Piedmont Hike at Sky Meadows State Park: A Moderate 8.7-Mile Hike

Piedmont Hike at Sky Meadows State Park: A Moderate 8.7-Mile Hike

When first approaching, it is easy to see how Sky Meadows got its name, and why amateur astronomers flock here to view the heavens. Hillside pastures offer expansive views in every direction. The views from Piedmont Overlook and the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail stir memories of alpine meadows. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park for 3 miles, numerous house ruins and wagon roads tell the story of long-gone farmers. Suspended from the Appalachian Trail, the park spreads across the Blue Ridge’s eastern flanks down to the Piedmont with vistas unsurpassed in the metro area.

Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Delaplane, VA
Length: 8.7 total miles
Elevation Gain: 1600 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate due to a mix of a "long" uphill climb at the beginning of the hike (about 2 miles), through hillside meadows, and level terrain along the ridge top. The forest trails in places are rocky and narrow with brief, but steep, inclines and thick vegetation on each side. The toughest hill is the one described above at the beginning of the hike.
Trail Surface: Forest trails, mowed meadow paths, gravel road.
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables, visitor center with a small nature center and gift shop, beverage machine at the picnic shelter.

Park Entry Fee
$10.00 dollars per vehicle.
Note: Please come prepared with the correct amount in the form of cash because there is a chance no one could provide change.

Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.

Directions to the Trailhead
We meet in the Visitor's Center Parking Lot.
The Address is: 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplane, VA 20144

Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.

The Hike is at 10:00 a.m.

Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:

1. Fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette.
2. Leave No Trace principles.

Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Click Here to become a part of the team! MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, and encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax deductible.

Tax ID: 47-5141831

A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike!

Let’s have good times out on the trails and see you there!

Tim: 202-744-0289

• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• Click here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.