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Sky Meadows

Sky Meadows

Joe Steiner |

INTRODUCTION AND LOGISTICS

Sky Meadows State Park is about an hour west of GWG and is popular for day hiking and backpacking. This 1,860 acre park is one of the best destinations for beginning backpackers and provides access to the Appalachian Trail for longer excursions, however it does not offer car camping on site. The entry fee is $10 per car, and backpacking sites may be reserved in advance, with rates starting at $20 per night (plus $5 transaction fee). Here are some recommendations for hiking and backpacking, plus a stop to treat yourself after the trip.

HIKES

Sky Meadows has 22 miles of hiking trails, including the 0.3-mile Sensory Explorers' Trail, with adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. My favorite route is a loop from the visitor's center that includes a bit of the 3 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through the park and is just over 5 miles total. From the visitor center, take the Piedmont Overlook and Ambassador Whitehouse trails to reach the Appalachian Trail, and turn left (south).  Follow the A.T. to the North Ridge trail, and turn left. Next, turn right on the South Ridge trail to enjoy a couple of viewpoints before reaching the camping area, which you might check out for a future trip. Finally, follow Boston Mill Road back to the parking area.CAR CAMPING

There is no car camping at Sky Meadows, but car camping is available at Shenandoah River State Park and Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, each of which is about a 45 minute drive from Sky Meadows.

INTRODUCTORY BACKPACKING

Sky Meadows may be the best destination in our area for beginning backpackers who are concerned about the lack of amenities at backcountry sites.  Each of the 15 reservable individual sites offers a 16' x 16' tent pad, picnic table, bear-proof locker, lantern hook, and fire pit with a small grate. Pit toilets, non-potable water, bear-proof trash cans, and firewood are also available in the campground. Rates start at $20 per night (as of 2024, plus $5 transaction fee) for the individual sites, and there are 3 larger sites that accommodate up to 36 people for higher fees. Reserve your site at https://reservevaparks.com/. The sites are an easy 1-mile walk from the parking area, so you'll also have the convenience of an easy getaway in case you need some last-minute item.With the legendary Appalachian Trail about 1 ½ miles from the parking area, the options for a longer hike are virtually unlimited, with Whiskey Hollow offering a taste of the A.T. for beginners. The Whiskey Hollow Shelter is located off the A.T., just over 4 miles from Sky Meadows parking, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. This shelter, like most shelters maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, is nicer than the typical shelter and has a bear pole for food storage. I found limited tent sites when I stayed there on a snowy December night, but there are some above and to the left as you face the shelter. Be sure to inform park staff before leaving your car overnight.ADVANCED BACKPACKING

For a 3-night one-way Appalachian Trail trip, drop a car at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and shuttle back to Sky Meadows for a rewarding adventure that includes the Bear's Den and Raven Rocks viewpoints. Along the way, you'll also experience the infamous "roller coaster" section of the A.T., which I'll admit was harder than I expected.Day 1: 8 miles. Pay the entrance fee or show your America the Beautiful pass to drop a car at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park parking lot and then shuttle back to Sky Meadows. Take the North Ridge Trail and Ambassador Whitehouse trail to the A.T. junction and turn right (north). You'll reach the Rod Hollow Shelter in about 5 ½ miles, but be sure to get water about a mile before the shelter from a stream in Duke Hollow in case the water source at the shelter is dry. This shelter has a bear pole for food storage.

Day 2: 10 miles. Return to the A.T. and turn left (north). You'll soon enter the infamous "roller coaster" section of the Appalachian Trail, a stretch of about 13 ½ miles with numerous ascents and descents. After a total of about 10 miles, you'll reach the Bear's Den Hostel, with the turnoff on the right just before the Bear's Den overlook. Here you'll be treated to a touch of civilization, where you can take a shower and get a pizza. If you have the energy, it's about a mile walk to Bear Chase Brewery from the hostel. You'll have the option of a bunk in the hostel or camping in your tent.

Day 3: 11 miles. Return to the A.T. and turn right (north), where you'll quickly reach the Bear's Den overlook. Next, you'll descend to cross highway 7, which can be intimidating when traffic is heavy. After 2 ½ more miles on the roller coaster, you'll reach the scenic Raven Rocks overlook, which is a fine place to take a break. The north end of the roller coaster is less than 1 ½ miles farther, and you'll enjoy more views before reaching the David Lesser Memorial Shelter after a total of 11 miles. This shelter has a bear pole for food storage and a lovely swing. The walk down to the water source is a bit long, but I remember it as one of the tastiest water sources on the A.T.Day 4: 9 miles. Return to the A.T. and turn right (north), and enjoy the pleasant trail to Harpers Ferry, where your car awaits. If you parked at the National Park main parking lot, you'll turn left after crossing the Shenandoah River bridge. If you're hungry, I recommend walking on W. Washington St. so you can stop at Kelley Farm Kitchen, where you can fill up on delicious food that happens to be vegan.

FUN FACT

Sky Meadows is designated as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International and hosts monthly astronomy programs with volunteer astronomers. Visitors are guided on a tour of the night sky with telescopes. On other dates, visitors can view the night sky from Turner Pond after regular park hours, up until 2 a.m. Interestingly, the Park's name "Sky" actually comes from the Isle of Skye in Scotland via a former owner of "Skye Farm."

"WORTH A STOP"

Mom's Apple Pie at Hill High is worth a stop. Not only do they delicious pies, they also have a big selection of local craft beer, and many other temptations.

Please stop by the store if you have any questions about the trails, camping, or gear you'll need. We love helping our neighbors get outside!

LINKS

Park, Hiking, and Camping Information

Dark Sky Information

Places to Eat

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