridle paths. The horse trails are east of US 17 and the hiking trails (and most of the park) is west of US 17.
With a combination of meadows, grazed fields, forest, scrub, and streams, it has a wide variety of ecological zones.
WELCOME TO SKY MEADOWS STATE PARK. To make your visit
safe and more pleasant, we ask that you observe
the following:
Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in
designated areas only. Please note there is a parking
fee charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Honor
parking information is found at the park entrance.
PRESERVE – Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or
mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is
allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the
Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals.
ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private
areas (inside your cabin or camping unit) or in areas
designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
PETS - Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash
no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets
may not be left unattended at any time.
DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned
aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks pursuant
to 4VAC5-30-400.
LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing
litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and recycle
centers or carrying out your trash.
FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to
grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must
be attended at all times and extinguished when left.
Firewood is generally available for purchase at the park.
Campers and guests may collect only down and dead
firewood. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on
open fires.
POLLUTION - Help reduce pollution. Dump stations,
laundry sinks and slop sinks, where available, are for
the proper disposal of wastewater. Please, no boat, RV
or car washing.
SWIMMING - Where available, swimming areas are generally open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
weekend, weather permitting. Swim or wade only in designated swimming areas and at designated times. Children in swimming areas must wear sealed plastic pants
over diapers. Disposable swim pants are recommended
and available for purchase at the parks. Swimming or
wading in unguarded areas may be hazardous because of
swift currents, sudden drop-offs or unseen obstructions.
FISHING - Where fishing is permitted, valid Virginia fishing licenses are required. Specific licenses are required for
saltwater and trout-water fishing. Please call the park in
advance for specifics.
GUESTS - Your guests are our guests. For everyone’s safety
and security, please register all visitors with the park
office. Visitors will not be admitted to camping and cabin
areas unless so identified. Visitors are permitted only
between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
QUIET HOURS - Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6
a.m. The use of generators is prohibited at all times.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY
Check-out 1 p.m.
Camping:
Check-in 4 p.m.
In many cases, campers may be accommodated prior to
the official check-in. Please remember that only those 18
or older may register. The registrant is responsible for
all occupants of the campsite or cabin. Feel free to arrive
early and enjoy park amenities prior to check-in.
If you decide to leave the park before the end of your
overnight stay, you may be entitled to a refund based on
how much of your stay has already been used and any
fees due. Once you check in for your cabin or camping
stay, that night is considered used. If you are camping,
we take what you paid, subtract the fees for the nights
used and then subtract one additional night. The balance is due as a refund. This means if you have only a
two-night stay, you will not receive a refund if you leave
one night early. If you are in a cabin or lodge, the policy
is different. First, we always keep at least the first two
nights’ fees. Second, we keep $30 per night for a cabin
($60 per night for a lodge) for each night you didn’t stay
and subtract that from the fee for any unused nights
beyond the two-night minimum. If you started out with
a week stay, you received a discount when you made the
reservation. If you end up not staying the entire week,
your fee will be recalculated at the higher, nightly fee
rate. This means that if you have a week stay and leave
one night early, no refund will be made.
CAMPING - Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds and only after following the proper check-in
procedure described in the Reservation and Fees Guide
available at the park office.
Campsite occupancy is for a maximum of six people
or the number of people in a single household. Two
camping units are allowed per campsite; only one axled
camper is allowed per site. All camping units, equipment and vehicles must be placed within the perimeter of the designated campsite without infringing on
adjoining campsites or vegetation. Where high impact
areas are designated, all camping units, equipment and
vehicles must be within the defined borders of the high
impact area. Park in designated areas only.
PARKING - Only two mot
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Old Town Alexandria
EXPLORE
From the venerable Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the
Arlington National Cemetery landmarks to the well-known John
F. Kennedy Grave Site and Pentagon Memorial, visitors will get
their fill of history as they honor our country’s heroes. Don’t miss
the Netherlands Carillon in springtime as the tulip gardens come
to life; with hilltop views stretching past the Potomac to the
Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S Capitol, the
Carillon offers one of the best views in the area.
NORTHERN
VIRGINIA
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I W O J I M A M E M O R I A L S TAT U E ( A R L I N G T O N ) : C A M E R O N D AV I D S O N / G O O D S T O N E I N N ( M I D D L E B U R G ) : J U M P I N G R O C K S P H O T O G R A P H Y
SPLURGE
K R I ST I N S U M M E R E R
Just south of the day-to-day buzz of our nation’s capital, NORTHERN VIRGINIA exudes its own historical charm and cherished
character. Immersed in the region’s rich history, urban skylines fade into rolling countrysides, encompassing everything you’d want
in a getaway – whether its live entertainment and nationally acclaimed restaurants, iconic historic sites and quaint Main Streets or
wine country and luxurious retreats ... or maybe a little of each.
