Manassas National Battlefield Park

headed to the visitor's center and caught most of the movie (starts at the top of the hour and lasts about 45 minutes). Other than the museum shop not much else to see at the center, although the ranger was very helpful and showed us how to do the driving tour, etc. They claim to have little "tour" signs along the roadway to help you, but there are very few of them, and most are right at the end of the parking lot so don't count on them to show you the way. And many of the stops pop up out of nowhere so be paying attention! Many beautiful vistas, lots of different things all marked with informational signs, definitely a place to stop if you enjoy Civil War history.

It was an amazing day. People there are very nice. And it is a quiet place, good for picnic with family and friends. It's nice to know the history of Battlefield park. Definitely will go again and recommend it.

I do like Manassas National Battlefield. When you think about the first big battle, and then another, it's hard to dispute that this is hallowed ground. The confederacy won both battles, and the first one was a major blunder by the Union. Can only imagine, but the folks who wanted to picnic observing this, quickly learned not a good idea. I still wonder why, but then again entertainment options in the 1860's were limited.

This is a nice place to visit. Now a diverse and bustling area, no to any development here ever. I like Antietam and Gettysburg more, as feel they've been updated more by the National Park Service. The rangers and staff here are quite knowledgeable. My recommendation is to see when a Smithsonian historian is here, because on its own it's decent. There are some nice hikes, but it just doesn't have the oomph of the battle field's mentioned.

Site of two major conflagration, including the first major land battle of the civil war. Lots of interesting firsts about that battle. First use of railroads. First use of signal corps. Unfortunately, the war didn't end here.
Allow up to three days, if you're a history geek. The battlefield is expansive, with many points of interest.
Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a leash. Horse riders can be hostile.

I'll start this post by saying that 99.99% of the many, many times I've hiked this battlefield I have had at least one dog in tow, so while I've been able to read some of the outdoor signage, I have never gone inside the visitor's center or stone house.

On nice weekend days, the trails get busy after 10am so get there early if crowds are a concern at some of the busier sections (Stone Bridge) and busier times of year (bluebell bloom). The weekdays these trails are much more empty overall. For parking, the visitor center and stone bridge lots are the largest, but there is parking next to the stone house and down Sudley. On crowded days the Stone house lot can get full.

The trails are overall maintained well, there are many mowed grass trails so be vigilant for the possibility of ticks in the warmer months. During the winter a lot of overgrowth is dead so more trails are accessible but I digress. There are open trails and trails through the woods. A mixture of flat, gradual, and the very rare steep incline, depending on which paths you take. You can often see some families with strollers on some paths. Very popular with runners, hikers, and dog walkers. Trails are mostly wide enough to easily pass others. No bikes allowed I believe but do keep in mind some trails allow horses so watch out for horse waste.

Our dogs love it out here and we have had no issues with misbehaved unleashed dogs. There are no trash cans at the Sudley or Stone House lots but there is one at the Stone Bridge lot, so please prepare to pack out your dog's waste instead of leaving it bagged on some hill (you were never coming back for that).

When the weather is dry we easily come out here 2x a week

A good little park to learn more about the civil war. It is a little spread out, so start at the visitor center to get a lay of the land. The volunteer is very friendly and was there for any questions or comments. There is a little exhibit or two in the visitor center and the bathrooms downstairs are clean and a good place to stop before walking around. The stone bridge is nice and has its own parking lot. The park itself is really only an hour or two for a visit depending on what you are interested in and how little or much information you already know about the war.

I didn't realize this battlefield was so big with so much to see! I wish I lived in the area, I'd walk these beautiful fields more often. History is everywhere and the tour guides are excellent. Everyone who works there is friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience.

The trails here are plentiful, the grounds are beautiful, the scenery peaceful. Some days are busier than others - usually crowds start picking up around 9/10a on weekends.

Absolutely worth the hassle to see the blankets of gorgeous bluebells that grace us every spring time.

Wish they'd install more trash cans along the routes or in the parking lot as dog owners somehow seem to think it's better to let a bright purple or blue bag of their dog's crap laying alongside the trails rather than just letting them do their business and not clean it up. Either way it's littering, so why make it worse by leaving it in a plastic bag? I mean, if you bring a dog outside you know the dog is going to do their business, why not prepare for that and carry their purple bagged doo doo back to a trash can instead of leaving it??

Anyway - aside from constantly seeing bags of dog doo, the trails are great.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, Manassas National Battlefield has something for you.There are several different hiking options, including those that are kid-friendly. A popular choice, and the hike I chose, was the First Manassas Trail. There is little shade so definitely consider weather when choosing to visit. It's an easy hike and has many stops of note along the way. It can be muddy after it rains so plan accordingly too. I saw lots of picnics on this day which is a nice thought.

Also, due to COVID-19, the visitors center is closed. Parking is still plentiful. Located approximately 40 minutes from DC, this is definitely a place to visit given the current pandemic protocols!

Rich history, vivid beauty, walking/hiking trails for days, knowledgeable and passionate staff, and the unadulterated natural landscape of VA...what's not to like.

Honestly, you can satisfy any craving here. Whether you need to take in some VA sun and enjoy a peaceful walk or deep dive into the history of the first battle, as well as a subsequent battle, of the American Civil War, this is the place to do it.

Personally, I've lived in the area for almost four years and I never get tired of coming here. If you can, book a tour or at least slip into one of the park ranger talks/demonstrations. I promise you will love your time here.

Enjoy!

This national park is very nicely maintained. It has plenty of hiking/jogging trails as well as a significant amount of history from both the first and second battle there. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They even have a museum there as well as a small gift shop. To see everything here, it could take a full day. There are some of the areas where you will need to travel by car.