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It's the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Second Manassas. Let's go for a hike on the Manassas Battlefield and take advantage of the National Park Service's commemorative events!

❶ What we'll do:

  • 12:40 pm: Walk from the parking area to the Brawner Farm Interpretative Center; about 1/4 mile.
  • 1:00 - 1:45 pm: Battery Fire! At the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center the artillery detachments of Manassas National Battlefield Park, Monocacy National Battlefield, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, and South Mountain State Battlefield will demonstrate the power and importance of artillery on the Second Manassas battlefield.
  • 1:45 - 3:00 pm: After Battery Fire! is complete, we'll go for a hike east along the Union Line at Brawner Farm, north to the Deep Cut Loop and the Unfinished Rail Line, and then south and west back to the parking area along the Confederate Line at Brawner Farm. Total distance is about 3-1/4 mile.
  • 3:00 - 3:30 pm: Break
  • 3:30 pm: Assemble for Stone vs. Iron. Choose to follow the 2nd Wisconsin of the Iron Brigade, or the 33rd Virginia of the Stonewall Brigade, into battle! Those following the Iron Brigade should meet them at the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center, arriving NLT 3:45 pm. Those following the Stonewall Brigade should meet them at the parking lot at 3:45 pm. If you'd rather not choose a side, visitors may also gather at 4:00 pm at the Brawner Farmhouse for a stationary, non-physical interpretive program as the units maneuver.
  • 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Stone vs. Iron. We'll join with living history units, be formed into companies, and marched along their historic route in various formations "into battle," following the direction of living history officers and non-commissioned officers. Total distance varies, but around 1-1/2 mile.
  • Total distance including all events should be around 5-1/2 miles. (About 4 miles without Stone vs. Iron.) Trail surface is mostly dirt trails over rolling hills with patches of trees here and there.
  • Google map: https://tinyurl.com/25edc4kh

❷ How to get there:

  • From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take Exit 49A to I-66 W, following signs for Front Royal. Drive 21 miles along I-66 W and take Exit 43B for US-29 N/Lee Hwy. Turn right onto US-29 N/Lee Hwy and drive 1.3 miles. At the second traffic light turn left onto Pageland Ln and follow it for 0.5 miles. Turn right to enter the Brawner Farm Parking Lot and park. See https://goo.gl/maps/sAtMSe58SSy8wZBw6
  • Sorry, this is not a Metro-accessible hike.

❸ What to bring:

  • Plenty of water and comfy shoes. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent are recommended.
  • Please do not bring your furry friend! There will be cannon and rifle fire, smoke, and lots of troops moving around.

• Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 89F, with a 15% chance of showers and light East winds. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/y4hqy4kx

❹ Advisories:

  • As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
  • Stone vs. Iron is a strenuous program that will involve loud noise, sulfur smoke, physical exertion, moving in formation, and following the direction of living history officers and non-commissioned officers.

❺ Administrative stuff: Restrooms are located at Brawner Farm Parking Lot.

❻ Notes:

Events in Gainesville, VA
Hiking
Outdoors
Walking

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