An absolutely beautiful walk cutting through the parks farm fields, woods, and wildflower meadows at Sky Meadows State Park.

We ventured to Sky Meadows State Park on our way home from a weekend camping at Shenandoah River State Park, number thirty-one for the year. 

Rolling hills create a scenic background while at Sky Meadows State Park

October 16, 2016 Sky Meadows State Park

This park, once known as Mount Bleak Farm, contains over 33 miles of trails, access to the Appalachian Trail, and the historical farmstead site for Mount Bleak Farm. Rolling hillsides, old farm fields, historic stone walls, and dense fog all contribute to the picturesque beauty of this park.

Old trees and rock walks border the trails beautifully at this park

We loved the rock walls that bordered the farm fields

We wanted to start our hike before the mornings fog burnt off, and we decided for a relatively short trip which included the 1.61 mi Corporal Morgan Trail, 0.90 mi Hadow Meadow Trail, and 0.83 mi James Ball Trail.

After hiking through the morning chill and making our way back to the welcome center, we peeled off our warmer layers and enjoyed the Fall Festival being hosted by this park; an annual tradition that takes place every weekend during the month of October.

There is just something about old farm fields on a foggy morning

that takes you back in time

When planning our agenda for this weekend, we were delighted to discover that our plans lined up perfectly for the annual Fall Festival at Sky Meadows State Park. 

The historic grounds give a stunning view of the surrounding hillsides

We were able to enjoy a brief traditional blacksmithing demonstration with a variety of interesting hand-crafted things for sale, a self-guided walk through the historic buildings, and the sights and smells of traditional pumpkin fritters being cooked over a fire. The highlight of this trip was being able to pick our own pumpkins in their pumpkin patch and purchase a few more as well. 

We found our pumpkins during Fall Farm Days at Sky Meadows State Park

We concluded our trip by enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch sitting on the lawn overlooking the rolling hills of the surrounding area and taking in the autumnal beauty of Sky Meadows State Park.

Trails wind through the forest and farm fields of this park

Guest Bloggers Peter Radlowski and Sarah Sumoski planned to tackle all 37 Virginia State Parks in 2016, as the series continues to be published into the New Year we shall see if they did? Come along for the adventure.

Editor's Note: Sky Meadows State Park has 24 miles of hiking trails and allows easy access to the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. Learn more about the recreational opportunities at this park here. There are no cabins or campgrounds at this park, there is primitive hike-in camping allowed. Click here for more details or call our Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK.