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The bridle trails located in the Manassas National Battlefield Park are available for daily use by any equestrian, either by �hacking in� or by trailer. All equestrian users are requested to comply with the local rules and regulations as summarized below.
There are approximately 20 miles of bridle trails that are arranged into convenient riding segments as listed below. All trails are marked, relatively level, and designed for all levels of riders. The major road crossings in the park can be somewhat difficult, especially on weekends. Road crossings have mounting blocks on both sides of the crossing to assist those wanting to lead their mounts across these man-made obstacles. Unfortunately, there are no rest room provisions other than at the visitor�s center.
| Trail | Distance
Miles | Time
at a walk | Description or notes |
|---|
| Main Loop | 10 | 2:00 | Covers all four quadrants of Park. Requires 4 road crossings. Either parking area provides access |
| Brawner Loop | 8 | 1:45 | Brawner Loop is closed at this time. |
| Wheeler Loop | 6 | 1:00 | Best access from Portici Parking area. No road crossings required. |
| Cronell Loop | 4 | 0:45 | No road crossings required. |
| North Bull Run Extension | 2 | 0:15 | Connection from Main/Cornell Loops to horse barns on Bull Run Post Office Road. Goes across Bull Run. |
| Access to Bull Run Park | 2 | 0:15 | Connection from Wheeler Loop to Bull Run Park goes under I66. |
Trail Markings:
Bridle trails marked with YELLOW blazes.
Remember that hikers can always be expected to enjoy the bridle trails.
Hiking trails marked with BLUE blazes.
Horses are not allowed on hiking trails designated only for walkers
Horse Trailer Parking:
Only two parking areas are currently authorized for equestrian activities.
- Groveton Lot � Located on Route 29, one mile west of the Stone House [intersection of Rts Va.234 and U.S.29], at the Groveton Confederate Cemetery. Parking area is on the right as you are heading west.
- Portici Lot � Located on Vandor Lane that runs parallel to I66. Accessed by turning off route 234 onto Battleview Parkway [headed east] and proceeding approximately 3/4 mile. Parking area is on the left.
- Additional parking areas may be designated from time to time for organized trail rides. Typically the rides will start in the Route 29 parking area at the Rock Road Crossing.
Enforcement:
Enforcement of rules for equestrians continues and will continue to cause potential difficulties for the park. Although BES has no obligations for enforcement, there are certain illegal activities that could have a long term potential for banning horses from the park. And over the years, we seen them all.
- Horse back riding on Henry Hill and visiting the Visitor�s Center on horse back.
- Horse trailer parking lots designated for cars only.
- Horse riders on trails designated for hiking only.
- Horse riders off the trails or in the open fields.
Since BES is committed to keeping horses in the park, we try to support the Park Law Enforcement as best we can. Many of the violators just didn�t know the rules. Unfortunately, some of the violators know the rules and just don�t care about the problems that they are causing for other equestrians.
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