Sky Meadows State Park is known for its panoramic vistas of the surrounding pastoral landscape. Here is a list of five hiking trails that will take you to some of these famous overlooks. It’s always a good idea to “know before you go” and review the park’s trail guide in advance of your hike. Grab your camera for the stunning sights as you lace up your shoes to hike to these views.

1. The Piedmont Overlook Trail

The Upper Piedmont Overlook

This is probably the park’s most popular trail. A relatively short distance makes this hike a “big bang for your buck” option for those limited on time, but trying to get a great view. There is both a “Lower Piedmont Overlook,” which you can access in less than a quarter of a mile, and the higher “Upper Piedmont Overlook,” which is closer to a half-mile hike to reach.

The Lower Piedmont Overlook

But don’t be lulled into thinking this is an easy hike just because of the shorter distance. Hiking up this hill can get even well-conditioned hikers winded on a hot day. Don’t be dissuaded either. The views are worth the exertion and the lower overlook is always a good “plan B” if the whole trail is too much.

2. South Ridge Trail

Another big payoff when it comes to trails with views is South Ridge Trail. This moderate 1.5-mile trail features three overlooks. The Historic Area Overlook is the first one you’ll come to on your right, followed by South Ridge Overlook, and then a short spur to George’s Overlook.

Bench at South Ridge Overlook where you can take a pause before hiking the spur to George’s Overlook

South Ridge Trail is an often-recommended trail for visitors looking for a hike with scenery. It is also the first section of a very popular loop hike sometimes referred to as the Sky Meadows Loop.

George Tiedeman in 2012

3. Spur to George’s Overlook

George’s Overlook was dedicated in 2017 and serves as a memorial to George Tiedeman, who was recognized as the park’s first and longest-lasting volunteer with over 5,000 service hours dating back to before the property became a Virginia State Park in 1983. The overlook remains a lasting tribute to George’s legacy of dedicated volunteerism.

George’s Overlook

The overlook provides a view of the Crooked Run Valley to the southeast of the park and is situated in a pollinator meadow, which supports the native birds, insects and other wildlife that are part of the park’s biodiverse ecosystem.

4. Ambassador Whitehouse Trail

View of Paris, Virginia and beyond from the “Paris View” on Ambassador Whitehouse Trail

Accessible from the Appalachian Trail on one end and from the North Ridge Trail on the other, the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail brings visitors to the Piedmont Memorial Overlook, also known as “Paris View” and not to be confused with the Piedmont Overlooks on the Piedmont Overlook Trail.

The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook is accessed from the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail.

5. Rolling Meadows Trail

So far, the views discussed have all been accessible from the backcountry trailhead and from the main parking area. Did you know that there is a whole other side of the park? Across Route 17 and just about a half mile north of the main entrance is the Lost Mountain Area. This area features additional parking, including horse trailer parking, picnic areas and 8 miles of trails.

The Bridle Overlook

Rolling Meadows Trail is a moderate loop trail accessible from the Lost Mountain parking area, and features the beautiful “Bridle Overlook,” which gives you the unique perspective of facing west from the base of Lost Mountain.

The Bridle Overlook has the distinction of being the only overlook you can access on horseback.

This area of the park features multi-use trails where visitors can explore the trails on horseback or bicycle as well as on foot. BYO (bring your own) horse or bicycle, as rentals are not offered at the park. Also, remember the trail etiquette rule that other trail users should yield to the horses.

Read up on our “hiking tips” before your hike, and you’ll be prepared to stay safe on the trails.

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These five trails to overlooks should give you a place to start when planning your visit, but there is no shortage of views at Sky Meadows. As you traverse the landscape of this park, you’ll likely discover many more and come away with your own favorites.