Hiking & Biking
Let the sense of adventure lead you to exciting hiking and biking trails in Western Nebraska. Endless miles of trails that wind through forests, prairie, and rugged landscapes are waiting to be explored.
Fort Robinson State Park
Crawford Area
Fort Robinson State Park is one of Nebraska’s most popular attractions. Visitors can enjoy cookouts, trail rides, hiking, and a summer repertory theater at the Post Playhouse. Fort Robinson is open mid-April through mid-November. A state park permit is required.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Nebraska National Forest – Bessey Ranger District
Halsey Area
This district of the Nebraska National Forest covers more than 90,000 acres, and is the largest hand-planted forest in the world. It is a favorite place for camping, ATV-ing, horseback riding, hiking and picnicking. The lookout tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding forest and hills.
Nebraska National Forest – Pine Ridge Ranger District
Chadron Area
South of Chadron and surrounding nearby Crawford are approximately 80 miles of trails in the largest section of Nebraska’s National Forest. The 140,000 acres of the Pine Ridge Ranger District include breathtaking hiking, biking and horseback-riding through wide-open spaces.
Our Heritage Guest Ranch
Crawford Area
Sixteen miles northwest of Crawford and a quick jump from Toadstool Geologic Park is Our Heritage Guest Ranch. Riding lessons are available and there are 26 indoor stalls, and several paddocks and corrals to board horses. The rides take you over 3,600 acres abundant with wildlife.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
Harrison Area
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is home to an important collection of Native American artifacts. Visitors can walk among the fossils of ancient animals. Located 22 miles south of Harrison or 34 miles north of Mitchell on Highway 29.
Ash Hollow State Park
Lewellen Area
Nine miles of scenic hiking views cross Ash Hollow State Park. Hikers can follow in the wagon ruts of early pioneers to the top of Windlass Hill. An interpretive center and a visitor center are open seasonally. A stone schoolhouse, historic cemetery and an ancient cave are some of the attractions.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Chadron State Park
Chadron Area
Chadron State Park was Nebraska’s first state park. It encompasses nearly 1,000 acres of Pine Ridge wilderness nine miles south of Chadron on Highway 385. A swimming pool and sand volleyball courts elevate the fun, and mountain bikes and paddle boats are for rent.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail runs 321 miles from Norfolk to Chadron along a decommissioned Chicago & Northwestern Railroad line. The 195-mile section between Norfolk and Valentine is surfaced. When completed, the Cowboy Trail will be the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the United States.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Oshkosh Area
The 2.2-mile-long nature trail at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an easy hike offering an overlook viewing area with a spotting scope on hand for zooming in on distant scenic scenes. The refuge is 28 miles north of Oshkosh and is open year round from sunrise to sunset.
Dismal River Club – Jack Niklaus Golf Course
Mullen Area
The Nebraska Sandhills are also home to the world-class Dismal River Golf Club. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this is links golf: rugged, windblown, hard and fast. The course is located two miles south and 17 miles southwest of Mullen.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Eagle Canyon Hideaway
Ogallala Area
Southwest side of the Lake McConaughy, there’s smooth sailing for horseback travels at the Eagle Canyon Hideaway. Guests can keep trailers or portable corrals, and ride on a gentle dirt road for an 8-mile tour by the lake. Easy-going horses can be rented through Eagle Canyon Horseback Adventures.
Eiker Park
Big Springs Area
The first and largest robbery of a Union Pacific train happened here in Big Springs in 1877. Texas outlaw Sam Bass and five companions made off with $60,000 in gold and currency. A historical marker at Eiker Park, on the west side of town, tells the story of the famous robbery.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Valentine Area
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is home to herds of bison and elk. A 3.5-mile driving tour provides up close views. The bison are often encountered crossing the refuge road. While near the herds, stay in your car. A bison bull can weigh a ton and moves with astonishing speed.
Lake Maloney
North Platte Area
A few miles south of North Platte, Lake Maloney with 1132 acres of state recreation area, gives access to fishing, boat ramps, beach areas, camping, golf, archery, wildlife watching, and trails.
Northwest Nebraska Tourism
Chadron Area
Dawes and Sioux Counties sits on the northern edge of the Nebraska Panhandle. The combination of the topography of the Pine Ridge and hundreds of thousands acres of public land make Northwest Nebraska an outdoor playground. No matter where you interests lie, you can do it here.
Photo by Nebraska Tourism
Potter’s Pasture
North Platte Area
More than 20 miles of challenging trails for explorers of all endurance levels twist and wind through the hills. There are around 40 “official” trails here. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited. Camping and fun are allowed and encouraged.
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Valentine Area
Scottsbluff National Monument
Gering Area
Scotts Bluff is what remains of the ancient High Plains that were eroded by rivers over millions of years. The uniquely Nebraskan formation is part of the scenic Wildcat Hills. Fossilized remains of ancient rhinoceroses, horses, camels and other prehistoric creatures have been discovered here.
Toadstool Geologic Park
Harrison Area
Toadstool Geologic Park is regarded as a strange landscape within the grassland. Sediment layers deposited by ancient volcanoes have eroded at different rates, leaving sandstone formations perched on clay stems. Early residents referred to the formations as toadstools.
US Forest Service, Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands
Chadron Area
The Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands is a part of the US Forest Service with the mission of Caring for the Land and Serving the People. The Nebraska National Forests covers almost 1.4 million acres in Nebraska and South Dakota.
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
Gering Area
This 531-acre park 10 miles south of Gering offers stunning panoramic views of the North Platte River Valley and 3 miles of trails. The rugged terrain is challenging and elevations approach 5,000 feet. A newly renovated nature center offers educational opportunities, interactive exhibits, and more.