Historians to lead hikes at Manassas National Battlefield Park

By: | InsideNova
Published: October 06, 2009

Historians at Manassas National Battlefield Park will offer special guided hikes this month.

The Fall Hikes, an annual feature of the park’s schedule of programs, will provide the public with an opportunity to experience some of the less-visited areas of the battlefield with a park historian and to enjoy the emerging fall colors in the park’s woodlands.

On Oct. 10, visitors are invited to join historian Gregory Wolf for a guided hike focusing on the events of the First Battle of Manassas. This hike will cover nearly 5½ miles of walking and last roughly three hours. The hikes visit many of the landmarks connected to the battle, including the Stone Bridge, Matthews Hill, the Stone House and Henry Hill.

Historian Hank Elliott will lead a seven-mile hike focusing on the significant events of the Second Battle of Manassas on Oct. 24. This hike will last about four hours and include such battlefield sites as the Brawner Farm and the Unfinished Railroad, which played pivotal roles in the August 1862 battle.

Both guided hikes will take place rain or shine and the historian will meet participants at 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center at 6511 Sudley Road. The park entrance fee is $3 for those 16 and older.

Manassas National Battlefield Passes and National Parks Passes (Interagency Annual, Senior and Access) are also honored. There is no additional fee for the guided tours.

For more information, call 703-361-1339.

— Bennie Scarton Jr.