Fall is a magical time of year at Sky Meadows State Park. In keeping with the tradition of more than 200 years of agricultural use of this land, the harvest season is a time of reflection and celebration. This October, we are proud to continue the tradition of celebrating Fall Farm Days, and looking forward to other opportunities to experience the beauty of the changing seasons here, whether in the woods or on the farm.

Changing seasons surrounding Mt. Bleak.

Come for the leaves, stay for the stars

If you want to time your park visits this fall to align with peak foliage viewing opportunities, one way to “know before you go,” is to check out the Virginia State Parks Fall Foliage Report. Many Virginia State Parks are contributing photos and reporting weekly foliage conditions. Sky Meadows State Park’s Fall Foliage Report can give you an idea of the current fall colors. However, even the most vibrant photographs could not compete with witnessing the real thing. To get the full experience, you’ll have to visit the park during the fall. 

Monthly Astronomy for Everyone programs continue all year round.

As the temperatures drop, many park activities continue through the fall and winter. Astronomers and amateur stargazers alike can enjoy our monthly Astronomy for Everyone programs all year round. Although it does get colder at night, the shorter days mean that young astronomers can view the night sky and still have a reasonable bedtime. Read on for more fall fun at the park.   

Celebrate Fall Farm Days: three fun-filled weekends

We welcome you back to the family farm for Fall Farm Days.

Themed programming each weekend of Fall Farm Days celebrates a different aspect of the park. Join us this coming weekend to celebrate “Life on the Farm.” Did you know that Sky Meadows State Park continues as a working farm to this day? You can visit our flock of barred Plymouth Rock hens in the historic area. If you bring quarters for the feed dispenser, the hens are always eager to receive a treat. If you’re lucky, buy a dozen farm-fresh eggs (while supplies last). Proceeds from egg sales and the change collected from the feed dispenser benefit the Friends of Sky Meadows (FOSK). 

Fall foliage and cows are both part of the scenery at Sky Meadows.

Also on “Life on the Farm” weekend, learn about the herd of cattle raised here in partnership with the Department of Corrections' agribusiness program. See how best management practices help us strive for sustainable farming that supports the herd as well as the native wildlife, such as grassland birds that use our pastures for their habitat. For a bonus Fall Farm Day this year, we are extending the weekend programming to include the Monday holiday for Indigenous Peoples Day. Come celebrate the three-day weekend with Life on the Farm. 

Come back for the third weekend in October to experience “Rest and Rejuvenation Weekend.” Learn about the park’s many recreational activities, including Geocaching Adventures, fishing, primitive camping and more. Discover for yourself how the park can be a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The children’s play area at Fall Farm Days

Last but not least, the fourth Fall Farm Days weekend caps off the month with “History of Sky Meadows.” Interact with living history as you tour a 19th-century farm and learn how the farming practices of yore continue to shape the landscape of Sky Meadows State Park today.

If you can’t make it for the final Fall Farm Days history-themed weekend, know that many history programs will be offered all month, including Mount Bleak House tours and blacksmith demonstrations. Each weekend will also include live music, a children’s play area, food and beverages for sale and more fall farm fun. Pick your favorite themed weekend, or why not come for all four?

Live music for Fall Farm Days

Fall into winter and beyond

The fun doesn’t stop with Fall Farm Days. Continue to check our program and events calendar for upcoming fall and winter happenings. There is almost always something for history buffs, including holiday-themed historic tours and a holiday-themed Civil War living history encampment. You can even take a Hands-On Hearth Cooking Workshop in the historic log cabin. Other winter opportunities include guided hikes like the Winter Tree Identification Workshop and more. Even with the changes of the seasons, there is never a shortage of things to experience here at Sky Meadows State Park. 

Learn to cook over a glowing hearth. Photo Credit: Mike Suerdieck