National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

Home Page
Parks Starting With: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y | Z
Sky Meadows State Park
State Park Information
Sky Meadows State Park
11012 Edmonds Lane
Delaplane, 201442710


State Park Overview
The land for this park was donated in 1975 by Paul Mellon of Upperville to the Commonwealth of Virginia. It consisted of 1,132 acres. The name Sky Meadows came from former owner Sir Robert Hadow, who named the property "Skye Farm" after an island in Scotland. In 1988 Mellon donated another 486 acres. This area has been developed into an equestrian staging and bridle trail area.

Just an hour?s drive from Washington, D.C., Sky Meadows State Park in Clarke and Fauquier counties, offers a peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and provides a look into a bygone era. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail and a primitive hike-in campground -s well as picnicking, hiking and riding trails, interpretive programs and a visitor center in the historic Mount Bleak House.

Nature of the Area
Settlement of the area can be attributed to nearby Ashbys Gap, which gave settlers access to the Shenandoah Valley. Just south of Ashbys Gap - 5,000-acre tract of land became the property of James Ball. Upon his death in 1754, the land was divided into five parts and given to his children. The land of the present day manor house later became the property of Isaac and Mary Settle, prominent citizens in nearby Paris, Va. Isaac Settle built the Mount Bleak house and gave it to his son Abner as a wedding gift in 1835.

About 1870 Mount Bleak became the property of George M. Slater - former Confederate soldier. Slater had been one of the first nine men detailed by General J.E.B. Stuart to accompany John Singleton Mosby - noted Confederate officer and partisan leader. Mosbys Rangers -s they were known, spent some time in this area and this is when Slater first saw Mount Bleak. He returned after the war and lived there for 55 years.

The property changed owners several more times in the 1900s. In 1975, Paul Mellon of Upperville, Va., donated the 1,132-acre tract to the Commonwealth for the development of a state park. In 1987, 245 acres were acquired to provide an Appalachian Trail corridor and in 1988, Mellon donated another 486 acres, inceasing the parks acreage to 1,862.

Trails

Picnicking

Fishing and Hunting



More Info

Backpacking in Sky Meadows State Park, 3-4 May 2002. Doug Smith, Steve Kuhl, John Smith. Ramen with jerkey, mmmm... The ravioli turned out pretty well. And I carried it myself... With bears...
Meadows State Park Clear Sky Clock legend page. Show block details when you mouse-over Click on a tran, cloud or seeing block for full forecast map.Copyright ? 2002 A.Danko A park...
Meadows State Park, 5 January 2002. It was chilly! Beginning the nature walk. Looking north toward Paris, Va. Looking east toward Fairfax. ...eral Info Location Overnight Facilities Size Parking/Admission Park Map Fishing/Boating Swimming Concessions Laundry Restaurant Interpretive Programs Accessibility Hunting Horses Trails
...ike photo day at Sky Meadows State Park in Paris, VA

Area Campgrounds

Roadrunner Campground
13900 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Chester, VA
(804) 796-5160

Gooney Creek Campgrounds
7122 Stonewall Jackson Hwy
Front Royal, VA
(540) 635-4066

Front Royal RV Campgrounds
585 Koa Dr
Front Royal, VA
(540) 635-2741

Battle of Cedar Creek Cmpgrnd
8950 Valley Pike
Middletown, VA
(540) 8692888

Candy Hill Campground
165 Ward Ave
Winchester, VA
(540) 662-8010

Watermelon Park & Campground
RR 2
Berryville, VA
(540) 955-4803

Poe's Southfork Camp Ground
7124 Browntown Rd
Front Royal, VA
(540) 636-6192

Greenville Farms Family Camp
14004 Shelter LN
Haymarket, VA
(703) 754-7944

Highroad Program Ctr
21164 Steptoe Hill Rd
Middleburg, VA
(540) 687-6262

Skyline Resort Inc
751 Mountain Rd
Front Royal, VA
(540) 635-4169



Area Fishing Related Businesses

Castaway Sporting Goods
11600 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Chester, VA
(804) 706-9100

Fishing Connection
2420 Buena Vista Blvd
Chester, VA
(804) 748-3197

Beaver's Marine & Tackle
1601 Berryville Pike
Winchester, VA
(540) 665-0611

Feathered Hook Outfitters
110 Margate Ct
Winchester, VA
(540) 678-8999



Area Resorts and Lodging

George Washington Hotel The
103 W Piccadilly St
Winchester, VA
(540) 678-4700

Skyline Resort Inc
751 Mountain Heights Rd
Front Royal, VA
(540) 636-6061


Sky Meadows State Park