Near Sky Meadows - East Side Trails Loop
Panorama shot from the shady bench.
Near Sky Meadows - East Side Trails Loop
Looking across the valley along the Rolling Meadows Trail
Near Sky Meadows - East Side Trails Loop
Beautiful scenery

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Sky Meadows - East Side Trails Loop

4.0 (7 Ratings)
The route attached is part of several trails on the east side of Sky Meadows State Park near Paris.
3.9
mi
Distance
573
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.86mi
Distance
573ft
Elevation Gain
573ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
1,025ft
High Point
574ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Follow the trailhead access point to an intersection and take the left turn to head through the hay fields. You'll be starting out on the northern side of the Rolling Meadows Trail. There are two small creeks and one gentle climb up to the intersection of the Lost Mountain Trail, Washington's Ridge Trail and the Rolling Meadows Trail, which you'll have been traveling on. At the intersection is lovely bench in the shade of large tree. The bench makes for a great place to rest before making the climb up the Lost Mountain Trail. This is also the perfect place for seeing across the valley over towards the other parts of Sky Meadows State Park including the route up to the Appalachian Trail (AT).As you continue along your way, you'll move along the Lost Mountain Trail. After an initial climb to the most northern end of the trail, you'll be able to enjoy a gentle descent all the way back to your car. Grades will be mostly manageable, but there will still be a few sections requiring a bit of care. At about the 3 mile mark, you'll find yourself again at an intersection, where you'll want to continue west on the Rolling Meadows Trail to finish the loop, and hike back to the parking area and your vehicle.
History & Background
Visit the park's website for more information: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows#general_information

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Ray Smith