Like many of the 41 Virginia State Parks, Sky Meadows is open 365 days a year. We are an ideal destination to visit when you want to get out and enjoy the winter weather. With a little preparation, you could plan your next winter hike and explore the trails through new eyes. It is a vastly different experience to walk in the woods when the trees are bare and the ground is frozen.

Walk in a winter wonderland at Sky Meadows State Park

If you have yet to try, it is an experience worth having. Sky Meadows State Park has over 22 miles of hiking trails and winter hiking provides us with greater visibility. Although each season is beautiful here, winter gives us the chance to see farther and with a new perspective. By taking a wintry walk, we avoid succumbing to the inability to “see the forest for the trees," as the old adage goes.

There is also fun to be had trying to spot the winter wildlife. White-tailed deer are just one example of the hearty creatures undeterred by the cold weather. You can access Sky Meadow’s Online Nature Guide, to find out what critters to look for and other information on nature in the park.

Not only is the scenery breathtaking in the snow, but there are also fewer bugs

This year has broken many precedents, and visitation to outdoor spaces has increased significantly. We at Sky Meadows have experienced first-hand how the events of 2020 have led to more people than ever getting outdoors. The fall saw record-breaking numbers of visitors for us. We are happy to provide a beautiful park, for those wishing to avoid gathering indoors during the pandemic, knowing that it is a much-needed service.

However, more people at parks means the potential for overcrowding. For those wishing to visit the park at a time of lower visitation, a winter excursion might be the answer. Choosing a day during the week, rather than a weekend, would also help you avoid the crowds. As always, Virginia State Parks asks our visitors to know before you go and recreate responsibly.

Come prepared by dressing for the weather and keep road conditions in mind when planning transportation. Taking these steps will allow you to experience the benefits of winter outdoor recreation; not only is the scenery breathtaking in the snow, but there are also fewer bugs.

Sky Meadows under a layer of ice

After trying a winter hike, you might find yourself looking to take your Sky Meadows winter experience to the next level. Our hike-in primitive campground is open all year long. You can make a reservation online for one of our primitive sites, or call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center during business hours.

The campground is a one-mile hike from the overnight parking area and, although we call it “primitive camping,” we do offer some amenities such as pre-cut firewood for sale and pit toilet bathrooms. If you are looking to hone your winter outdoor skills or try out your winter camping gear, ours is an ideal campground for even the novice backpacker.

Mount Bleak decorated for the holidays

If you are interested in more activities at Sky Meadows this winter, keep an eye on our calendar of programs and events. Holiday House Tours are always a seasonal favorite. You can pre-register for a free tour of historic Mount Bleak and see it decorated for the holidays while learning how residents of the farm have celebrated through the years.

It is relevant to note that “Mount Bleak” was named for being exposed to the cold wind and harsh elements. Visiting it during winter will surely give you the full experience its name implies.

Consider doing some holiday shopping in the park gift shop

While you are here, you might consider doing some holiday shopping in the park gift shop, as a safer alternative to shopping malls this year. We sell a variety of Sky Meadows State Park merchandise including unique ornaments and outdoor-related gifts.

For the nature enthusiast on your list, peruse our assortment of literature especially selected for our gift shop by members of the Virginia Native Plant Society, including timely books on winter tree identification. Of course, it is never too early to stock up on spring wildflower guidebooks in preparation for the warmer months and brighter days ahead.

Sky Meadows State Park is less than an hour from Northern Virginia, two hours from Richmond, and two and a half hours from Roanoke. We hope to see you at the park this winter.