Trailhead Hike: Sky Meadows State Park, VA

Park Map / Trailhead hike – NO BUS

$5 plus park fee or pass. Long hike: 10 mi., 1700 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 8 mi., 1400 ft. elevation gain.

This bucolic state park on the Blue Ridge features sweeping vistas, rolling meadows, and extensive forest. We’ll begin at the Visitors Center with a warmup ramble through the lower meadows and woodlands on the James Ball, Corporal Morgan, and Hadow Trails, with a side loop on the Snowden Trail, before starting our ascent on the South Ridge Trail. A stretch on the North Ridge Trail connects us to the Appalachian Trail. Moderate hikers remain on the AT, while long hikers add distance and elevation with a side trip on the Old AT. The two routes rejoin at the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail to cross the upper meadow with its extensive views of the Piedmont region. We then descend back to the Visitors Center via the Piedmont Overlook Trail.

COVID PRECAUTIONS
All participants should be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.

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RESERVATIONS
Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind!

FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace.

LIABILITY
By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike.

CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before 12PM the Thursday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.

MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE