Shared by Vanessa Lewis, park naturalist for Sky Meadows State Park, as Guest Blogger.

Winter and early Spring are ideal times to head to the Lost Mountain Trailhead at Sky Meadows State Park.

The meadows capture the warmth of the sun and the ticks are scarce (though it is always important to use precautions for ticks at any time of the year). 

Redheaded duck

The Cottonwood Tree that started the adventure

Hawks are readily seen flying low through the meadows searching for prey. If you are feeling adventurous, join us on our “Off the Beaten Path” nature series. These are ranger-led hikes encouraging park visitors to explore interesting aspects of the park that lie off trail. 

What led me to the Lost Mountain Trailhead this beautiful warm day was the Cottonwood

There were indications that a Cottonwood grows off in the land between the Rolling Meadow Trail and the Lost Mountain Trail. 

Cutting through the Old Pasture Trail I heard a loud whistle. The migratory duck ponds were dotted with water fowl perusing the shallow waters for food. With a sinking heart I realized that I had left my binoculars behind. 

I continued on my search for the Cottonwood. I walked along the bottomlands near the stream and found a cache of acorns left by flying squirrels. As my hopes of finding the Cottonwood diminished, I headed back onto the Rolling Meadows Trail. 

A bluebird box brought my attention back to the ducks  

There was no trail that went close to the lower duck pond, but I had seen that bluebird box from the Old Pasture Trail.  Getting my bearings I went out to find the pond.  Deer trails were my saving grace as I crept through the marshy grass toward the pond. 

When forced to leave these clear cut paths I found myself frequently caught in brambles, much to the detriment of my “good park pants.” I came near the ponds edge and was disappointed by the quietness I found. I took a step forward, ready to work my way out of the wetlands, when I froze. 

From the sides of the ponds pairs of ducks quietly emerged

I held my breath and observed the beautiful red heads and gray backs of these ducks. The leader of the group began whistling and soon about eight ducks had congregated to the middle of the small pond. One loud whistle from the ring leader sent all the ducks flying. 

As their wings whistled above me I watched their harried path across the sky. As I stood beside the water I thought, this was worth every bramble that pricked my skin. 

Though I enjoyed every moment of my wetland excursion, I will not easily forget my binoculars the next time I hike.  

For general park information click here, contact the park office at 540-592-3556 or e-mail Sky Meadows State Park.

Sky Meadows State Park is located at 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144-0710.  The 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 entrance is on State Route 710.

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.