Sky Meadows State Park

Four of us enjoyed a leisurely hike through a little over 5 miles of the trails at Sky Meadows.  Though a chilly day in the Old Dominion, the sun made for spectacular views at various points along the way.  

Several areas we kiked through had significant numbers of standing and fallen ash trees discovered by the emerald ash borer.  The park has initiated a program, however, to plant American chestnut trees that are hybridized with the Chinese chestnut tree.  Checking back in 50+ years would be interesting!  Cedar waxwings, cardinals, bluebirds, juncos, white-throated sparrows, robins, and a pair of woodpeckers kept us looking up as we hiked trails ranging from snow and ice to mud.

The sun, still low in the early February sky, cast long shadows in the woods.  Visibility was so good that we could see the skyines of Reston and Tysons Corner, VA.  And looking north, we could see Paris, Virginia that is.  ;-)

Let’s stretch our legs and enjoy beautiful views of Virginia’s piedmont from the trails at Sky Meadows State Park, in Delaplane, Just south of Paris VA. The Park has 20 miles of trails that crisscross over its 1,618 acres.   Varied topography makes the trails interesting to hike.

From the Visitor Center we will take a leisurely 3 – 4 hour hike over 5.5 miles of trails.  An elevation gain of a little over 1,000 feet will make for good mid-winter exercise. 

Dress for the weather and the unexpected.  Wear layers, gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, water, lunch, snacks, pack and anything else you would bring for a hike in the foothills of the Appalachians.  We will be having lunch on the trail.