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Sky Meadows State
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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抯 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, as 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 Ashby's Gap, which gave
settlers access to the Shenandoah Valley. Just south of Ashby's Gap, a
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, a former
Confederate soldier. Slater had been one of the first nine men detailed by
General J.E.B. Stuart to accompany John Singleton Mosby, a noted Confederate
officer and partisan leader. Mosby's Rangers, as 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 park's acreage to 1,862.
Trails:
Hiking and bridle trails. Hiking trails - The park has six hiking trails ranging
from less than one mile to almost two miles long. There is a one-mile nature
trail for hiking only. In addition, the park offers access to the Appalachian
Trail. The park is a three day hike from Harper抯 Ferry, W. Va., and two days
from Shenandoah National Park. To protect our wildlife, all pets must be kept on
a leash no longer than six feet. Vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on
paved park roads.
Picnicking:
Shelters available on first-come, first-served basis. Only three picnic tables
are available under shelter. Overlooking rolling pastures, the area includes
drinking water, grills and modern restroom facilities.
Fishing and Hunting:
Freshwater fishing in one-acre pond. Fishing is permitted from the shoreline
only, with a valid license. Fish typically include largemouth bass, catfish and
bluegill. No boat rentals or launch. |
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