Manassas National Battlefield Groveton
The second of two great hikes in the Manassas Battlefield Park the Second Manassas Trail (6.2 miles) is slightly longer than the First Manassas Trail (5.3 miles). This loop passes several historic landmarks including the Groveton Confederate Cemetery and the battles at Deep Cut.From the back of the visitors center walk past the Henry House downhill to the intersection of Lee Hwy and Sudley Road where the Stone House stands. Remember that there are many trails within the park, just follow the Second Manassas Trail signs that are marked by blue circles on brown thin posts.
After crossing Lee Hwy and passing the Stone House climb over the first rise and continue through two fields to the top of Mathews Hill and line of Canons. Continue straight downhill towards the parking area for Mathews Hill. At the parking area cross Sudley Road turning right and continue following the trail as it follows the boundary of the field back to the left.
At the the junction of the Dogan Ridge Trail turn right towards the Unfinished Railroad as the trail follows the border of another field then veering left, than right before emerging at the Unfinished Railroad parking area and RT622. Cross RT622 where the trail continues on the caddy corner of the intersection and arriving at the intersection of the Deep Cut Loop Trail in another 0.2 miles. Continue straight shortly crossing two wooded footbridges and stairs then arriving in 0.1 miles at the Second Bull Run Monument constructed by Union solider's at the end of the Civil War. The First Bull Run Monument is located behind the Henry House and visitors center.
Turn left downhill at the monument passing through the deep cut battlefield area where the trail turns right, then back to the left and climbing to meet RT622. After crossing RT622 follow the trail to the right for 0.3 miles crossing Dogan Creek, then climbing a small rise and arriving at the intersection of Rt622 and Lee Hwy. At the intersection there is a side trail on the left to the Groveton Confederate Cemetery. The L. Dogan House on the right is one of only three remaining Civil War era houses in the park.
Cross Lee Hwy and enter the field on the left climbing a small rise. The trail now descends to the right before entering the woods. In 0.1 miles emerge at a parking area and monuments erected by the State Of New York. The trail descends on the right and arrives at a wooden bridge and Youngs Branch Creek in 0.2 miles. Cross the footbridge, then turn right at the junction. Climb for another 0.5 miles before turning to the left at the crest. In 0.1 miles enter a wooded area then emerge onto Chinn Ridge and open fields. Follow Chinn Ridge past the parking area where you climb over a low picket fence. The trail is now paved as it follows the ridge before turning right at the Webster Memorial Monument in 0.3 miles.
Descend past the Webster monument through the field then turn left onto the paved park road. Follow the road for 0.3 miles where it crosses Sudley Road and entrance to the visitors center.