Nebraska State Park Trail Systems
Nebraska's state park system offers an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Located in the heart of the Great Plains, these trails showcase the state's unique landscape and diverse wildlife. With over 80 state parks and recreation areas, trail enthusiasts have a wide range of options to choose from, each offering distinct experiences and challenges.
The Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, situated near Ogallala, Nebraska, is home to over 50 miles of hiking trails, including the 12-mile Martin Bay Trail and the 3.5-mile Lake Shore Trail. Both trails offer stunning views of the largest lake in Nebraska, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife such as deer, turkey, and eagles. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the area also features several shorter trails that are suitable for families.
In eastern Nebraska, the Platte River State Park offers a range of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park's 12-mile Platte River Trail follows the Missouri River and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The trail also passes through the park's historic town of Louisville, which features several preserved buildings from the 19th century. For those looking for a more challenging experience, the park's 6-mile Timber Trail offers a rugged terrain and scenic views of the surrounding woods.
The Scott's Bluff National Monument, located near Gering, Nebraska, is home to over 20 miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The monument's main trail, the 1.6-mile Saddle Rock Trail, takes hikers to the top of the bluff and offers panoramic views of the North Platte River valley. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the monument's 3.5-mile River Trail offers a gentle terrain and scenic views of the surrounding woods.
In addition to these parks and trails, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission also maintains several State Recreation Areas that offer hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. The Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area, located near Malcolm, Nebraska, is home to over 12 miles of trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding lake and woods. The area also features several picnic areas and camping sites, making it an ideal destination for those looking to spend a weekend outdoors.
Trail maintenance and development are ongoing efforts in Nebraska's state park system, with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission working to expand and improve existing trails. For example, the Commission's recent efforts have focused on developing trails that cater to people with disabilities, such as the accessible trails at the Lake Manawa State Park near Council Bluffs. The Commission also partners with local community groups and organizations to develop and maintain trails, such as the Eastern Nebraska Trails Group, which works to develop trails in the Omaha area.
Ultimately, Nebraska's state park trails offer a wide range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, from scenic views to opportunities to spot local wildlife, the state's extensive network of trails has something to offer for everyone. For those looking to explore the state's unique landscape and diverse wildlife, Nebraska's state park trails are a must-visit destination.
Nebraska's state park trails are also open to horseback riders, offering a unique way to experience the state's countryside. With over 100 miles of horseback riding trails, riders have plenty of options to choose from. For example, the Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal offers over 15 miles of horseback riding trails that take riders through the park's scenic woods and badlands. Similarly, the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area near North Platte offers over 10 miles of horseback riding trails that take riders through the surrounding prairie.
The Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, situated near Ogallala, Nebraska, is home to over 50 miles of hiking trails, including the 12-mile Martin Bay Trail and the 3.5-mile Lake Shore Trail. Both trails offer stunning views of the largest lake in Nebraska, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife such as deer, turkey, and eagles. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the area also features several shorter trails that are suitable for families.
In eastern Nebraska, the Platte River State Park offers a range of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park's 12-mile Platte River Trail follows the Missouri River and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The trail also passes through the park's historic town of Louisville, which features several preserved buildings from the 19th century. For those looking for a more challenging experience, the park's 6-mile Timber Trail offers a rugged terrain and scenic views of the surrounding woods.
The Scott's Bluff National Monument, located near Gering, Nebraska, is home to over 20 miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The monument's main trail, the 1.6-mile Saddle Rock Trail, takes hikers to the top of the bluff and offers panoramic views of the North Platte River valley. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the monument's 3.5-mile River Trail offers a gentle terrain and scenic views of the surrounding woods.
In addition to these parks and trails, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission also maintains several State Recreation Areas that offer hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. The Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area, located near Malcolm, Nebraska, is home to over 12 miles of trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding lake and woods. The area also features several picnic areas and camping sites, making it an ideal destination for those looking to spend a weekend outdoors.
Trail maintenance and development are ongoing efforts in Nebraska's state park system, with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission working to expand and improve existing trails. For example, the Commission's recent efforts have focused on developing trails that cater to people with disabilities, such as the accessible trails at the Lake Manawa State Park near Council Bluffs. The Commission also partners with local community groups and organizations to develop and maintain trails, such as the Eastern Nebraska Trails Group, which works to develop trails in the Omaha area.
Ultimately, Nebraska's state park trails offer a wide range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, from scenic views to opportunities to spot local wildlife, the state's extensive network of trails has something to offer for everyone. For those looking to explore the state's unique landscape and diverse wildlife, Nebraska's state park trails are a must-visit destination.
Nebraska's state park trails are also open to horseback riders, offering a unique way to experience the state's countryside. With over 100 miles of horseback riding trails, riders have plenty of options to choose from. For example, the Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park near Royal offers over 15 miles of horseback riding trails that take riders through the park's scenic woods and badlands. Similarly, the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area near North Platte offers over 10 miles of horseback riding trails that take riders through the surrounding prairie.
