|
Sky Meadows State Park |
|
|
Description:
Sky Meadows State Park boasts of a network of 12 miles of
trails. They are all well maintained and signed. Much of this
5.2 mile moderate loop meanders across or skirts the edges of
rolling meadows offering a total of 4 vistas along the
way. Extra mileage can be added by including the Snowden
Interpretive Trail and/or the Old Trail (Old AT). This is a
great place to take the family! Note that there is a $4.00
entrance fee paid on the honor system at the entrance. Leash
rules are strictly enforced. More information and history of the park can be found here.
Google Custom Driving Directions |
|
________________________________________ |
|
Zipped National Geographic. TOPO! GPS and Universal GPX Files |
Trail Notes: This hike begins at the Mt. Bleak House parking lot. (A visitor center with bathrooms is behind it.) Walk down the road to a large kiosk and follow the footpath to an old dirt road. This is orange blazed Gap Run Tr. Turn left here, soon passing the turnoff for the North Ridge and Piedmont Overlook Trails. This is your return route. Continue straight on the Gap Run Tr catching pastoral views to either side of the road.
In 0.40 miles the green blazed Snowden Interpretive Tr is straight ahead. You want to turn right here to stay on the Gap Run Tr. In a few steps turn left onto the yellow blazed South Ridge Tr. In 0.19 miles arrive at a pleasant northerly vista. To continue the hike descend slightly into the woods and ascend again to yet another meadow. You will pass the ruins of the Snowden House which was destroyed by fire in 1913 along the way. Above the ruins you will follow the edge of another meadow offering a southerly panoramic view.
In 1.42 miles from the first vista arrive at the junction with the North Ridge Tr. Turn left here and climb steeply up a rocky but short trail to the AT. Turn right and soon pass a junction of the purple blazed Old Tr and cross a gas pipeline. In 0.63 miles from crossing the pipeline arrive at the junction of the blue blazed Ambassador Whitehouse Tr on the right. (Ambassador Whitehouse was the Ambassador to Vietnam during that war.) Turn right here and in 0.41 miles arrive at the Paris View.
Continue on and descend to the pipeline in another 0.52 miles. Here the trail turns right (uphill) for a few steps before turning left into the woods. Descend to the junction of blue blazed North Ridge Tr. Turn left here but in a few yards turn left again onto the red blazed Piedmont Overlook Tr. A short climb brings you to a sweeping view of the valley below and the foothills beyond.
In 0.54 miles from the last trail junction skirt some old out buildings and rejoin the North Ridge Trail. Turn left here and cross the steps to arrive at the Gap Run Tr. Turn left here and retrace your initial steps back to the car.
|
|
|
