Manchester's unique park system is connected by a riverside trail of serene beauty.  The River Walk Trail begins on the north end of Rawlings/Stinson Park and ends at the south end at Goose Creek Salt Works. The trail is anchored at the north by the famous Red Bird Petroglyp and it follows the route of the Warrior's Path created by buffalo and then used by Native Americans as well as explorers including Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone.

Begin your journey at the north end of town in Rawlings/Stinson Park and follow the River Walk Trail to enjoy a scenic walk, hike or bike along Goose Creek. Pass by the Goose Creek Swinging Bridge or enjoy an exciting diversion by crossing the footbridge that leads to the historic town of Manchester.  This fascinating relic of Appalachian heritage has been lovingly restored to offer a piece of history for both locals and visitors to enjoy.  This will lead to the Heritage Pavillion in Downtown Manchester with interpretive history signs and Clay County's Cultural Murals.  Just past the bridge lies Riverside Park overlooking Goose Creek, once used to transport salt on 60-foot barges during "salt tides" - so called spring and winter floods.

At the end of the trail is Goose Creek Salt Works Pioneer Village, where the first county government formed in a cabin like the Cotton Cabin, one of the oldest log structures in Kentucky.  Interpretive signs depict the fascinating history of Clay County.  An outdoor stage is home to Appalachian concerts and events at the mouth of the Y-Hollow Trailhead.

Don't let your adventure end there!  Take a hike or bike into the Y-Hollow, where you will find the Main Trailhead for Manchester and Clay County.

Other Parks in the Area:

Rawlings/Stinson Park
Site of the famous Red
Bird Petroglyph inscriptions

River Walk Trail
The Warrior's Path used by
Daniel Boone, Dr. Thomas Walker
and countless other explorers

Riverside Park
Goose Creek was the famous
route for salt boats in the early 1800's

Goose Creek Salt Works
Site of famous salt works from the 1790's, first Clay government and the new home of Cotton Cabin

Clay County has an abundance of Wildlife

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