Best Trail Running in Nebraska

Trying to find the best trail running 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

Nebraska, Buffalo County

06 :17 hrs
9.2 mi
32.634155 ft
Extreme

This route is a combination of multiple paved trails such as Pioneer's Path, Betty's, Tailrace, and The Links trails. It beings from Cottonmill Park and travels several miles to the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, which stretches across Interstate 80 and features a visitors center commemorating the early pioneers on their trek west. The trail mostly follows along side a canal but does pass by several sand pit lakes and near or under busy streets. There is space for parking at the starting location and Archway Monument with several options of shortening the trip along the way if one has a shuttle option.

2

South Dakota, Yankton County

00 :55 hrs
3.7 mi
47.9328 ft
Hard

This network of trails is located in the wooded bluffs on the north side of Lewis and Clark Lake and provides a fun and challenging ride for intermediate riders. The trails consist of mostly technical singletrack with lots of possible obstacles, rocky terrain, muddy sections, and some small climbs and steep descents. There are some offshoot trails along the main loop that can be used to add some challenge and some additional riding terrain if desired.

3

Nebraska, Cass County

01 :02 hrs
1.5 mi
8.714447 ft
Moderate

The Platte River Connection Trail is the linking piece of trail-way leading from the city of Lincoln to Omaha. It stretches across the great Platte River, providing some great views. What was once a bridge for a railroad, is now a bridge for pedestrians. Currently and mostly unpaved, this path provides a pleasant outing for those on a tight schedule. Parking is available on both the starting and ending locations. There is a shuttle option if one has two vehicles.

4

Nebraska, Atkinson

10 :33 hrs
19.4 mi
36.52649 ft
Moderate

Claiming to be the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the nation, the Cowboy Trail stretches over 300 miles across Nebraska. Currently, the more developed portion runs from the city of Norfolk to Valentine - lining nearly 200 miles. If desired, one could make the journey between the two cities into one long adventure. The trail mostly consists of crushed limestone so mountain or hybrid bikes with puncture-proof tires are recommended. One will experience Nebraska's open landscape while traveling along relatively flat terrain, across many bridges, and through various small towns. There is a shuttle option if one has two vehicles. It is a multi-use trail, so be courteous of others.

5

Nebraska, Dawson County

00 :40 hrs
2 mi
2.6531372 ft
Easy

Located within the small town of Gothenburg, Lake Helen is currently emptied of water due to rehabilitation purposes. Once filled again, sometime during 2015, the lake will once again be open to fishing. At this point, users of the area can still recreate along the paved trail that winds around the perimeter of the lake and park boundaries - suitable for all skill levels. It is a multi-use trail, so be courteous of others.

6

Nebraska, Brown County

05 :46 hrs
10.7 mi
35.37744 ft
Moderate

Claiming to be the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the nation, the Cowboy Trail stretches over 300 miles across Nebraska. Currently, the more developed portion runs from the city of Norfolk to Valentine - lining nearly 200 miles. If desired, one could make the journey between the two cities into one long adventure. The trail mostly consists of crushed limestone so mountain or hybrid bikes with puncture-proof tires are recommended. One will experience Nebraska's open landscape while traveling along relatively flat terrain, across many bridges, and through various small towns. There is a shuttle option if one has two vehicles. It is a multi-use trail, so be courteous of others.

7

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.

8

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.

9

Nebraska, Lincoln

00 :47 hrs
2.3 mi
7.28183 ft
Easy

An inner-city lake located within Lincoln, Nebraska has been transformed into a public recreation area. The trail that encircles the lake is partly paved and fairly level. One will pass over a few bridges and experience great lakeside views. Other activities in the vicinity include boating, fishing, and picnicking. There is also a neighboring golf course. Note that the trail at times can experience high volumes of traffic, so be courteous of others.

10

Iowa, Sioux City

01 :12 hrs
3 mi
52.66815 ft
Moderate

You will have views overlooking the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers. Mountain bikers and equestrians do share this trail with the hikers. Watch out for ticks and poison ivy. No fees or permits are required.

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