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THE PARK:
It was 1731 when James Ball picked
up 7.883 acres on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountain
from Lord Fairfax. Over the years through inheritance the land
was divided and divided and divided. In 1966 a housing development
was planned that called for further division into 50-acre lots.
At this Point Paul Mellon stepped in and eventually donated
1,132 acres that became Sky Meadows State Park in 1983. Mellon
was happy enough with the results to donate an additional 462
acres across Route 17 that had originally been purchased by George
Washington from Lord Fairfax.
WALKS:
When you place your park on the Blue
Ridge mountain slopes far removed from eight-lane roads clogged
with traffic you have to work hard not to be the best place to
hike with your dog in Northern Virginia and Sky Meadows does
not disappoint. The real star here are the meadows - there simply
aren't many open-air hikes available across Northern Virginia.
Be advised, however, that if you've never gone much beyond your
neighborhood walk with your dog, this isn't the place for your
first big adventure. Except for the Snowden Trail nature loop
you will be hiking up a mountain at Sky Meadows.
The trail system offers about ten miles of marked paths that
can be molded into canine hiking loops, the most popular being
the North Ridge-South Ridge circuit. The South Ridge Trail utilizes
an old farm road while the North Ridge Trail picks its way up
the mountain like a traditional hiking trail. You are probably
best served by going up the South Ridge since it is not as steep
and are longer coming down the North side.
For those looking for a full day of hiking with your dog the
Appalachian Trail is 1.7 miles away and there are loop options
up there as well. If you just want to enjoy the meadows you can
confine your explorations to the Piedmont Overlook Trail on the
North Ridge. It is also possible to enjoy the park without hard
climbing on the Snowden Trail interpretive nature walk and the
Shearman's Mill Trail.
BONUS
Once a month, on Saturday evenings
beginning in April, Sky Meadows hosts astronomy events behind
the Mount Bleak House. Isaac Settle built the house and gave
it to his son Abner as a wedding gift in 1835.
It now serves as the park visitor center.
DIRECTIONS
From Route 50 turn left on Route
17 South to park entrance on right. From I-66, take Exit 23 on
Route 17 North seven miles to the park entrance on left.
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