Sky Meadows State Park - Lost Mountain (Rating: B)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

8.5 miles with 945 feet elevation gain.

We're going to enjoy the cooler weather spell and hike the Lost Mountain side of Sky Meadows State Park.

Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm.

Description: Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails on our way to and from the Lost Mountain side of the park.

The pace will be about 2.5 mph.

Bring: at least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Hiking poles if you use them. Insect repellant and sunscreen recommended.

Fee: The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI.
Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope. If main entrance contact station is not staffed you must use the self-pay envelope provided at the gate and hang the stub on your rearview mirror.

Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at the new Sheetz convenience store which is at Gainesville Park & Ride. Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $3.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Sky Meadows is about 30 minutes. The Sheetz at Gainesville Park & Ride is located at 7201 New Stable Way, Gainesville. GPS 38.80182, -77.58866
Park across the road from Sheetz instead of in their parking lot.

Sky Meadows trail map link: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf

NOTE: The hike starts at 9:00am at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Sheetz Gainesville Park & Ride, plan on leaving there by 8:15am.

Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120

This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. There is an overflow parking lot in case the main parking lot is full.

Optional rehydration at a local winery TBD😃

Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.