There may be snow and cold temperatures in the forecast, but Sky Meadows State Park still offers  many activities to enjoy! Our popular trails remain open year-round!* If the forecast is right and snow falls don't miss your chance to come to the park and enjoy seeing the historic Crooked Run Valley blanketed in white. Several visitors also enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing when winter storms permit.   

Winter view of the Crooked Run Valley from Sky Meadows' Piedmont Overlook

Winter is also a great time to tour historic Mount Bleak House. Tours are offered almost every weekend during the winter. Hear the story of the Settles, George Slater, the Hadows and others who enjoyed the warmth provided by this mid-1800s house. 

Mount Bleak in the Snow

Families can also stop by the Visitor Center (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to pick up and enjoy several self-guided program opportunities, including:

Become a Junior Ranger: Kids, find out what it takes to be a Ranger at Sky Meadows! We have three Junior Ranger Activity Books: Junior Historian, Junior Naturalist and Junior Farmer. Complete all three activity books and become an official Sky Meadows Junior Ranger!  Stop by to get your books and start your journey!

Winter exploration reveals another side of your favorite
Virginia State Park- Sky Meadows

Check out Family Discovery Backpacks: These backpacks are stocked with all the tools you'll need to spend a day in self-guided discovery. We have three different kits that allow you to explore various natural wonders: Beginning Birding, Insect Investigation and Woodland Wonders.  Each themed pack includes an activity filled binder with all the necessary field guides, maps, and tools to help you enjoy a day of exploration. These packs include activities that are perfect for winter! An adult 18 years or older must be present to check out a pack.

Go on Geocaching Adventures: There is still time to find our 2015 Civil War cache located in the park. Find the cache with collector cards that tell the story of one local’s experience during the war. Coming in March 2016, find our 2016 Virginia State Parks 80th Anniversary cache. Use a GPS unit to find the cache stocked with collector cards illustrating a great view in a vintage style! Stop by the Visitor Center to rent a GPS unit or get the cache coordinates.

Kids love Geocaching!

All self guided programs are available at the Visitor Center every day of the week, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you this winter!

*We do have to occasionally close in the event of severe weather. Always check the park's website. If we are closed totally or specific facilities are closed we will post an alert on the top of our web page.