Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
First Manassas Trail

LOC
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.
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
Live Status
Weekends are extremely busy. Many locations and activities at Manassas National Battlefield Park are better served by one of our other lots. Please limit your time at Henry Hill, or use another lot for your visit if possible.
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 6
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 0
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 6
- Total number of spaces
- 82
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 2
Parking Lot
Matthews Hill Parking Lot
- 14 total spaces
- 1 oversized spaces
- 38.82670121295178, -77.53372805293114
Live Status
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 0
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 1
- Total number of spaces
- 14
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 1
Parking Lot
Stone Bridge Parking Lot
- 53 total spaces
- 3 oversized spaces
- 38.8250685275, -77.501825509
Live Status
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 3
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 3
- Total number of spaces
- 53
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 3
Parking Lot
Stone House Parking Lot
- 18 total spaces
- 1 oversized spaces
- 38.81930159335119, -77.5249803888505
Live Status
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 1
- Total number of spaces
- 18
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 1