Manassas, Virginia

Looking for the best running in Manassas? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Manassas. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Manassas

  • Clifton, Virginia

    Hike the Bull Run Occoquan Trail

    13 mi
    The Bull Run Occoquan Trail is located in Fairfax County, Virginia and is 50 miles outside Washington, DC and runs along the Bull Run waterway for 6.5 miles from Bull Run Marina to Fountainhead Regional Park. The blue blazed trail undulates for a total ascent of 1,510 ft and descent of 1,526 ft, ...
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  • Manassas, Virginia

    Trail Run at Bull Run

    5.0
    4 mi
    Great spot for a run! Very accessible for those in the DC region.  A good starting point is the Henry Hill Visitor Center. If you want to avoid any crowds, start early.  From the Henry Hill Visitor Center, you can't really go wrong (as far as direction is concerned) since most trails can be linke...
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  • Manassas, Virginia

    Hike and Explore Bull Run Battlefield

    4.3
    1.2 mi
    Located about 40 minutes from D.C. just off I-66 in Manassas, VA. Henry Hill is the starting point and headquarters that can lead you to multiple trails ranging from 1-5 miles depending on the route you choose here. Ample parking at HQ as well as clean restrooms. Tours are available here. Rolling...
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  • Fairfax Station, Virginia

    Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax

    4.5
    4.7 mi / 0 ft gain
    Burke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...
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  • Sterling, Virginia

    Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble

    5.0
    19.55 mi / 863 ft gain
    Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble is a point-to-point trail where you may see local wildlife located near Ashburn, Virginia.
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  • Falls Church, Virginia

    Bike the W&OD Trail

    45 mi
    The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail stretches through northern Virginia and is a great spot for bike riding, running, or walking. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough for traffic in both directions. There are also a couple breweries along the way that you can make a f...
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  • Alexandria, Virginia

    Run or Bike the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

    3 mi
    Start your adventure at the Belle Haven Parking area then head down the Dyke Marsh Trail. To add on additional distance, head south down the Mt. Vernon Trail for more views, well maintained paths, and even some sitting areas. You'll find boardwalks that take you right across the marsh, so keep an...
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  • Arlington, Virginia

    Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island

    4.3
    2 mi
    It seems only fitting that the president who gave us our national parks would have one all to his own.  Located on the edge of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a glimpse of what the city may have looked like before the politicians, before the marble buildings, before the traffic-...
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  • Arlington, Virginia

    Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail

    5.0
    14 mi
    Start your ride at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want to mak...
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  • Derwood, Maryland

    Hike, Bike, or Run the Lakeside Trail and Muncaster Mill Trail

    4.5
    3.41 mi / 196 ft gain
    Park at the Meadowside Nature Center to Access the trailhead. This is a 3.4 mile loop with opportunities for birding and observing wildlife. Dogs are welcome on leash. 
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  • Boyce, Virginia

    Trail Run the AT in the G.R. Thompson

    7 mi / 900 ft gain
    Take Fire Trail Road and start your run at the parking area (labeled in the map). The trail puts you directly onto the AT, where you will turn right (southbound) to start the run (or hike). You'll stay on the AT for roughly 3.5 miles down to the Trillium Trail Parking area. At that point, turn ar...
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  • Dickerson, Maryland

    Hike the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

    4.7
    6.05 mi / 1509 ft gain
    Park on Sugarloaf Mountain Drive (as indicated on the map below) to access the trail. It is open from March-November and is dog friendly. 
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  • Laurel, Maryland

    Hike the South Tract Trails at Patuxent Research Refuge

    5 mi
    From the visitors center, start on the Fire Road trail. From there, it's a choose-your-own adventure (choose-your-own ecosystem, actually). Pick the Laurel and Valley Trails to stay in the quiet (and maybe enchanted? It felt enchanted) forest. Goose Pond trail is a short jut to a--yup--pond, wher...
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  • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Hike Weverton Cliffs Overlook from Harpers Ferry

    5.0
    8.2 mi / 925 ft gain
    Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free).  Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge to hop on the C&O canal trail. This is the point w...
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  • Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

    Hike Maryland Heights via Harpers Ferry

    4.5
    4.2 mi / 800 ft gain
    Parking and trail head: Park at the Harpers Ferry Visitors Center for $10 (171 Shoreline Dr, Bolivar, WV 25425) and take the shuttle a mile and a half to lower town (free).  Walk straight from the shuttle to the large bridge. Cross the bridge and take a left on the C&O Canal trail. You will s...
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  • Knoxville, Maryland

    Hike to Maryland Heights

    4.8
    2.8 mi / 900 ft gain
    Maryland Heights is at the convergence of Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath are also easily accessible from the trailhead parking lot. The parking lot holds about 16 cars and is between Locks 33 and...
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