Civil War Trails

Gain deeper understanding of Civil War history when you see the landscape and learn the human stories.

Then and now. Time overlaps at Manassas National Battlefield Park. That's the Stonewall Jackson Monument circa 1950 in the black and white image with riders flanking the monument. In 2016, riders are required to stay on designated bridle paths. Source: MNBP Facebook photo album which features other fascinating then-and-now photos, linked to this image.

Then and now. Time overlaps at Manassas National Battlefield Park. That's the Stonewall Jackson Monument circa 1950 in the black and white image with riders flanking the monument. In 2016, riders are required to stay on designated bridle paths. Source: MNBP Facebook photo album which features other fascinating then-and-now photos, linked to this image.

Some National Park sites offer riding trails, some have private venues nearby that have guided tours for a fee, others do not allow horses and their riders at all. However, for a truly unforgettable life experience, hauling your horses to a historic place, finding a place to stable them, and either camping with them or staying with a fellow horse owner, well. The making memories part is up to you. Be sure to carry current Coggins, rabies certificates, emergency numbers, your horse's normal feed, even water as when going to an event.

The bridle trails at Manassas National Battlefield Park are marked in red-orange. Map is linked to the fully interactive ArcGIS page.

The bridle trails at Manassas National Battlefield Park are marked in red-orange. Map is linked to the fully interactive ArcGIS page.


Manassas National Battlefield Park in Virginia has approximately 21 miles of designated trails for horseback riding. Bring your own horses (the park does not offer horseback rides), and look over the bridle trail via maps online or get one at the Henry Hill Visitor Center. Trailer parking is restricted to designated areas only. Note: Under emergency circumstances the park may close a trail temporarily without prior notice. For current status, required details, and other information, call (703) 361-1339.

There is the Battlefield Equestrian Society (BES), founded in 1985, a 501 (c)(3) volunteer group dedicated to “maintaining and improving the equestrian trails in the Manassas National Battlefield Park (MNBP) and general support of the park. Here is the link to their site.