Washington, DC: Manassas Bridle Trail Loop
Avoid the crowds on this 3-miler that explores less-traveled trails and an old Confederate headquarters in Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Mapped by Fletcher Caldwell
Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.5
Waypoints
MAN001
Location: 38.8068008422852, -77.5010147094726
Travel N on wide bridle path. In 450 ft., bear R @ Y. Ahead, trail veers R and traces perimeter of woods that extend N
MAN002
Location: 38.8115119934082, -77.4955825805664
Turn L onto trail that ducks into low-growing evergreens
MAN003
Location: 38.8127746582031, -77.4960403442383
Overlook on R reveals Bull Run. The first major land battle between Union and Confederate troops was named after this Potomac River tributary (also a popular hangout for white-tailed deer and ducks)
MAN004
Location: 38.8137474060059, -77.5009689331055
Pass the grassy banks of a small pond fed by Bull Run, then head NW
MAN005
Location: 38.8144340515137, -77.503547668457
Leave open fields and re-enter forest; trail rounds to the SW in 100 yds.
MAN006
Location: 38.813045501709, -77.5090179443359
Ford the trickling waters of Holkums Branch, then turn L off main bridle path
MAN007
Location: 38.8114128112793, -77.5107574462891
Merge L onto gravel road
MAN008
Location: 38.8099136352539, -77.5098724365234
Continue road walk, heading S past patchwork of fields and forest
MAN009
Location: 38.8062133789062, -77.5087661743164
Cruise past parking lot. In 150 ft., turn L @ Portici sign; travel NE across a rolling field
MAN010
Location: 38.807315826416, -77.5064086914062
A tree-lined meadow is all that remains @ Portici (the site of a 19th century plantation house). Confederate headquarters were located here during the Battle of Bull Run in 1861
MAN011
Location: 38.8089027404785, -77.5050735473633
Turn R onto gravel road that runs SE over pastoral hills. Next .3 mi.: Pass a fish-filled pond on R; turn R @ T to trailhead
