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Wildcat Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Manhattan, Kansas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wildcat Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Park featuring a picnic area, a fire pit, and a grove of trees, plus creek access.
What runners say about Wildcat Park
“Beautiful grove of trees, firepit, picnic area, and creek access with a nice creek area.”
“I love this place as a spot running away from my daily chores.”
“Typically a peaceful retreat, although it's small and can get busy at times.”
It’s a great spot for relaxing and walking dogs, the wildcat river is accessible, trees and grass are just start turning yellow. I love this place as a spot running away from my daily chores.
For what it is I like it! I went into it thinking it had 400 yards of trail not 400 yards of just total area from parking to campground. Creek is really nice and cool. Would recommend if you come through manhattan to at least stop in and walk down and check out the camp area.
I enjoyed exploring this area. It is relatively small with wooded area along Wildcat creek. There are fields adjacent to the park. This is a great spot for bird watching!
One of our favorite parks. Great for creek walking in the early season.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful grove of trees, firepit, picnic area, and creek access with a nice creek area.”
“It’s a great spot for relaxing and walking dogs, the wildcat river is accessible, trees and grass are just start turning yellow.”
“Typically a peaceful retreat, although it's small and can get busy at times.”
“Downside is not very mobility challenged accessible as you have to park in gravel, the.”
“It’s a great spot for relaxing and walking dogs, the wildcat river is accessible, trees and grass are just start turning yellow.”
Plan your run at Wildcat Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterileycountyks.gov
- Phone+1 785-539-2981
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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.
Frank Anneberg Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 455 reviews
Sprawling park & sports complex featuring over 100-acres of lighted fields, trails & picnic areas.
Warner Memorial Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 168 reviews
Undeveloped park with wooded areas & large open spaces, plus a disc-golf course & BBQ grills.
Stagg Hill Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
Tree-lined open space with a playground & athletic field, picnic tables with grills & walking paths.
Jorgensen Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews
Blue River Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
