Thing to Do

First Manassas Trail

First Bull Run
Period engraving showing Union Infantry on Matthews Hill

LOC

Distance: 5.4 mile circuit hike

Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous 

Hiking Time: 2+ hours 
This extended hike leads visitors over the landscape where on a warm July day in 1861, the newly formed Union and Confederate armies clashed for the first time.

The trail begins at the Visitor Center and leads you through forested areas, emerging at the Stone Bridge. After following Bull Run upstream, the trail turns west and meanders over farm fields and woods.

Emerging out on to the open crest of Matthews Hill, site of the opening phase of combat during First Manassas, visitors can observe much of the battlefield landscape. The trail descends into the valley of Young's Branch, and passes the historic Stone House (open seasonally). The building, which dates to the second quarter of the nineteenth century, served as an aide station during both battles of Manassas.

After crossing Lee Highway (Route 29) at the pedestrian crosswalk, the trail heads up Henry Hill to the scene of fierce artillery clashes from opposing guns. Caught in the middle was Henry house, home of Judith Carter Henry, an elderly widow, who refused to evacuate her home during the battle and was killed by cannon fire (she is buried nearby).

ear this spot, Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson earned his nickname "Stonewall," as his presence on horseback rallied the shattered Confederates for a final push that sent the Union forces into retreat.
Details
The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, wayside reading, etc.
Activity
Hiking
Pets must be leashed at all times. Please bag pet waste and dispose at trash cans in the visitor center parking lot. 
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
First Manassas hiking trail begins at the Henry Hill Visitor Center
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Park is open during daylight hours. Visitor center and restrooms open 8:30am - 5:00pm daily. 
Accessibility Information
This trail does not meet ADA accessibility guidelines.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

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Parking options for the First Manassas Trail

While the trail begins at the Henry Hill Visitor Center, there are other parking lots from which you can also begin the First Manassas Trail.

Parking Lot

Henry Hill Visitor Center Parking

  • 82 total spaces
  • 2 oversized spaces
  • 38.812693101818276, -77.52124283832288
Parking for the Henry Hill Visitor Center and Henry Hill Loop Trail. Also one of several parking lots along the First Manassas Loop Trail. Best to park here for Henry Hill Visitor Center based ranger programs, and the visitor center itself. This lot gets extremely crowded on weekends, please consider other parking areas that might allow easier access to your desired activity. Please park in designated spaces and do not park in the grass. No equestrian trailer parking.

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Parking Lot

Matthews Hill Parking Lot

  • 14 total spaces
  • 1 oversized spaces
  • 38.82670121295178, -77.53372805293114
Parking lot off of Sudley Road. Access point for the Matthews Hill Loop Trail. Is one of several access points for both the First Manassas Loop Trail and the Second Manassas Loop Trail. Driving tour stop number four. Please park in designated spaces only. No equestrian trailer parking.

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Parking Lot

Stone Bridge Parking Lot

  • 53 total spaces
  • 3 oversized spaces
  • 38.8250685275, -77.501825509
Closest parking to the Stone Bridge over Bull Run Creek. Only parking lot directly on the Stone Bridge Loop Trail and one of several access points for the First Manassas Loop Trail. Driving tour stop eleven. Please park in designated spaces only.

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Parking Lot

Stone House Parking Lot

  • 18 total spaces
  • 1 oversized spaces
  • 38.81930159335119, -77.5249803888505
Parking lot closest to the Stone House at the intersection of US 29, and Sudley Road. One of several access points for both the First Manassas Loop Trail and the Second Manassas Loop Trail. Driving tour stop number three. This lot is also a few minutes walk from the Henry Hill Visitor Center and is the closest available parking if the Henry Hill Lot is full. Please park in designated spaces only. No equestrian trailer parking.

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Last updated: March 24, 2022