Iwo Jima Memorial Statue—Arlington
Ready to feel like a million bucks? Treat yourself to a oncein-a-lifetime luxury experience at any number of charming
venues, like the Goodstone Inn. This 18-room, 265-acre estate is
minutes from wineries and will be remembered for its romantic
English and French Country décor and culinary feats at their
signature restaurant, The Conservatory. Create a bit of magic at
the whimsical Inn at Little Washington; while it hasn’t changed
much since George Washington’s day, the staff will exceed all
your modern expectations with welcome cocktails, afternoon
tea, champagne and more. Or try the Salamander Resort & Spa, a
timeless destination with 168 rooms boasting scenic countryside
views. Their spa treatments, private courtyard, heated pool,
equestrian facilities and culinary program are just the beginning
of your stay. Travel has never felt so luxurious!
UNWIND
REVEL
Known as “DC’s Wine
Country,” Loudoun County
boasts more than 40 awardwinning wineries and tasting
rooms, offering dozens of
delicious varietals to tickle
your tastebuds as you take
in the scenic views. Use their
Wine Trail Guide to plan your
vino-filled adventure, resting
your head at local inns and
B&Bs along the way. Did you
know that Loudon is also
known as “horse country?”
With the National Sporting
Library and Museum, as well
as horse trails, competitions,
themed hotels and eateries
and even horseback yoga,
equestrians and enthusiasts
have the perfect excuse for a
long weekend getaway.
For a night out on the town
in Alexandria, you’ll find
everything from live jazz
and blues to country line
dancing and live DJs spinning
tunes. Visit The Birchmere, an
intimate setting that’s hosted
the likes of Johnny Cash and
Esperanza Spalding. If you’re
in Arlington, head to the
Punch Bowl Social, located
in the renovated Ballston
Quarter Mall, where three
floors of fun await. Four bars,
scratch-to-craft restaurant
and entertainment (mini and
full-size bowling, karaoke,
ping-pong and arcade
games!) mean a fun-filled
evening with your significant
other or a great girls’/guys’
night out!
STROLL
Quaint Main Street communities will make you forget the
bustling urban city life that’s mere miles away. Culpeper,
founded in 1759, hosts a vibrant mix of locally-owned shops and
restaurants, while Fredericksburg will make you feel as though
you’ve stepped back in time with restored 18th-century buildings
and history at every turn. Manassas - one of five communities in
the U.S. to win a Great American Main Street award and once
completely destroyed by the Civil War - now boasts an art center,
gourmet food store and plenty more to enjoy. The colonial
village of Warrenton features more than 400 renovated buildings
with businesses and shops to peruse while taking in the sights.
Goodstone Inn—Middleburg
VIRGINIA .ORG
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA
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P E T - F R I E N D LY FA C I L I T Y
P R O V I D E S P R I N T E D M AT E R I A L I N B R A I L L E
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PROVIDES DES CRIPTIONS BY A TRAINED AUDIO DES CRIBER
P R O V I D E S A D E V I C E U S E D F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N W I T H A N D B E T W E E N H E A R I N G I M PA I R E D
ADMISSION REQUIRED
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PROVIDES SIGN LANGUAGE
PROVIDES ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
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Welcome Center at
Fredericksburg VG
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Waterford
Purcellville
7
Hamilton
50
Hume
7
28
495
Herndon
McLean
Arlington
66
Falls
29
Church Alexandria
Manassas 123
Mount Vernon
BYP
Fairfax 1
234
50
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17
211
Ashburn
15
Middleburg
Welcome Center
Environmental
Education
Virginia State Parks are premier
environmental education sites.
Schools, scouts, groups and individuals
are encouraged to come learn more
about their world. Backyard Classroom
programs, incorporating Virginia’s
Standards of Learning, promote
lifelong learning. They also help
young people enjoy, appreciate and
understand the outdoors.
Programs & Festivals
Master new outdoor cooking recipes.
Pan for gold or tour a cave. Learn or
improve outdoor skills. Enjoy a rangerled hike, eagle tour or owl prowl.
Workshops and events are as diverse
as the parks.
VIRGINIA
Discounts
Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes
can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming.
The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be
redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays.
STATE PARKS
You can also receive a 25 percent discount on weekend cabins if you
make a reservation on Thursday or Friday, based on availability. Just
ask for the discount on the phone when you make the reservation.
Park Accessibility
Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as
possible. Contact the Customer Service Center or individual parks
for more information before your trip.
Pets
Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in
an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax
per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping.
There’s plenty of history, too. Immerse
yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War
or the Underground Railroad. When
it comes to festivals, you’ll find music,
arts and crafts, local food and beverage,
classic cars and more. Up-to-theminute, comprehensive information is
available at www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Nature & History
All parks have trails, many with signs
explaining the environment. Wander
trails at First Landing through cypress
swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along
ridges and ravines through rare oldgrowth forest. Overlooks at Hungry
Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural
Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful
geological forces that shaped the land.
