Cowboy Trail
If you have an inner desire to become the lonely cowboy making his way across the Great Plains, then the Cowboy Trail is for you. This 195-mile trail follows an old Chicago & Northwestern railway line as it traverses the northern part of the state.
Communities along the trail are generally spaced about 10-15 miles apart. Although dedicated trail restrooms and drinking fountains are not available on the trail, these amenities are typically available from town parks and trailside businesses. In addition to water, it's also recommended that travelers bring spare tire tubes as Texas sandbur seeds can occasionally be found on some sections of the trail.
Beginning on the trail's east end in Norfolk, you'll follow the Elkhorn River, which is lined with tall trees. The surrounding valley is picturesque, dotted with farmsteads and cultivated fields. There is a detour in this section, just east of Clearwater, where a bridge was washed out in 2010; the detour takes you from 517th to 519th streets via the shoulder of US Highway 275.
West of O’Neill, you'll experience more native prairie lands and, in Long Pine, the stunning Sandhill country takes over. These grass-covered dunes, the largest in the western hemisphere, carry you along the trail en route to Valentine. Here, the Cowboy Trail crosses the Niobrara River Valley—where five major ecological systems converge—via a dramatic 0.25-mile trestle 150 feet above the river. The trail is open to walkers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. It's best to travel from west to east to ensure you have the prevailing winds at your back.
- Best Time To Visit: April through September
- Website: https://bikecowboytrail.com/
- Admission: Free
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: Nebraska
