Sky Meadows State Park: A Moderately Strenuous 8.7-Mile Hike

Sky Meadows State Park: A Moderately Strenuous 8.7-Mile Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES."

Hiking at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, Virginia offers a unique transition from rolling pastoral farmland to the rugged, forested ridgelines of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning 1,860 acres with 22 miles of hiking trails, the park serves as a scenic, less-crowded alternative to nearby Shenandoah National Park, distinguished by its historic 19th-century agricultural landscape and direct access to a 3-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

The park features beautifully maintained paths with strategically placed benches at major vistas. The most famous lookouts—like the Piedmont Overlook and Whitehouse Overlook—provide sprawling views of the Crooked Run Valley and the Virginia Piedmont.

This hike is for experienced hikers. Featuring a climb of over 1,600 vertical feet. The trails feature sections with loose rocks, exposed roots, and thick mud after rain. Sturdy, supportive hiking boots are highly recommended.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim (202-744-0289) and Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot.
The GPS Coordinates are 38.991919, -77.965608
The street address is 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144. We meet at the visitors center.

Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 8.7 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,600 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: The day use service charge is $7

A leashed, well-behaved Fido is allowed on this hike, but be aware that there is rough terrain and much elevation gain.

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:
- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.