Hike: Sky Meadows, VA

(Bus hike) This week’s Wanderbirds outing combines two favorite activities, hiking and wine. We’ll hike at beautiful Sky Meadows Park, a park with a rich history. The area was initially inhabited by Sioux Indians and later settled by English colonists. Devastated during the Civil War, it was eventually acquired by Paul Mellon, who donated it to Virginia State Parks. All hikers will start at the Visitor Center and hike across meadows on the James Ball and Corporal Morgan Trails, then take the South Ridge Trail and North Ridge trail to higher vistas. Moderate hikers will descend the North Ridge Trail to the visitor center, completing a leisurely but pleasant outing. Long hikers will continue to the Appalachian Trail and then begin descent on the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, enjoying the scenic Paris View along the way. Afterwards we will visit nearby Blue Valley Winery after the hike. The winery sits atop a hill, with great views of the surrounding hills. There is ample seating inside and out. It’s a beautiful facility, enjoyable for wine drinkers or for those who prefer to bask in the scenery. We’ll stop at the winery for two hours, before boarding the bus for our return. Est.: 7.1 miles, 1300' elevation and 5.6 miles, 1100' elevation. Park map. Fare $30.

VA Hikes

• DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
• Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.

RESERVATIONS

Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible 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.

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 a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.

Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.

CANCELLATION POLICY

To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.

Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.

Health policies: 1) Hikers should not go on hikes if they have symptoms of colds, flu, potential COVID-19, or gastrointestinal bugs.
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