Located either side of the intersection of Routes 29 and 234 in Manassas, VA, this sprawling park is a Mecca for runners. Most of the trails are mowed grass or wooded trails, and cover approximately twenty miles. My favorite place to reach the trails is from the parking area for the picnic sites on Route 234, just north of Route 29. There are marked trails, with signs showing access for horses and/or pedestrians.

However, some markings are not particularly easy to follow, unless you stop to note the historical markers to remember where you have been. Unfortunately for me, after a few miles, I cannot distinguish between the Fourth Alabama Cavalry and the Fourth Arkansas Brigade (okay you history buffs, I admit that I would not even know if there was a Fourth Arkansas Brigade . . . I am using poetic license to illustrate a point).

A few words of caution, should you decide to use these trails. I know from the past that these fields do not drain quickly, and can become thick mud in places (thick enough to suck your shoe off, in my experience). Also be aware that what may look like a parallel path, probably is not. I attempted to avoid a large puddle, after losing a shoe earlier in my run, by taking what appeared to be a convenient detour. Suffice it to say, it was not. That choice added another forty minutes of running. The poor drainage also leads to major rough areas on the equestrian trails, sometimes forcing horses to use the pedestrian paths.

I have found the equestrian trails to be more clearly marked, and have had to use them to return to my car after getting turned around on the grassy paths; so they are passable. As they are more heavily used by riders in the early mornings and evening hours during the summer, midday is the best time to use them. When desperate to run anyway, just remember to concede right-of-way to the riders. The depth of the grass on the mowed trails will be subject to how often they attend to that section or if it has rained. This provides a natural variation to the same trails every time you use them, keeping life interesting. Due to the intersection-nature of the park, there are four distinct sections of the trails. The section across Route 234 from the visitor's center has the least amount of trails. Yet it makes for an interesting monuments tour for history buffs. Any of the other three sections provide access to trails. A more detailed trails' map is available from the visitor's center for fifty cents. These are the only bathroom facilities available on the grounds as well. At times, the grassy paths remind me of a giant maze, since the unmowed grasses can grow to be quite tall. The views from some of the ridges are worth the climb. It is truly a beautiful rural park, with streams and trees and old buildings. It is reminiscent of true cross-country trails with the natural obstacles and rolling countryside.

Positive features: (1) off-road surfaces throughout the park (2) interesting vistas and historical sites along the course (3) up to twenty miles of running trail (4) varied terrain, without any major hills, making it appropriate for inexperienced runners and veterans (5) water and bathroom facilities available at the visitor's center. (6) bicycles are prohibited

Possible downsides: (1) poor drainage, so can be muddy as much as a week after a hard rain (2) Some trails are confusing, so it may take a few visits to feel comfortable with knowing your way around (hey, that's part of the adventure of off- roading). (3) inconsistent level of grooming of the trails. (4) only one bathroom facility, not always convenient to where you are running.

Overall Rating: 4 Muddy Shoes