The Skylake trail system was designed to give hikers a continuous primary trail from Woodbrier on the north extending 5.6 miles to the summit of Grimes Nose on the south.
Through the years secondary trails have been added to the primary, e.g. Sid's (McKnight) Slopes (Deerpath to Woodbrier), the path alongside the pasture fence, and the Chastain's Challenge trail. The total length of trails inside Skylake is now nearly 12 miles.
Although the trail system utilizes green belt area almost exclusively, it does in a few places pass close by existing homes. Please respect the privacy of your neighbors and remain on the pathway.
The primary trail system is divided into 8 segments which begin and end where the trail crosses a paved road, which allows a hiker to access the trails at many locations, called "trailheads", and to complete a shorter or longer hike, as desired.
The footpath is generally easily recognizable and well-traveled but it is also marked by white blazes of 2" x 4" at eye level on trees. Further guidance is provided by trail signs along the trail where the trail makes a sharp turn or intersects another trail.
Points of interest along the way include York Falls and picnic area, York Creek, Upper Lake, Red Barn, pasture, Bonnie's Bottoms, Lower Lake, and the Observation Tower on Grimes Nose.
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF THE TRAILS
CLICK HERE FOR THE HIKING TRAIL GUIDE
Volunteer Opportunities
Maintaining 12 miles of hiking trails in Skylake is not an easy task, but our volunteer trail crew does an outstanding job. They have earned the title, Trailkeepers. The Trailkeepers Chief is Wes Bartlett bartlettwes@yahoo.com
There are several roles for volunteer Trailkeepers: help make or install new trail signs, adopt a segment of trail, report trail problems observed on your hikes, volunteer for announced projects or work sessions.
Please give the Trailkeepers Chief your email address if you want to be included on the Trailkeepers email list or are interested in adopting a trail segment. Tell your Skylake neighbors about our work. New Trailkeepers are always welcome! Also please report to the Trailkeepers Chief any downed trees or other obstructions of Skylake trails.
Click Here For Information about Adopting a Trail Segment (Trailkeepers)
Click Here For Information on Past Trail Crew Work Projects
Click Here For Information on the Past Trail History
CREEKSIDE
A mallard hen makes her nest mid the ferns ...
And magic awaits your eye round each turn.
Butterflies hover in the soft light of day ...
Near the bank of the creek, two fawns are at play.
The waters of the creek flow cloudy at first,
But soon will run clear ... a sparkling rebirth.
Carrying sediment they flow and ripple along ...
Filtering impurities, while singing their song.
Countless droplets are filtered and finally clear ...
There's a message for us, if we will just hear.
Storms of life muddy our souls at times ...
Depositing fear, self doubt, thoughts and deeds unkind.
Let the clear waters of mercy, of love and of grace
Wash over our souls and pour over our face ...
So we may see clearly ... begin life anew ...
As God's love flows abundantly through me and through you.
Marilyn C. Hinson