Becomes ninth community to earn designation
MANCHESTER, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2015) — The community of Manchester is an official “Trail Town” thanks to its connections to local streams, forests and natural landmarks, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Bob Stewart announced today.
“With the combination of beautiful mountain forests, natural streams and other outdoor recreation opportunities, Manchester is the perfect Trail Town,” Stewart said. “So many people representing a variety of interests have worked hard for this certification, and you should be proud.”
The Kentucky Trail Town Program is designed to help connect communities to trail systems and develop them as tourist destinations. It will guide travelers to trails, food, lodging, campgrounds, museums, entertainment and other services. The designation will help communities improve their tourism economy, add more jobs and create more tourism opportunities for the entire state.
“Congratulations to all of those who have worked on the Trail Town certification for Manchester,” First Lady Jane Beshear said. “This process will attract more tourists to the community and will benefit the entire region.”
More than 30 communities have started the application process to become a Trail Town and are working with the Office of Adventure Tourism in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Manchester is the ninth certified Kentucky Trail Town. It joins Dawson Springs, Livingston, Morehead, Olive Hill, London, Stearns, Elkhorn City, and Jamestown as official Kentucky Trail Towns.
Manchester is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest and is near Goose Creek, the Redbird River and the South Fork of the Kentucky River. These streams provide excellent paddling and fishing opportunities for visitors.
There are also hiking, camping, ATV trails, horseback trails and cycling routes in the area. The area also features many swinging bridges, a unique attraction for visitors to enjoy.
The Office of Adventure Tourism will provide guidance to interested communities on issues such as trail development and signage, information and resources from other state agencies and how other communities have been successful by linking trails and services.
Once a community receives the Trail Town certification, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Department of Travel and Tourism and Office of Adventure Tourism will help promote and market these communities and the services being offered. They will be highlighted on maps, websites, visitors’ guides and other state promotional material.
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