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How to Get Outdoors in Manchester, Tennessee

With cascading rivers and several parks, Manchester, Tennessee attracts nature enthusiasts galore. Fans of hiking, green landscapes and learning about history through spending time in nature will find plenty of things to do outdoors in Manchester.

Photo: Odinn Media

The Little Duck River Greenway

The Little Duck River Greenway provides a perfect way to explore Manchester by foot. Walking the greenway will take you to many of the city's parks, sport fields and playground areas. The Little Duck River Greenway connects Dave King Park, Fred Deadman Park, Manchester Recreation Center, the Manchester’s square and Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. The 2.4-mile, 8-foot-wide greenway features a concrete walkway with wooden boardwalks and bridges.

Photo: Phillip Fryman

Ninja Obstacle Playground

Manchester offers several parks to enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery. If you’re visiting the area with your children, there are plenty of things to do outdoors in Manchester, as several playgrounds at the parks invite players of all ages like the Ninja Obstacle Playground. Located behind the old Riverview School in Manchester and toward the end of the Little Duck River Greenway, this $200,000 facility is set up similarlu to an American Ninja Warrior obstacle course.

Bark-aroo Dog Park

Near Manchester Sports Park, which features the newest section of the Little Duck River Greenway, you will discover Bark-aroo Dog Park. Designed for your pets to enjoy along with their humans, Bark-aroo is open daily from daylight until 30 minutes before dark. To ensure safety and fun for everyone, check out the park’s rules. Owners can bring up to two dogs and must supervise them at all times.

Dave King Park

Along the Little Duck River Greenway, Dave King Park features softball fields, restrooms, parking and a pavilion—the perfect spot to take a break from walking and have lunch at the picnic areas where your children can enjoy the playground.

Fred Deadman Park

The Little Duck River Greenway will take you to Fred Deadman Park. Fred Deadman Park includes softball and baseball fields, parking, picnic areas, pavilion, playground and restrooms, as well as a mural trail. In the area, you’ll also find a gazebo, the Manchester Skatepark and Keep Coffee County Beautiful Memorial Garden.

Photo: Odinn Media

Manchester’s Square

When you’re ready to explore shops and eateries, follow the Little Duck River Greenway to town’s square. Walk Manchester’s downtown, which revolves around Coffee County Courthouse.

Old Stone Fort State Park

Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park is less than two miles from Manchester’s square. Visit the museum, walk the hiking trails, enjoy the river and the waterfalls, and read the interpretive panels along the trails. The main hiking trail follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which Native Americans used as a ceremonial gathering place. The trail reaches the original entrance of the fort, designed to face the rising sun during the summer solstice.

Photo: Odinn Media

If you enjoy fishing, you’ll discover that the Duck River provides largemouth bass, bream and catfish and you can fish from the bank as well as by boat.