New State Park 'Sweet Run' Opens to Visitors, Conservation of Biodiversity Still a Priority - Virginia

Sweet Run, a new state park in Virginia, is now open to guests, although access to some parts is limited since biodiversity preservation is a top goal.

Virginia's New State Park: Sweet Run State Park

Sweet Run State Park spans 900 acres of woodlands, fields, and wetlands near Harpers' Ferry.

Despite the forest canopy, remnants of mid-1800s farmhouses peek through the undergrowth. Park manager Kevin Bowman highlights these hidden historical gems.

Originally opened in 2004 by the Leggett Foundation as the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, the transition into a state park began in 2016, with 600 acres given to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

In 2022, Loudoun County donated 280 acres, completing the park's state management.

Recently, it officially became Virginia's 42nd state park, with visitor numbers increasing. The forthcoming fall and spring are expected to be the peak seasons for visitors.

Walking Through History

Exploring Sweet Run State Park's 11-mile trail network, mostly welcoming horseback riders reveals its scenic diversity.

A soon-to-be-reservable picnic pavilion caters to larger gatherings.

Kevin Bowman, an avid history enthusiast and park manager, guides visitors through the Farmstead Loop, a serene 1.5-mile path that conceals the park's historical treasures.

In the tranquil woods, one may find it hard to believe that the area thrived as a community from the mid-1800s to the 1900s.

Bowman's extensive year-long research, steeped in old records and historical photos, prepared him for the park's opening. As he walks, he carries vintage aerial photographs showcasing the shift from farmlands to mature woodlands, harking back to 1937.

The park's roots date to the 1700s, and by the Civil War's dawn, it blossomed into a bustling community complete with its own polling place.

Its proximity to Harpers Ferry, the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers confluence, and the historic John Brown raid kindles curiosity about life on the border between North and South.

Nearby, the West Virginia border forms a poignant reminder of the era's division, making Bowman ponder the community's struggles over slavery.

He emphasized that this conflict unfolded right in the people's backyard, making it a poignant and tangible part of their history.

Conservation of Biodiversity as a Priority

Today, the Farmstead Loop trail, likely an old road, winds through woodlands along Piney Run and Sweet Run, emitting a sweet, earthy fragrance on this peaceful morning.

Near a stream bend, a popular stop, where people seek shade and dip into the cool water on sweltering days. Such high-traffic areas pose challenges for those responsible for preservation.

Bowman identified signs of erosion, like exposed tree roots and compacted soil from foot traffic, affecting ecosystems and watersheds.

This delicate habitat houses diverse wildlife, including the endangered wood turtle, herons, bald eagles, black bears, and more.

Balancing nature preservation and public enjoyment, Sweet Run promotes Leave No Trace principles and leashing dogs to safeguard the land's stories for future generations.

Bowman aims to ensure they're not forgotten a century from now.

A Paradise in the Midst of the Pandemic

Bowman's personal and professional connection to parks like Sweet Run is deeply rooted. His first visit to the area occurred in May 2020, amidst the pandemic's height.

Back then, he managed nearby Sky Meadows State Park, sharing similarities with Sweet Run's landscape of forest and former farmland.

Bowman vividly remembers the bustling grass areas, filled with people seeking refuge and solace during those stressful times.

He hoped the surge in outdoor activity during the pandemic leaves a lasting legacy, fostering a broader appreciation for these natural spaces.

During the hike, a trail leads into an older forest, with towering maple, beech, poplar, and oak trees that demand craned necks to observe their canopy.

The once tangled undergrowth near Piney Run gives way to the hillside's contours, leading to a wetland area that narrowly avoided becoming a golf course water feature in the mid-1900s.

This spot has become one of Bowman's favorites.

As Sweet Run welcomes visitors, Bowman envisions enhancing the park experience with historical markers, public programs, and a possible connection to the nearby Appalachian Trail.

He hoped guests can piece together the land's history and human impact through the centuries.

Managing invasive species, like the spotted lanternfly, is also on the agenda, with public input guiding the park's strategic planning process.