Ovoka Farm Loop: a 6.5 Mi 1358 Ft Moderate Hike

This moderately rated loop will take us through wide open fields and forests in Sky Meadows State Park, with several scenic lookouts along the way. We will hike on the Ovoka Farm Loop, which starts at the parking lot off Edmonds Lane, near the historic Mount Bleak House, a Federal-style stone house built in 1843. The hike is about 6.5 miles with approximately 1,358 feet of elevation. We will start on the Piedmont Overlook Trail and take that to North Ridge trail which will take us to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Those first two miles to the AT have the majority of the inclines for this hike and are generally the most challenging. After being on the AT briefly, we will turn left onto the Old Trail and take that until we return to the AT and turn right. From there we will take the AT down to the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, which will bring us back to the North Ridge Trail and take that back to the parking lot.

Hike Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/ovoka-farm-loop

Trail Map: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf

Hiking Pace: We typically hike about 2 mph (faster on flat sections, slower on hilly / rocky sections); however, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all.

Fees: You will need a Virginia State Park Pass or pay a $10 fee to access the park. In addition, REI Co-op members can receive free daily parking at Virginia State Parks, including Sky Meadows, by presenting their physical, paper REI receipt from a recent purchase (usually within the last 30 days) at the park entrance.

What to Bring: Dress in layers and be prepared for cold weather. Bring mini or micro spikes as needed for any snow/ice on the trails. Bring at least two liters of water, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them, proper hiking footwear.
Please leave pets at home.

Time to Meet: Please meet by 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 am. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join. There is often limited/no cell service in the area, so hike leaders may not receive messages the day of the hike.

Meeting Place: Sky Meadows State Park Visitor Center: 11012 Edmonds Ln, Markham, VA 22643
Visitor Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/drZtWgmYsYDSrfr49

Facilities: There are bathrooms near the visitor center

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leaders are Marc H. and Lisa P.

Hike Details
-Rating: Moderate
-Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles
-Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,358 feet
-Pace: Average about 2.0 miles per hour
-Fees: N/A

Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Weather: The weather for this location can be found here.

Notes:
-You must sign up by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance-free event.
-Please leave pets at home.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.
-Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.