Hike the Piedmont Overlook Trail in Sky Meadows State Park

Sky Meadows is a state park in northern Virginia, just outside of Upperville, VA and very close to Route 66 for those coming from Washington D.C.. Being a state park, entrance fees are small and you get a lot for your money when you come here. There is a main parking area with a number of hiking trails of varying lengths starting at the Ranger's building. The Piedmont Overlook Trail is the most popular as it shows a clear and unobstructed view of the whole valley and beyond to the south. Farms peak up among the trees in a landscape that has remained relatively unchanged since the Civil War. 

The trail is well maintained and starts to the left as you are looking up the hill at the Ranger's station. The trail is appropriate for all ages and is marked by the red trail markers. Walk down the road until you see the signs for the Rock Ridge Trail and the Piedmont Overlook Trail and follow the signs to the top of the overlook. Take the Rock Ridge Trail up for a bit of a longer hike as it meets up with the Piedmont Overlook Trail. Head to this overlook in the Fall for the best views of the leaves changing (usually late October to early November) as well as the meadows below.

Once you're finished at the top head down to the parking lot, and be sure to stop in at the gift shop for great local products and local history of the park.