Last updated: January 11, 2024
Thing to Do
Matthews Hill Loop Trail
NPS
Distance: .9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking time:
1. Start from the Matthews Hill Parking Lot (Auto Tour Stop #4). At the north side of the lot, an interpretive panel describes the fighting on Matthews Hill. The trail begins to the side of the sign.
2. Start walking up the hill until you reach a line of cannons. At this point, the Visitor Center wlil be visible to your front.
3. Follow mowed path down the hill before the trail turns east into the woods.
4. Follow signs as the trail loops back to the parking lot.
Explore the ground on which the opening phase of combat occurred during the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run).Begin your walk at the Matthews Hill parking lot (Tour Stop #4).The trail leads up the crest of the hill to Capt. William Reynolds' battery of Union artillery. From this vantage point, visitors can observe the landscape from Union artillery positions that overlook the historic Stone House and Confederate artillery positions on distant Henry Hill. Scenic vistas looking south and west give an excellent view of major portions of the battlefield. The trail descends down the front slope of Matthews Hill before turning east and entering the woods.Visitors will soon come upon the Stovall monument, marking the approximate location where Pvt. George Stovall of the 8th Georgia was killed. The trail loops back by paralleling the Union battle line, with trailside markers indicating the approximate location of Federal regiments during the combat.
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking time:
1. Start from the Matthews Hill Parking Lot (Auto Tour Stop #4). At the north side of the lot, an interpretive panel describes the fighting on Matthews Hill. The trail begins to the side of the sign.
2. Start walking up the hill until you reach a line of cannons. At this point, the Visitor Center wlil be visible to your front.
3. Follow mowed path down the hill before the trail turns east into the woods.
4. Follow signs as the trail loops back to the parking lot.
Explore the ground on which the opening phase of combat occurred during the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run).Begin your walk at the Matthews Hill parking lot (Tour Stop #4).The trail leads up the crest of the hill to Capt. William Reynolds' battery of Union artillery. From this vantage point, visitors can observe the landscape from Union artillery positions that overlook the historic Stone House and Confederate artillery positions on distant Henry Hill. Scenic vistas looking south and west give an excellent view of major portions of the battlefield. The trail descends down the front slope of Matthews Hill before turning east and entering the woods.Visitors will soon come upon the Stovall monument, marking the approximate location where Pvt. George Stovall of the 8th Georgia was killed. The trail loops back by paralleling the Union battle line, with trailside markers indicating the approximate location of Federal regiments during the combat.
Details
Duration
30-90 Minutes
The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, wayside reading, etc.
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets must be leashed at all times. Please bag pet waste and dispose at trash cans in the visitor center parking lot.
Activity Fee
No
No fees required.
Location
Matthews Hill / Auto Tour Stop #4
Begin at the Matthews Hill parking lot, Tour Stop #4.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Park is open during daylight hours.
Accessibility Information
This trail does not meet ADA accessibility guidelines.
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.
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
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