Exploring the National Trails System
Traveling through Nebraska offers numerous opportunities to experience the great outdoors, and one of the best ways to do so is by exploring the National Trails System. The National Trails System is a network of scenic, historic, and recreation trails that span across the United States, providing a unique glimpse into the country's natural and cultural heritage. Established in 1968, the system currently comprises over 55,000 miles of trails, including the iconic Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
In Nebraska, the National Trails System includes the Pony Express National Historic Trail, which stretches for over 1,900 miles from Missouri to California, passing through southern Nebraska. This trail commemorates the historic Pony Express route, which played a significant role in the development of the American West. Visitors can explore the trail by car, bike, or on foot, taking in the scenic views of the Great Plains and learning about the history of the Pony Express at various interpretive centers along the way.
Another notable trail in Nebraska is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which spans over 3,700 miles from Illinois to Oregon. This trail follows the route taken by the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1804-1806, as they charted the Missouri River and searched for a water route to the Pacific Ocean. In Nebraska, the trail passes through the Missouri River Valley, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding bluffs. Visitors can explore the trail by car or boat, stopping at historic sites and museums along the way to learn more about the expedition and its significance.
The National Trails System also includes scenic trails, such as the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, which passes through the Sandhills region of north-central Nebraska. This byway takes drivers through stunning landscapes of rolling hills, sand dunes, and grasslands, offering breathtaking views of the Nebraska countryside. Visitors can stop at various stops along the way, including the Smith Falls State Park and the Sandhills Historic Ranch.
In addition to these trails and byways, the National Trails System also includes numerous side trails and connector trails, such as the Lincoln Prairie Trail System, which offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails through the city of Lincoln. These trails provide a unique urban outdoor experience, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the city while still enjoying the amenities of urban life.
The management and maintenance of the National Trails System is the responsibility of the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with state and local governments, as well as private landowners and non-profit organizations. This collaborative effort ensures that the trails are well-maintained and accessible to visitors, while also protecting the natural and cultural resources that they showcase.
Overall, the National Trails System offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, and exploring these trails is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nebraska and the United States.
In Nebraska, the National Trails System includes the Pony Express National Historic Trail, which stretches for over 1,900 miles from Missouri to California, passing through southern Nebraska. This trail commemorates the historic Pony Express route, which played a significant role in the development of the American West. Visitors can explore the trail by car, bike, or on foot, taking in the scenic views of the Great Plains and learning about the history of the Pony Express at various interpretive centers along the way.
Another notable trail in Nebraska is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which spans over 3,700 miles from Illinois to Oregon. This trail follows the route taken by the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1804-1806, as they charted the Missouri River and searched for a water route to the Pacific Ocean. In Nebraska, the trail passes through the Missouri River Valley, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding bluffs. Visitors can explore the trail by car or boat, stopping at historic sites and museums along the way to learn more about the expedition and its significance.
The National Trails System also includes scenic trails, such as the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, which passes through the Sandhills region of north-central Nebraska. This byway takes drivers through stunning landscapes of rolling hills, sand dunes, and grasslands, offering breathtaking views of the Nebraska countryside. Visitors can stop at various stops along the way, including the Smith Falls State Park and the Sandhills Historic Ranch.
In addition to these trails and byways, the National Trails System also includes numerous side trails and connector trails, such as the Lincoln Prairie Trail System, which offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails through the city of Lincoln. These trails provide a unique urban outdoor experience, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the city while still enjoying the amenities of urban life.
The management and maintenance of the National Trails System is the responsibility of the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with state and local governments, as well as private landowners and non-profit organizations. This collaborative effort ensures that the trails are well-maintained and accessible to visitors, while also protecting the natural and cultural resources that they showcase.
Overall, the National Trails System offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, and exploring these trails is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nebraska and the United States.
