When philanthropist Paul Mellon donated this land to Virginia State Parks in 1975, his wish was to preserve its breathtaking pastoral vistas, rich history, and natural diversity for the education and enjoyment of all people.

Experienced Park Rangers work diligently to provide portals to begin your experience through year-round nature and history programs, equestrian, biking and hiking trails, picnicking, fishing and primitive camping.  

Here are five of the many great reasons you'll want to explore Sky Meadows State Park:

1. Pastoral Vistas

Beautiful overlook vista at Sky Meadows

Before even stepping outside your car you will be immersed in the breathtaking vistas of this pastoral landscape of the Crooked Run Valley. The rolling hills, meadows, and pastures please the eye and magnify the beauty of the sky above. Drink in the tranquility of overlooks on Piedmont Overlook, South Ridge, Ambassador Whitehouse or Rolling Meadows Trails. Escape and restore wonderment as you take in this scenic beauty.

2. 300 years of Agricultural History

Sky Meadows Mt. Bleak House in spring

The Historic Area, including the 1840s Mount Bleak house offers a glimpse into how the valley evolved from colonial times to the present active farm. Take a Mount Bleak house tour, enjoy a hearth cooking demonstration, sit quietly and watch the cattle graze, or check out any of the other historic programs we offer throughout the year on our events page.

3. Children’s Discovery Area

Sky Meadows Children’s Discovery Area 

Looking for a fun and safe place to bring your kids for all to enjoy fresh air in the beautiful outdoors? Our Children’s Discovery Area, located in the Picnic Area and within the Shenandoah Chapter Virginia Master Naturalists’ Outdoor Laboratory, offers exciting discoveries for you and your kids at several certified, naturally-minded play stations, and along a .7 mile TRACK Trail. The Area is specifically designed to encourage creative free play and to support parents in safely allowing unstructured play.

4. Improved Hiking, Biking, and Equestrian Trails

Portion of James Ball Trail improved by Youth Conservation Corps crew in 2018

With 22 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails, and 10.5 miles of bridle trails, Sky Meadows State Park is the perfect place to escape into a peaceful landscape. Thanks to grants from the Garden Club of Virginia’s Centennial Project, as well as private donations, Sky Meadows State Park is in the midst of a two-year project of improving its trails. Installation of water diversion features and reroutes of trail courses will improve your hiking experience and ensure the future sustainability of the trails. Where once footprints added to their erosion, now your footsteps will serve to lay the future of conservation-minded trails. Our trails are renowned for being well marked, easy to follow and offer opportunities for easy, moderate and difficult excursions.

5. Dark Sky Programs

Sky Meadows State Park Astronomy Night

Sky Meadows State Park is dedicated to preserving dark skies, teaching dark sky conservation techniques for home, and offering opportunities for visitors to learn about and enjoy celestial wonders. Our monthly Astronomy for Everyone programs offer an opportunity to get a little closer to the night sky. Bring your kids for the first half-hour Junior Astronomer program. Then enjoy a talk from volunteer Ambassadors of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, a brief sky tour, and open telescope viewing.  Be sure to check the park’s event page for these and other Dark Sky programs and events.

These are just a few of the many reasons to visit Sky Meadows State Park.  Most come back for more. Many join or donate to the Friends of Sky Meadows, or track their discoveries on Sky Meadows’ Nature Guide.

We invite you to become a part of our ongoing history at Sky Meadows State Park, we hope you'll plan your visit to come see us soon.