Events
Habitat Detectives
Picnic Area.
Take a walk of exploration with two Virginia Master Naturalists in this series of seasonal walks planned for children. Use your five senses to find clues to how various organisms – plants, animals, and more – work together to survive in this forest community. Recommended age 7 – 11, with parents, of course. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the Picnic Area and will last approximately one hour.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists please visit http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/ .
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation .
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Twilight Hikes at Sky Meadows State Park
Lost Mountain Entrance.
Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night! Embark on an easy guided hike that winds through lush forests, open fields, and picturesque meadows. Experience the magic of twilight as the landscape transforms under the fading light and wildlife becomes more active during this mystical time of day.
Please dress for the weather, wear footwear appropriate for hiking, and bring water/snacks. Leashed pets are welcome on all hikes.
Additional dates and times:
Sept. 13, 2024. 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 11, 2024. 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 15, 2024. 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Picnic Area.
Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist. Discover the tips and tricks of basic tree identification and the tree-mendous roles trees play in our environment. Discover the traditional uses and folklore of these wooden wonders. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the Picnic Area and will last approximately one hour.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists, please visit http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/ .
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation .
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Wine Until 9 at Arterra Wines and Hawkmoth Arts
ADMISSION IS FREE…..
Every 1st Friday and 2nd Saturday May-October you may join us for these extended hours events. This is a Rain or Shine gathering, Arterra is a beautiful place to visit in all kinds of weather and all seasons!!
UNWIND and let go of daily stressors….
Tucked in the forest surrounded by the beauty of nature offers you a chance to relax and let loose a bit. Listen to some live music by local musicians playing some acoustic folk style tunes.
LIVE A LITTLE, especially in the moment….
SAVOR our cleanly crafted wines…..ALONG WITH our new food partner, Gaucho Bros!
RAIN OR SHINE!!
The Farmer’s Forge
Historic Area.
The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills. Members of the Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac have set up shop in the forge, located behind the Dairy Barn in the Historic Area. See them fashion iron into helpful tools and kitchen items used around the farm. Purchase handmade goods made right on site. To learn more about the guild, visit https://bgop.org/ .
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
The Settle’s Kettle at Sky Meadows State Park
Log Cabin in the Historic Area.
Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth. Explore history through food and how it connects us to past generations. Explore farming practices of Virginians in the Crooked Run Valley and the influences of cooking traditions. Learn about the cooking methods of early European settlers and the African people who were enslaved here and were a part of life on this historic farm.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration. To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings, please visit https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Twilight Hikes at Sky Meadows State Park
Lost Mountain Entrance.
Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night! Embark on an easy guided hike that winds through lush forests, open fields, and picturesque meadows. Experience the magic of twilight as the landscape transforms under the fading light and wildlife becomes more active during this mystical time of day.
Please dress for the weather, wear footwear appropriate for hiking, and bring water/snacks. Leashed pets are welcome on all hikes.
Additional dates and times:
Oct. 11, 2024. 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 15, 2024. 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Wine Until 9 at Arterra Wines and Hawkmoth Arts
ADMISSION IS FREE…..
Every 1st Friday and 2nd Saturday May-October you may join us for these extended hours events. This is a Rain or Shine gathering, Arterra is a beautiful place to visit in all kinds of weather and all seasons!!
UNWIND and let go of daily stressors….
Tucked in the forest surrounded by the beauty of nature offers you a chance to relax and let loose a bit. Listen to some live music by local musicians playing some acoustic folk style tunes.
LIVE A LITTLE, especially in the moment….
SAVOR our cleanly crafted wines…..ALONG WITH our new food partner, Gaucho Bros!
RAIN OR SHINE!!
2024 Valley View Hard Cider Challenge 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Come enjoy the challenging routes of Sky Meadows State Park and Valley View Farm, home of the Gnarled Orchard. These courses are knotty, knot nice at the farm as they are a mix of cross country, trail, and hills! To see what else Valley View Farm has to offer, visit https://www.valleyviewva.com/.
Runners receive: A glass of cider, wine, or mead from Valley View, Finisher’s Medal, Technical (Drifit) Event Shirt, & A Chip Timed Event. Runners may also redeem their drink ticket for sweet cider, juice or soda.
