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Cottonwood Nature Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Manhattan, Kansas · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Cottonwood Nature Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Cottonwood Nature Trailhead — running trail in Manhattan, KS, photo 1
Cottonwood Nature Trailhead — running trail in Manhattan, KS, photo 2
Scenic

What runners say about Cottonwood Nature Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (23 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Even on a rainy day this is a beautiful place to visit.”

Well maintained, fairly level trail with several overlooks. I went at night so it’s hard to say how it is during the day but it seems like there’s plenty of opportunity to see wildlife. At the time I went I was able to observe two beavers, at least, and the dams are pretty cool to see.

★★★★★ — Jackson , Apr 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 23 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Well maintained, fairly level trail with several overlooks.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Cottonwood Nature Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Where to find Cottonwood Nature Trailhead

Beaver Pond Rd, Manhattan, KS 66502

Get directions

Running trails near Manhattan

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Blue River Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews

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under a mile away

Tuttle Creek State Park

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Scenic

Reservoir park offering everything from golf, horse trails, archery, swimming & fishing to camping.

under a mile away

Tuttle State Park- Canyon Trail

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under a mile away

Spillway State Park hiking trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 22 reviews

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1.6 miles away

Linear Trail Casement and Hayes Dr.

4.6 ★★★★★ 28 reviews

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4.0 miles away

Northeast Community Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 175 reviews

Manhattan, KS

LoopShadedScenicDog-friendly

City park with soccer and baseball fields, a playground, and trails for walking or biking.

4.0 miles away

All running trails in Manhattan, KS →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.