By Olivia Huddleston

Thanks to a grant administration through the Kansas department of Wildlife and Parks, there is now another horse and hiking trail open to the public. It can be found in Manhattan, Kansas on the east side of Tuttle Creek Lake. This was made possible through the cooperation of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Kansas Trails Association. The trail is accessible when the water is low enough to cross comfortably.

There are five miles of marked trails, and an additional three miles of ridable roads. You can cross Carnahan Creek and wind along the edge for six miles to Sunset Cove. From Sunset Cove to Oak Canyon are another two miles of trail. Oak Canyon to Garrison adds two more miles as well. In Garrison there is a two-mile turnaround to start back. Horses can water at Carnahan Creek, Sunset Cove, and the first cove at the beginning of the trail. However, as always, riders should use caution when watering along the lakeshore.

The trail is visible until you get to Oak Canyon. From there you follow the road left and pick it up around the bend. About a mile north of Oak Canyon the trail may disappear from lack of use. Once across the dry creek bed turn to the left and stay to the lakeside of the Corps markers. Follow the edge of the driftwood and stay off the hayfield. Farther north you will come to an old boat ramp and parking lot. Here you will pick up the two mile Garrison turnaround loop.

The terrain is rough but the views are great. Parking and camping at the Carnahan Recreation Area are FREE and plentiful. No potable water is available, but there are restrooms.

While enjoying this trail, please stay off the private property. It is important to make it clear to all of those who live nearby that we appreciate the boundaries established. Also, please pack out what you pack in: only through respectful trail use can we continue to enjoy our trails for years to come. Now, go ride [or hike]—and have fun!