Walkers and leashed pets are welcome to attend this event. Now offering a virtual run option for those who cannot make it on race day. You will receive a medal. For more details or to register, please visit Bishop’s Events online at https://bishopsevents.com/event/2024-valley-view-hard-cider-challenge-5k-10k-half/.
Registration Fees
5K – $35, until August 31 ($40)
10K – $50, until August 31 ($55)
Half – $70, until August 31 ($75)
***Price will increase on race morning by $5 for each distance.
Proceeds benefit Paws for Purple Hearts (https://pawsforpurplehearts.org/)
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Words from the Wild at Sky Meadows State Park
Picnic Area.
Take into your heart the peace of wild things. Absorb the transformative words of writers who love the wild, read aloud by two Virginia Master Naturalists. The walk will be taken in silence, at a slow pace. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the picnic area and will last approximately one hour. This program and the Sensory Explorers’ Trail are accessible for the blind and visually impaired.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists please visit http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/ .
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation .
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Wine Until 9 at Arterra Wines and Hawkmoth Arts
ADMISSION IS FREE…..
Every 1st Friday and 2nd Saturday May-October you may join us for these extended hours events. This is a Rain or Shine gathering, Arterra is a beautiful place to visit in all kinds of weather and all seasons!!
UNWIND and let go of daily stressors….
Tucked in the forest surrounded by the beauty of nature offers you a chance to relax and let loose a bit. Listen to some live music by local musicians playing some acoustic folk style tunes.
LIVE A LITTLE, especially in the moment….
SAVOR our cleanly crafted wines…..ALONG WITH our new food partner, Gaucho Bros!
RAIN OR SHINE!!
The Settle’s Kettle at Sky Meadows State Park
Log Cabin in the Historic Area.
Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth. Explore history through food and how it connects us to past generations. Explore farming practices of Virginians in the Crooked Run Valley and the influences of cooking traditions. Learn about the cooking methods of early European settlers and the African people who were enslaved here and were a part of life on this historic farm.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration. To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings, please visit https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Wine Until 9 at Arterra Wines and Hawkmoth Arts
ADMISSION IS FREE…..
Every 1st Friday and 2nd Saturday May-October you may join us for these extended hours events. This is a Rain or Shine gathering, Arterra is a beautiful place to visit in all kinds of weather and all seasons!!
UNWIND and let go of daily stressors….
Tucked in the forest surrounded by the beauty of nature offers you a chance to relax and let loose a bit. Listen to some live music by local musicians playing some acoustic folk style tunes.
LIVE A LITTLE, especially in the moment….
SAVOR our cleanly crafted wines…..ALONG WITH our new food partner, Gaucho Bros!
RAIN OR SHINE!!
Habitat Detectives
Picnic Area.
Take a walk of exploration with two Virginia Master Naturalists in this series of seasonal walks planned for children. Use your five senses to find clues to how various organisms – plants, animals, and more – work together to survive in this forest community. Recommended age 7 – 11, with parents, of course. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the Picnic Area and will last approximately one hour.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists please visit http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/ .
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#recreation .
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
The Settle’s Kettle at Sky Meadows State Park
Log Cabin in the Historic Area.
Follow your nose to the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth. Explore history through food and how it connects us to past generations. Explore farming practices of Virginians in the Crooked Run Valley and the influences of cooking traditions. Learn about the cooking methods of early European settlers and the African people who were enslaved here and were a part of life on this historic farm.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration. To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings, please visit https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]
Astronomy For Everyone
Historic Area.
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in space research. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) as they open their telescopes to public observation. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration. To learn more about NOVAC and other local astronomy offerings, please visit https://www.novac.com/wp/observing/ .
To expedite your payment process, we encourage you to pay ahead online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/daily-pass . The confirmation code must be presented at the gate. To learn more about the Virginia State Park Annual Pass, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/passes .
Entrance gates close one hour prior to the program end time. Exit gates remain open.
$10/car parking fee.
More info: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows, 540-592-3556, [email protected]