Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Gear: daypack – water – leash

Difficulty Level: 1 paw

Scenery: 3 paws

Pack: You and your dog

My go-to hike on the weekends, when I want to get out of the neighborhood, is the First Manassas Trail (loop) at the Manassas National Battlefield in none other than Manassas, VA. This a scenic trail that winds through woodlands and uplands, has wide trails to accommodate a day out with the family, and is a great place to walk or run with your dog. The traffic here is light to moderate. You’ll definitely encounter other dogs as well as a jogger or two.

I park at the Henry Hill Visitors Center and hop on the First Manassas Trail, well marked, on the east side of the parking lot. You’ll walk down a very wide path (can accommodate several vehicles side-by-side) that’s flanked by tall grass. This leads you past a row of Civil War era cannons then narrows and into the woods. You’ll quickly come to a fork in the trail. Follow the right branch, which is marked with the First Manassas Trail’s blue blaze.

You may see deer out in the field to the left of the trail. This should be a reminder not to take your dog off leash in this park, especially if they have a prey drive that you don’t have voice command over (park rules state all dogs must be leashed at all times). The trail will come to a four-way trail intersect that sometimes appears to be a T. You’ll follow the trail to the left.

As you gradually descend (no difficult slopes on this trail) you’ll come to a stream running through the path. I don’t recommend crossing here unless you don’t mind continuing on the next 4 miles with wet shoes. Just before you come to the stream you’ll see a side trail to your left that leads to a wooden bridge. Use this to go over the water and the trail connects following to get you back on track. You’re now out of the woods and are again flanked by fields.

This leads you to a crossing at Route 29. There is no light or cross walk for pedestrians. Please use caution and use this as an opportunity to practice your sit-stays. Cars that travel this road are used to people crossing here but you may have to wait a moment before you get a chance to make your move or until the cars slow for you to pass.

Across the road you’ll ascend a short slope and then follow the trail along the woods edge. If you’re feeling adventurous you can take the trail marked for “Stone Bridge”. This will loop away from your current route and direct you past the beautiful old bridge that crosses Bull Run river. It’s a good photo opp. At the bridge you’ll take the trail going to the left and away from the bridge, along the river, and will connect back to the First Manassas Trail. When you hit the trail, take a right.

After running along the edge of the woods you’ll enter into them once more.  You’ll follow the trail to a fork, following to the left this time and out onto the battlefield. These upland fields are some of my favorites. You’ll see nothing but tall grass on either side of you, besides the singular row of cannons, until you crest the slope. From here you see the trail wind downhill, through the fields, and then back up again for the next mile. You can see the historic Stone House, the historic Henry House and the visitors center in the distance.

Continue on past Stone House. You’ll come to the intersection of Route 29 and Route 234 Business. There is a traffic light here with a cross walk and a crossing indicator-light. Make sure to watch for turning cars.

You cross a wooden bridge over Youngs Branch and continue up the hill past Henry House and back to the parking lot. Don’t be surprised if you catch a tour, tourists visiting the Henry House or a riffle loading demonstration. The park is a very active Civil War destination.

An item to note is that the park does require you pay an entrance fee while visiting the battlefield. I’ve never encountered park police monitoring the trails but it is courtesy that you obey the rules and obtain the entrance pass inside the visitors’ center. If it’s your first time in the park then I recommend you head inside to grab a park map (outlines trails), check out the small museum and informational displays and ask the rangers on staff if you have any questions. Warning: dogs are not allowed inside the visitors center.

Directions to the Henry Hill Visitors Center, Manassas National Battlefield from Northern Virginia/DC Metro Area:

• Take I-66 West to Exit 47B
• The ramp merges onto Route 234 Business
• Continue past Northern Virginia Community College
• Take your next Right into the Manassas National Battlefield. If you hit Route 29 then you’ve gone too far