Picnic tables behind the Manassas National Battlefield Park headquarters building at Stuart’s Hill

There are a half dozen picnic tables at Stuart’s Hill, but I don’t know who would want to picnic here other than the employees of the park who are working inside the headquarters building located on the property. There are no grills, so it’s sandwiches only. There is a modern restroom inside the building that is open to the public. If a picnic is what you are after, I suggest the Brownsville Picnic Area.

Picnic tables located on the way to the Stuart’s Hill Loop Trail, Manassas National Battlefield Park

Without any battlefield tour stops, Stuart’s Hill is sort of isolated, which is why I say that I don’t know who would want to picnic here. This section was only added to Manassas National Battlefield Park in 1988 after it was nearly turned into a residential and business development. Thirty years later, it doesn’t seem like the National Park Service has much interest in integrating it with the rest of the park. The oddball tourist may drop by to see what the place has to offer, but that’s about it. Even a wayside exhibit at Stuart’s Hill suggests starting your visit to the battlefield at Brawner Farm.

In addition to the picnic tables, there is a hiking trail at Stuart’s Hill, the Stuart’s Hill Loop Trail. However, it was overgrown during my visit, and I could not complete the hike.

During the Civil War this area was where Confederate general Robert E. Lee had his headquarters. It also served as the staging ground for General James Longstreet’s army.

Manassas National Battlefield Park Headquarters building

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