Last updated: February 8, 2021
Thing to Do
Bike the Cowboy Trail
NPS, 2017
The Cowboy Trail is a Rails-to-Trails conversion. What used to be part of the Chicago and Northwestern Railways that crossed the Sandhills through Valentine, Nebraska, is now a crushed gravel biking trail that stretches 192 miles from Valentine to Norfolk, Nebraska.
More sections of the the Cowboy Trail are being constructed with the goal of crossing the state of Nebraska and eventually the entire United States!
The section that begins in Valentine, just blocks from the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, crosses mixed grass and tall grass prairies, Sandhills prairie, and over the Niobrara National Scenic River by way of a 148 foot tall, historic railroad bridge that spans 0.25 miles.
More sections of the the Cowboy Trail are being constructed with the goal of crossing the state of Nebraska and eventually the entire United States!
The section that begins in Valentine, just blocks from the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, crosses mixed grass and tall grass prairies, Sandhills prairie, and over the Niobrara National Scenic River by way of a 148 foot tall, historic railroad bridge that spans 0.25 miles.
What to know before you go:
- The Cowboy Trail is maintained by the Nebraska Game and Park's Commission, more information can be found on their Cowboy Trail page and interactive trail conditions map.
- Many bikers recommend bringing extra tire tubes for the Sandhills section of trail. Sandburs, also known as puncture-vine or goat's head, are a common nuisance and can puncture bike tires. Replacement tubes can be hard to find in Valentine.
- There is a bike share station in Valentine, NE, where visitors can rent a bike for just a few hours without reservations for a quick trip on the Cowboy Trails.
- Remember to pack your own snacks and water for your trip. There are very few trailheads, except for the ones where the trail crosses through a city, where trail users will find food and water for refueling.
- For hiking and walking the trail, whatever footwear you find most comfortable on a hard surface will work well.
- If through biking the trail, some communities have camping along the route, and all communities welcome Cowboy Trail users. Towns and trailheads are an average of 10-15 miles apart, but some are further, so plan your stops ahead.
- The cowboy trail is used for biking, hiking, walking, equestrian, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and dog sledding. Trail users should know the rules of trail etiquette and yield to other users so that everyone on the trail stays safe and enjoys their time.
Details
Activity
Biking
The cowboy trail is an eight foot wide, crushed gravel trail that is well maintained by volunteers for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. It's length from Valentine to Norfolk, Nebraska is 189 miles with small towns or trail heads every 15 to 20 miles, sometimes a little more.
Many people bike the trail, bringing extra tire tubes and patches because the sandbur's, or goat's head, is known to pop tires.
Other activities that are allowed on trail are walking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, equestrian, and dog sledding.
View this interactive map for updated trail conditions.
Many people bike the trail, bringing extra tire tubes and patches because the sandbur's, or goat's head, is known to pop tires.
Other activities that are allowed on trail are walking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, equestrian, and dog sledding.
View this interactive map for updated trail conditions.
Age(s)
All ages are welcome.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets on leashes are allowed along the Cowboy Trail. The trail passes through cattle grazing areas and canyons, so leashing your pet is the best way to keep them safe too.
Activity Fee
No
Fees are not charged for use of the Cowboy Trail; although, a Nebraska State Park pass is required at some parking areas.
Location
Cowboy Trail, Valentine, NE
The Valentine Trailhead for the Cowboy trail is located at the City Park on Main Street, just three blocks North of the Highway 83 and Highway 20 junction. At the Trailhead, there are city bikes for rent and public parking along main street.
Reservations
No
No reservations are needed.
Season
Year Round
The Cowboy Trail can be enjoyed in all seasons for a variety of activities such as hiking or walking, biking, equestrian, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.
Time of Day
Any Time
The trail can be accessed at an time of day, and star gazing is quite a sight on a dark night.
If using the trail at dusk, dawn, or night, please consider having a headlamp and emergency light with you, along with reflective clothing or bike accessories. Wildlife have been spotted on the trail at night, including mountain lions, so take precautions and know what to do when faced with an emergent situation.
If using the trail at dusk, dawn, or night, please consider having a headlamp and emergency light with you, along with reflective clothing or bike accessories. Wildlife have been spotted on the trail at night, including mountain lions, so take precautions and know what to do when faced with an emergent situation.
Accessibility Information
The Cowboy Trail is handicap accessible, though the crushed gravel of the trail can be quite rough or wet depending on the recent weather. It is recommended that users check trail conditions before setting out on the trail.
More to do on the Niobrara
Showing results 1-4 of 4
- Type: Biking
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Cowboy Trail, Valentine, NE
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
The Cowboy Trail is a hiking and biking trail created from the historic bed of the railroad track that passed through Valentine, NE, and the Sandhills. Many hikers and bikers covet the views of the Niobrara National Scenic River from the 148 foot historic bridge, not far from Valentine.
- Niobrara National Scenic River
Float the Niobrara River
- Type: Paddling
- Duration: 1-8 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Niobrara National Scenic River - Fort Niobrara Launch Site
- Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
Experience the beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River up close and personal by floating the gentle waters through six ecosystems, past waterfalls, and under historic bridges. A gem in the Sandhills of the Great Plains.
- Niobrara National Scenic River
Shoot Winter Photography at Fort Falls
- Type: Arts and Culture
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Fort Falls
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
See the Niobrara River in the light of a winter lens. Photographers can find winter scenery, natural phenomena's, wildlife, canyons, waterfalls, and the perfect angles for those golden hour photos in many places along the Niobrara River, but Fort Falls is one of our favorites.
- Niobrara National Scenic River
Hike to Fort Falls
- Type: Hiking
- Duration: 20-60 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Fort Falls Upper Trailhead
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
This scenic 1.0 mile hike highlights the 45-foot-tall Fort Falls and the shores of the Niobrara National Scenic River on the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. With free parking, this hike can be shortened to few the Fort Falls and the River's Banks in less than 0.25 miles.