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Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail

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This information is a public record of the 2001 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail

State Backcountry Trail Rail Trail Urban Trail
  • Length
    196 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

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View of the newly constructed trail near Rushville, NE. Photo by Xsramo, Wikimedia Commns.
View of the newly constructed trail near Rushville, NE. Photo by Xsramo, Wikimedia Commns.
Bridge carrying Cowboy Trail across Niobrara River southeast of Valentine, Nebraska. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
Bridge carrying Cowboy Trail across Niobrara River southeast of Valentine, Nebraska. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
Cowboy Trail beside the Elkhorn River. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
Cowboy Trail beside the Elkhorn River. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
The Cowboy Trail crossing the Elkhorn River west of Broken Bridge Road. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
The Cowboy Trail crossing the Elkhorn River west of Broken Bridge Road. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
Photo by Cassandra Peters.
Photo by Cassandra Peters.
  • View of the newly constructed trail near Rushville, NE. Photo by Xsramo, Wikimedia Commns.
  • View of the newly constructed trail near Rushville, NE. Photo by Xsramo, Wikimedia Commns.
  • Bridge carrying Cowboy Trail across Niobrara River southeast of Valentine, Nebraska. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
  • Cowboy Trail beside the Elkhorn River. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
  • The Cowboy Trail crossing the Elkhorn River west of Broken Bridge Road. Photo by Ammodramus/wiki.
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Location: Norfolk to Chadron, Nebraska

  • States: Nebraska
  • Counties: Madison, Antelope, Holt, Rock

The Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail is notable for many reasons including being the Nation's longest rail-to-trail conversion and Nebraska's first State recreational trail. The historic Chicago and Northwestern Railroad right-of-way, now the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail, passes through spectacular Nebraska scenery as it travels from Norfolk west through the Elkhorn River Valley. Farmsteads, cropland, and timber-covered riverbanks dot the landscape. Currently, 64 miles of this trail are open for public use. When finished this hiking, biking, and equestrian trail will stretch 321 miles across Nebraska, making it the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the Nation. The trail will pass over 221 bridges and through 29 communities.

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Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiing Snow, snowshoeing

Other Activities

  • Snow, snow play general
  • Wildlife viewing / observation

Public Contact

Alex Duryea
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 N. 33rd St.
Lincoln, NE 68503
[email protected] • (402) 471-5443
www.outdoornebraska.gov

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): --
  • Elevation (high): --
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • National Designations: Legacy Millennium
  • State Designations: Nebraska<apos>s first State Recreational Trail
  • Surface (primary): Rock, crushed
  • Surfaces (additional): Paved, Rock, crushed
  • Tread Width (average): 120"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum):
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    May 31, 2001
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