Rolling pastures, meadows, forests and historic agricultural landscapes define Sky Meadows State Park on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Across 1,860 acres, you can discover different sides of this landscape: the park has more than 22 miles of hiking trails, as well as designated routes for cycling and horseback riding. The Appalachian Trail is also accessible from here.
Landscapes and Trails
Sky Meadows State Park combines hiking opportunities with other outdoor activities. You can picnic at Turner Pond, and the park also offers primitive backcountry camping for families and groups. As an International Dark Sky Park, it also offers stargazing and educational programs about the night sky. Its varied attractions range from trails through the landscape to activities after dark.
The Warrenton Branch Greenway offers a different kind of trail: the 2.22-mile route is paved, mostly level and ADA-accessible. It is intended for joggers, walkers and cyclists, and was designated a National Recreation Trail in 2012. Parking is available on South 4th Street, at the end of Old Meetze Road and at Stafford Farm Trail.
The LRCC Connector Trail and Stafford Farm Trail also differ in length, surface and surroundings. The one-third-mile, ADA-accessible Connector Trail is made of compacted gravel and loops around a pond and wildlife area. The approximately 1.1-mile Stafford Farm Trail has a natural surface and runs alongside cornfields and Turkey Run, as well as through forests. Together, they offer distinct trail experiences: a paved route, a trail by the pond and a path through fields and woods.
The G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area covers 4,000 acres and has many miles of natural-surface trails. You can fish at a stocked 10-acre lake and hike the Appalachian Trail. Horseback riding is allowed on the trails, but is not recommended during hunting season. C.M. Crockett Park also has nature trails and a 1.5-mile cross-country trail for hiking and jogging. The park also offers fishing, boat rentals and boat-launch facilities.
The trails in Fauquier County are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The routes described vary in length, surface and surroundings, helping you choose hikes or other activities to suit your interests.
Museums and History
The Gold Mining Camp Museum is Virginia’s only museum devoted exclusively to the history of gold and gold mining. Three buildings interpret structures from a 1930s mine. On days when the museum is open, the gold panning sluice is available until 30 minutes before closing. Gold panning demonstrations take place at 2 p.m., weather permitting. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Check opening hours and gold panning offerings before your visit.
The Elk Run Church Museum stands on the foundation of Elk Run Church, the first Anglican church built in what is now Fauquier County. Its exhibits include notable artifacts from the Manahoac tribe. The Fauquier History Museum at the Old Jail offers a different historical perspective: it tells the story of the county and its jails and is housed in one of Virginia’s best-preserved early 19th-century jails.
Equestrian Sports and Seasonal Discoveries
Equestrian sports are also among the experiences described in the county. The Warrenton Horse Show is a local Labor Day tradition and is recognized by the US Equestrian Federation as a Heritage Horse Show. Great Meadow is a 374-acre equestrian event park, where horse steeplechase races are held.
From spring through fall, farmers markets in Fauquier County offer fresh produce and locally made goods. Vendors include local farmers, artisans and food producers. For another combination of scenery and enjoyment, visit the meadow at Three Fox Vineyards and Brewery on historic Crooked Run, where you can enjoy wine surrounded by nature. The seasonal markets, museums and trails offer different ways to shape your trip, from culture and history to outdoor activities.
Discover more destinations: Marshall, Warrenton, Hume, Broad Run, Amherst County, Shenandoah Valley, Petersburg, Clarke County.
For the broader travel overview: Virginia.