See how rivers shaped some parks, such
as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge,
Powhatan and Westmoreland.
www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
www.virginiastateparks.gov
Shenandoah River
Seven Bends
Sky Meadows
540-622-6840
540-622-6840
540-592-3556
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Douthat
540-862-8100
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Natural Bridge
540-291-1326
Smith Mountain Lake
540-297-6066
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703-730-8205
703-339-2385
540-288-1400
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VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Lake Anna
Leesylvania
Mason Neck
Widewater
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CHESAPEAKE BAY
Belle Isle
Caledon
Machicomoco
Westmoreland
804-462-5030
540-663-3861
804-642-2419
804-493-8821
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COASTAL
Chippokes Plantation
False Cape
First Landing
York River
757-294-3728
757-426-7128
757-412-2300
757-566-3036
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EASTERN SHORE
Photo courtesy Jackie Jamison
Kiptopeke
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Bear Creek Lake
High Bridge Trail
Holliday Lake
James River
Pocahontas
Powhatan
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield
Twin Lakes
(Cedar Crest Conference Center)
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BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
757-331-2267
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804-492-4410
434-315-0457
434-248-6308
434-933-4355
804-796-4255
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804-561-7510
434-392-3435
434-767-2398
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SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
Fairy Stone
Occoneechee
Staunton River Battlefield
Staunton River
276-930-2424
434-374-2210
434-454-4312
434-572-4623
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276-940-2674
276-940-2696
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HEART OF APPALACHIA
Breaks Interstate
Clinch River
Natural Tunnel
(Cove Ridge Conference Center)
Southwest Virginia Museum
Wilderness Road
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B Biking
CT Car-top Boat Launch
E Equestrian
FP Fishing Pier
H Hiking
P Pool Swimming
T Electric Motors Only
U Universally Accessible
UD Under Development
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Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable
for reunions, weddings and special events.
Some parks even have equestrian campsites.
B/E/H/U
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Claytor Lake
Grayson Highlands
Hungry Mother
(Hemlock Haven Conference Center)
New River Trail
Shot Tower
With lodges, cabins, yurts and campsites, the
fun doesn’t end at sundown. Many cabins are
available year-round, and most campgrounds
ar
Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville
Small Towns,
Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make
these small towns in Virginia worth exploring.
Character
WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM
T
KYLE LAFERRIERE
10
he phrase “small town” evokes
nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to
love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly
and stocked with locally-owned businesses.
These are communities where you can get off
the crowded highway, park the car and walk,
ride a bike or even kayak through downtown.
Small, family-run businesses offer one-of-
a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art
to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer
locally-grown produce and seafood spring
through fall.
With almost 200 incorporated towns,
dozens more villages and hamlets, plus
nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street
Communities, the hard part is deciding which
Virginia towns to visit.
VIRGINIA .ORG
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Here are some of
our favorites,
d ending
starting in southwest Virginia, an
metown
with a shameless plug for our ho
on the Eastern Shore.
High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville
Harrisonburg
Big Stone Gap
12
Farmville
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN /
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE
June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap
Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap
JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX
Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history
comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome
Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor
drama, performed Thursday through
Saturday nights, late June through August.
Before you go, be sure to read the Big
Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or
watch the Hollywood film by the same name
starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg.
Upon arrival, you can visit places featured
in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the
Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as
the outdoor drama.
Fine, well-preserved period homes house
The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest
Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House.
Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique
and curio shops round out this small town
gem.
Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State
Singing Convention, June
This formerly industrial town has been reinvented
for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers.
The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco
barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying
paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer
four-mile Farmville Blueway.
The railroad that once carried coal now carries
hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long
High Bridge Trail State Park.
Repurposed tobacco packing houses and
lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house
Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture
and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up
local beer, live music, games for the kids and a
pet-friendly beer garden.
Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and
the soon-to-open second location of James River
Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination
for craft beverage lovers.
Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May
Set amidst the vast playground of the
idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg
has been called “one of the best mountain
bike towns in America” by National
Geographic.
Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and
artisans have blended the past with the
present to create a lively melting pot that
is distinctive to this college town.
Named Virginia’s first Culinary
District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural
diversity serves up fare from around the
world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food.
Bar.Food features “global comfort food,”
while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café.
The arts scene is equally diverse,
epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market,
a community of small businesses under
one roof in an historic building.
Named for James Madison, fourth
president and the “Father of the
Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel
Madison and James Madison University
(JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend
a youthful vitality to this historic town.
Fun Festival: Harrisonburg
International Festival, September
VIRGINIA .ORG
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Within Virginia’s
larger cities,
find pockets of
uniqueness that
make you feel
like you’re in a
small town!
ROANOKE’S HISTORIC
GRANDIN VILLAGE
This walkable urban village is
eclectic and family-friendly at
the same time. Spend Saturday
morning at the Community
Market, dine on an outdoor
patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in
a first-run or classic film at the
1930s Grandin Theatre.
RICHMOND’S
SCOTT’S ADDITION
One of the hottest, newly
revitalized neighborhoods in
the state capital. Warehouses
converted to breweries, cideries
and distilleries, bold street
murals, a cinema and a retro
bowling alley make this a
happening night scene.
Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake
Country at Virginia’s only lakeside
town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as
Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens
of fishing tournaments yearl