Best Crosscountry Skiing in Nebraska

Trying to find the best crosscountry skiing in Nebraska? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Missouri, Atchison County

01 :41 hrs
4.2 mi
106.92703 ft
Hard

The Indian Cave Trail takes users to a cave exhibiting 1500 year old petroglyphs. Located in a mountainous area of Nebraska, this reverse lollipop trek made up of grass and dirt provides challenges like steep climbs, muddy terrain, and tricky descents (route back to trailhead is more challenging). Permits are required for entry, along with a day fee - contact Indian Cave State Park for more information. There is a shuttle option if one has two vehicles, or, after reaching the cave, one can simply travel back to the trailhead on a park road instead of reversing back on the trail.

2

Iowa, Harrison County

02 :31 hrs
4.8 mi
31.079803 ft
Easy

The surface of this path is composed of ballast, mowed grass and dirt. For biking, please use fat tires. Be prepared to share the trail with hikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. The ride takes you through farmland, wooded patches and open prairies. Some of the trail is on shared road.

3

Iowa, Monona County

01 :17 hrs
3.3 mi
57.56595 ft
Moderate

Hikers and cross-country skiers share the path. Watch out for ticks and poison ivy. There is camping available. No fees or permits, except for camping or cabin rental. It is recommended that this be an overnight hike.

4

Iowa, Fremont County

01 :32 hrs
5.9 mi
60.588776 ft
Easy

Waubonise State Park biking trail explores the gorges and valleys riding on a natural surface trail. Fat tires are required and you will share the trail with hikers, equestrians and snowmobilers during the winter. The scenery is beautiful; at the visitor center, you can collect information on the park’s plants and trees.

5

South Dakota, North Sioux City

01 :59 hrs
6 mi
4.821533 ft
Hard

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve covers 1500 acres along the Missouri River and offers a network of trails that explore an area of diverse natural terrain. The River Loop follows a gravel trail on the south side of Mud Lake that travels through both prairie and forest terrain down to the Missouri River. The trail has lots of small ups and downs but no major hills making it a good choice for hikers of all skill levels. The trail continues to the north up past the lake making it easy to customize a much longer hike if desired.

6

Iowa, Plymouth County

02 :03 hrs
5.3 mi
84.08032 ft
Hard

The path consists of old gravel roads and mowed firebreaks. It is open year-round. There will be hikers, hunters and cross-country skiers. Watch out for poison ivy, ticks and sunburn on exposed ridges. No fees or permits required.

7

Nebraska, Cass County

01 :22 hrs
5.3 mi
48.4505 ft
Expert

In a heavily wooded and fairly mountainous region of Nebraska, the Platte River State Park is situated along the Platte River and nearby both cities of Lincoln and Omaha. The trail begins by traveling along the ridge and then spending the majority of the time climbing and descending through technical areas of dense woodland. Be cautious while on the adventure as it can host bikers, hikers, and other types of users simultaneously. Note that a state park permit is required for entry, and bikers are not allowed from Memorial Day - October before 4:00 PM due to horseback riders.

8

South Dakota, North Sioux City

01 :34 hrs
4.7 mi
3.9335327 ft
Moderate

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve covers 1500 acres along the Missouri River and offers a network of trails that explore an area of diverse natural terrain. The Lake Loop follows a gravel trail on the west side of Mud Lake that travels through both prairie and forest terrain. The trail has lots of small ups and downs but no major hills making it a good choice for hikers of all skill levels. The trail continues to the south down towards the river for a much longer hike if desired.

9

South Dakota, Union County

01 :01 hrs
3.9 mi
39.062805 ft
Moderate

Union Grove State Park offers a small trail system of multi-use trails that provide some fun easy-to-moderate riding for mountain bikers. The trails travel through mostly open prairie terrain with some small ups and downs. The trails are mostly dirt and stone but can be overgrown by tall vegetation in spots. There may also be occasional mud in lower segments of the trail. The multi-use trails are also open for horseback riding and hikers so watch out for other users on the trail.

10

Iowa, Pottawattamie County

05 :16 hrs
10 mi
77.683075 ft
Easy

This is the beginning stretch of this trail. The path is made of limestone screenings. Also, the first 5 miles of this part of the trail, is shared on an adjacent trail for equestrians. On a rail to trail, that is over 60 miles long; you determine how much of it you want to ride. Hikers and cross-country skiers use this trail.

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