The first major battle of the American Civil War, fought on July 21, 1861, saw the convergence of Federal forces and Confederate troops near Manassas Junction. The site of a major railroad depot, the Federal forces hoped to seize the junction to prevent Confederate troops from using the railroads to resupply and transport troops.

Henry Hill was the site of intense fighting during the First Battle. You can explore the mile loop after the hike to learn more. We will make our way through forests over to the Stone Bridge and follow Bull Run stream up to Matthews Hill. Both areas were witness to the first shots fired of the battle. We continue over farmland towards the Stone House. If the red flag is up, then we can explore inside. Otherwise, we'll make our way back to the visitor center. Note, there are 2 major road crossings, a couple of stream crossings and we may have to utilize or be close to active equestrian trails.   

 As with all WWO hikes, there will be a leader and a sweep, and no one will be left behind.

After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and start location.

There is limited space, so please register early. Although this hike is FREE for Premium Members, you do need to register. 

25 miles. For Advanced Beginners and above. The route is flat except for a long, easy climb back to the start.

This ride is a great way to welcome in the new year! From Bethesda, we’ll ride down the Capitol Crescent Trail (CCT) into the city, stopping at the Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR and MLK Memorials for photo ops and a little history.  Our ride will also take us down the National Mall, past the WWII Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Museums (including outdoor sculpture gardens) as we enjoy the beauty of the city. We’ll have a rest stop about mid-way at the U.S. Botanic Garden where we can warm up and enjoy the holiday displays.

This is a no- drop ride, with a leader and a sweep and no one will be left behind.

After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and start location. If you don't see it, check your junk mail folder.

There is limited space, so please register early. Although this ride is FREE for Premium Members, you do need to register. 

Join the WWO Virtual Book Club & Social!  Offered virtually so all can join, we gather quarterly to socialize and discuss a book around the theme of women in the outdoors. 

“Carol Ruckdeschel is the wildest woman in America. She eats road kill, wrestles alligators, rides horses bareback, and lives in a ramshackle cabin that she built herself in an island wilderness. She’s had three husbands and many lovers, one of whom she shot and killed in self-defense. A combination of Henry David Thoreau and Jane Goodall, Carol is a self-taught scientist who has become a tireless defender of sea turtles on Cumberland Island, a national park off the coast of Georgia.

Cumberland is the country's largest and most biologically diverse barrier island—over forty square miles of pristine wilderness celebrated for its windswept dunes and feral horses. Steel magnate Thomas Carnegie owned much of Cumberland, and his widow Lucy made it a Gilded Age playground. But in recent years, Carnegie heirs and the National Park Service have clashed with Carol over the island’s future. What happens when a dirt-poor naturalist with only a high-school diploma tries to stop one of the wealthiest families in America? Untamed is the story of an American original standing her ground and fighting for what she believes in, no matter the cost.”

Come join a community of women who share the outdoors in all ways possible!   The Zoom logon information will be provided to you in an email the day before the meeting.  

Although this event is FREE for Premium Members, please register!