Hiking anywhere in Nebraska is a memorable experience, but the Cowboy Trail has got to be one of the most notable hiking trails in the state. Converted from a disused railroad corridor, the Cowboy Trail, when finished, will be the largest “rails-to-trails” conversion in the country. It sits currently at 195 miles running from Norfolk to Valentine. When completed, it will stretch all the way to Chadron and clock in at 321 miles overall.
flickr/Ken Ratcliff Although the trail is extremely long, you definitely don’t have to go the entire distance. The Cowboy Trail is just as fun for an evening stroll as it is for a serious backpacking expedition. As Nebraska’s very first official State Recreational Trail, it has become popular with cyclists and equestrians as well as hikers.
flickr/Ken Ratcliff The trail’s most impressive feature may be its exceptional route. It wanders through the “Nebraska Outback,” an area that offers up magnificent views and abundant wildlife. Thanks to its railroad history, the trail is straight and level.
flickr/Ken Ratcliff The completed segment of the trail - between Norfolk and Valentine - has an improved crushed-limestone surface. This makes the walking easy on the legs and feet so you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery. Further west, hiking is at your own risk as the trail hasn’t yet been completed.
flickr/Ken Ratcliff The entirety of the trail includes more than 200 bridges. Two of the more jaw-dropping bridges are located over the Niobrara near Valentine and over Long Pine Creek at Long Pine. Standing at 148 feet and 145 feet tall, respectively, the bridges allow for some incredibly memorable views along the trail.
flickr/Ken Ratcliff Although the Cowboy Trail is arguably more popular with cyclists than hikers, walking the trail provides a unique adventure that every Nebraska nature lover should experience at least once - even if it’s just for a short jaunt. If you’re in it for the long haul and plan to enjoy a multi-day hike, you’ll find towns and camping spots all along the trail. Some towns offer facilities like restrooms and showers for trail users. There’s that small-town Nebraska friendliness for you.
For more information on the Cowboy Trail, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks’ info page here.
flickr/Ken Ratcliff
Although the trail is extremely long, you definitely don’t have to go the entire distance. The Cowboy Trail is just as fun for an evening stroll as it is for a serious backpacking expedition. As Nebraska’s very first official State Recreational Trail, it has become popular with cyclists and equestrians as well as hikers.
The trail’s most impressive feature may be its exceptional route. It wanders through the “Nebraska Outback,” an area that offers up magnificent views and abundant wildlife. Thanks to its railroad history, the trail is straight and level.
The completed segment of the trail - between Norfolk and Valentine - has an improved crushed-limestone surface. This makes the walking easy on the legs and feet so you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery. Further west, hiking is at your own risk as the trail hasn’t yet been completed.
The entirety of the trail includes more than 200 bridges. Two of the more jaw-dropping bridges are located over the Niobrara near Valentine and over Long Pine Creek at Long Pine. Standing at 148 feet and 145 feet tall, respectively, the bridges allow for some incredibly memorable views along the trail.
Although the Cowboy Trail is arguably more popular with cyclists than hikers, walking the trail provides a unique adventure that every Nebraska nature lover should experience at least once - even if it’s just for a short jaunt. If you’re in it for the long haul and plan to enjoy a multi-day hike, you’ll find towns and camping spots all along the trail. Some towns offer facilities like restrooms and showers for trail users. There’s that small-town Nebraska friendliness for you.
Have you ever hiked the Cowboy Trail? What were your experiences? Share them with us in the comments!
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