Manassas Battlefield Park First Manassas Trail is a great workout and also takes you through one of the better historical sites I’ve ever visited. This hike was moderately challenging for a fit person walking alone and challenging for a single jogging stroller. You definitely need either a good jogger or a pack for this hike- don’t even attempt it with a regular stroller. You’ll barely make it out past the Visitors’ Center.
There is a $3/person park fee. You are asked to keep your receipt on you while you are inside the park. They do accept credit cards.
If you are very fit and fairly intrepid, you should be able to manage this trail just fine. If you are just starting back to hiking or don’t have much experience, I suggest you do this trail with another adult the first time in case you decide that you’re out of your depth. There aren’t any areas that two adults couldn’t handle with a single stroller, provided both of them are moderately fit. Whether you can do this trail with a double stroller will depend on your stroller and also on your fitness level. I would not advise doing this trail alone with a double jogger unless you can take the babies out and wear them down the steepest slopes.
I will definitely be going back to this park to hike the other trails!
Trail Summary:
Trail surface: Dirt, gravel, grass, and some boardwalk.
Freedom Coded: Mostly green but with Yellow and Red areas. You cannot avoid crossing a busy street twice. Only one crossing has a signal. There is also proximity to water for a good portion of the trail.
Double stroller accessible: Dubious. The trail is occasionally steep, bumpy, and narrow. Two adults together can probably manage it.
Stroller type: Jogging stroller.
Distance: 5.3 miles (A smidge over 5.5 if you include a stop for refreshment at the Winery at Bull Run. To get there, just cross the Stone Bridge and go through the parking lot to the winery driveway.)
Loop: yes
Shade cover: Mixed. There are wooded sections of the trail but a great deal of it is full sun.
Restrooms: At the visitor’s center.
Parking: Several parking lots along the trail. The largest is at the Visitor’s Center.
Getting There: The Visitor Center is located at 6511 Sudley Road Manassas, VA 20109 or use the Website to plan your visit.
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