Near First Battle of Manassas
Henry Hill -- Manassas National Battlefield Park
Near First Battle of Manassas
Almost at the end!
Near First Battle of Manassas
Stone House -- During both battles, Federals turned the former tavern into a field hospital.
Near First Battle of Manassas
A battery of cannons welcomes visitors to the Matthews Hill Loop.
Near First Battle of Manassas
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson Monument

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

First Battle of Manassas

4.1 (30 Ratings)
Leisurely trail around one half of Manassas National Battlefield. Lots of woods, grass and history!
5
mi
Distance
309
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekWildflowers
Access Issues
Open dawn to dusk, 365 days per year.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.95mi
Distance
309ft
Elevation Gain
309ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
279ft
High Point
161ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The trail follows blue blazes most of the way.From the visitor center, head across the field to the right. Hike past the cannon and down towards the woods. Follow the blue blazes to the right. When you hit the T in the trail turn left, follow the gravel trail to the stream and cross through the creek or use the bridge to your left.Stay on the gravel path until you reach route 29. Cross route 29 and go up the hill bearing to the right. At the top make a right at the signpost and head down towards the footbridge and the stone bridge. Be careful on the footbridge. Its singletrack and lots of people use it. It might make sense to just hike next to the footbridge. It's mostly brush with some mud underneath. At the stone bridge turn left and hike along Youngs Branch, a nice stream with ducks! At the next intersection stay straight, cross the small bridge and head up the short but quite a steep incline. There's a bench at the top to catch your breath if need be. Continue on until you get out of the woods. Turn right. Stay on the path until you get to another horse crossover. Stay straight on the blue blazed path (if you see horse prints you've made a wrong turn). This path follows gradual ups and downs for about 1.5 miles until you come to another intersection. Go straight and head out to the field, turn right go down to the parking lot and then turn left to go up towards a line of cannons. From here you can almost see the end. Stay on this path until you get to a steep downhill. Head to the Stone House, cross Route 29 and make your way up the last climb here. It's not Colorado or Montana, but after 5 miles your calves will still scream at you as head up Henry Hill to the house and then head straight to the visitor center where you started. Hope you enjoy it!
History & Background
"The War of Northern Aggression" as it is called down here, was partially fought on this land. There is a lot of history. Not a time in history I know anything about so I will leave it you...Also, Disney tried to open a theme park nearby but got shot down by us locals.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Second Battle of Manassas Trail

Hike Route

Second Battle of Manassas Trail

River/Creek
moderate
6.57 mi
+336 ft
Manassas Battlefield Bridle Trail Loop

Hike Route

Manassas Battlefield Bridle Trail Loop

Birding
moderate
10.35 mi
+382 ft
Bull Run-Occoquan Trail

Hike Route

Bull Run-Occoquan Trail

Birding
moderate
18.14 mi
+1,746 ft
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Loop

Hike Route

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
2.78 mi
+149 ft
Burke Lake Trail

Hike Route

Burke Lake Trail

Birding
easy
4.62 mi
+71 ft
Fountainhead Loop Hike

Hike Route

Fountainhead Loop Hike

Birding
moderate
7.08 mi
+865 ft
Contributors
Scott Spencer