Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

First Day Hikes at Sky Meadows

Location of Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia

Where

Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144.
Historic Area

When

Jan. 1, 2023. 5:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

While the American tradition of celebrating the New Year occurs at midnight on New Year's Eve, other cultures celebrate by enjoying the sunrise on New Year's Day. As part of the continuing American experience of sharing our vast cultural traditions, we will open our main gates (on Edmonds Lane) at 5:30 a.m. Enjoy your own hike from the Backcountry Trailhead to view the sunrise at one of the overlooks on the Piedmont Overlook Trail, South Ridge Trail or the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail.

Hike for Monarch Habitat: At 10:00 a.m. join our rangers at the Log Cabin in the Historic Area for a hike along our pollinator meadows. Explore these unique wildflower habitats and have the opportunity to toss milkweed seed balls in designated areas to help reinvigorate this critical habitat for Monarch butterflies next summer. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the hike. Approximate length of this family-friendly hike is 1.8 miles on easy trails with an overall elevation change of 190 ft.

"Auld Lang Syne" Hike: At 1:00 p.m. join our rangers at the Log Cabin for an intermediate hike along Boston Mill Road, up the Gap Run Trail and down the Piedmont Overlook Trail. We will take in the long-range rolling mountain views of the Crooked Run Valley that reminded Sir. Robert Hadow, the owner of Skye Farm from 1940-1944, of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the hike. Approximate length of this intermediate hike is 2 miles on moderate trails with elevation gain.

Picnic Area, Lost Mountain and Turner Pond areas will open at 8 a.m. Leashed pets are welcome on all hikes.

A beautiful sunrise over Sky Meadows

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov