As we look forward to cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, autumn is a time of reflection and renewal for many of us. Now more than ever, family and friends have been flocking to the outdoors as a safer alternative to indoor spaces.

Sky Meadows State Park has long been a popular destination during each weekend in October, celebrating Fall Farm Days. We are proud to be able to continue this annual tradition. Returning to a simpler time and place sounds very appealing this fall.

Log cabin decorated for Fall Farm Days at Sky Meadows State Park.

Of course, even outdoor spaces are not without risks, and Virginia State Parks are asking our visitors to recreate responsibly and to know before you go. More people than ever are searching for ways to get outside, and a significant portion of visitors are first-time visitors. All too often, this can mean that people are underprepared and unintentionally putting themselves or others at undue risk.

Mount Bleak House in the fall.

Whether you are an avid outdoors enthusiast or considering trying outdoor recreation for the very first time, Fall Farm Days at Sky Meadows might be the activity you are looking for. However, we ask that you take the time to plan and prepare for your visit. In fact, "plan ahead and prepare" is the very first principle of the  Seven Leave No Trace Principles that everyone should learn to follow before getting out to the great outdoors this fall. All Virginia State Parks require parking fees, so come prepared with a method of accepted payment.

Before your visit, check the Sky Meadows website to learn more about the special Fall Farm Days programming offered each weekend in October. Each weekend celebrates one of the different themes of nature, agriculture, rest and rejuvenation, and history. There will also be Mount Bleak House Tours, live music and a children's play area each weekend.

Know before you go to prepare for your visit.

In our time of social distancing, many of the Leave No Trace Principles are especially relevant today. For over 25 years, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has educated visitors to make the healthiest choices for our land and minimize negative impacts. Leave No Trace practices such as scheduling your trip to avoid times of high use, alerting others to your presence and limiting your group size are just a few examples of you can help reduce your risk of viral transmission or infection.

Enjoy the beautiful fall colors at Sky Meadows.

To help keep yourself and others safe during Fall Farm Days, here are a couple of reminders: only park in designated parking spaces and properly dispose of your trash. Sky Meadows offers convenient trash containers, many of which are bear-proof, as a courtesy to visitors. However, it is always best to practice "pack it in, pack it out."

Please do some research and play it safe to do your part to protect the land and conserve park resources. Just remember, it is all of our responsibility to help keep our outdoor spaces beautiful and safe so that we can continue to have options, such as getting "back to the family farm" at Sky Meadows State Park.

LOCATION

Sky Meadows State Park is less than two miles south of Paris, Va., via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South, or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park's main entrance is on State Route 710.

The address is 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, Virginia. Click here for a Google map.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, 45 minutes to one hour; D.C., over one hour; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, two and a half hours.