Sky Meadows State Park is a state park in Delaplane, Virginia that covers 1,862 acres of land. The park is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes the Massanutten Mountain. It has a variety of hiking trails, a campground, and a picnic area. It is situated on a high, open plateau with sweeping views of the Virginia Piedmont and beyond. The meadows are a mix of grasses and wildflowers, and the forest is mostly hardwoods.
History
The land that is now Sky Meadows State Park was first settled by George Washington in 1750. Washington built a log cabin on the property and lived there with his family for several years. In 1759, Washington sold the property to John Robinson, a wealthy Virginia planter. Robinson expanded the farm and built a large brick mansion, which he named Mount Vernon.
The Robinson family owned the property for nearly two centuries. In 1948, the family donated the farm to the Commonwealth of Virginia with the stipulation that it be used as a state park. Sky Meadows State Park was established in 1950.
Today, the park is a popular destination for hikers, birders, and history buffs. The park’s visitor center offers a glimpse into the lives of the Washington and Robinson families. Here you’ll find the remains of four historic homes, a working farm, hiking trails, and a visitor center.
