Nebraska Trails

River Road is an easy point-to-point route winding through a portion of Nebraska's vast grasslands.  It begins or ends (depending on where you start) at the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, an interesting prehistoric location with a museum and grounds for picnicking.  A private fee campground near the National Monument on River Road is available. 

Moderately challenging FR 702 takes you into the hills. There are sharp rocks on the cliff's edge, sand, burned-out areas, and trees in a meadow. The most challenging area is a rocky stretch in the hills. The trail also gets a little steep there. The views are staggering! Make sure you stop to take it in. There is no camping available along this trail.

900 is a point-to-point route through one of the largest sections of the Oglala National Grassland. It's a peaceful meander through the open range with additional spurs to explore along the way. There is one large spot that looks suitable for camping. Campfires are not allowed.

This graded washboard road takes you to the viewpoint and trailhead of Chimney Rock National Historic Site. From here, you may park and visit the Chimney Rock Cemetery or hike to the base of this Historic Landmark. No camping is permitted at this location.

This easy out-and-back trail takes you through a portion of Fort Robinson State Park, an interesting destination for any history buffs out there.  But don't worry, you won't have to pay a fee just to pass through.  The trail ends in the Nebraska State Forest Recreation Area at the Soldier Creek Campground.  This is a small fee campground with 5-6 large sites, including pit toilets (no water or electricity here).  They can accommodate from tents to big rigs with a couple of campsites for anyone traveling with horses.  Hiking, biking, and horseback trails from here take you into the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area.  Be aware there are two shallow water crossings to access the campground. 

FR 739 is a scenic out-and-back trail that's good for beginners looking to challenge themselves without getting overwhelmed. The most challenging parts are a steep hill climb and a short, slightly off-camber section. You will pass through a couple of gates along the way. Make sure you close them behind you and watch for cows. There is no camping on this trail, but there is nearby.

Oglala National Grassland 956 is a short point-to-point trail with beautiful views from the top. There are some low spots with sharp steep hill climbs at each end of the trail. The trail looks like it could get muddy, making it more challenging in wet weather. Yes, camping is permitted on this trail. Watch out for cactus.

This short out-and-back trail takes you to the base of a historic overlook marked by a stone marker with a plaque.  Getting there takes you across a potentially wet and muddy wash during rain or after snow melts.  Make sure to check for that before you attempt to cross.  When you make it to the top, the view is incredible.  There is no camping at this location. 

Ogalal National Grassland 928 is an easy, scenic point-to-point trail in an open range. The trail passes through a series of makeshift gates you need to open and close. Two of the gates are electrified, so use caution. Watch for cattle. If you are interested in burrowing owls, this is a great place to see them! Their burrows are plentiful and obvious throughout. There is no camping along this trail.

Oglala National Grassland 920 is a seldom traveled out and back, making navigation challenging. The grass is tall enough to cover tracks from other vehicles. Thus, there may be no tracks to follow. There are the occasional signs posting the trail number and, of course, the GPS guide. The cattle can sometimes force you slightly off the trail, especially around the water troughs. Don't let these things deter you from this interesting area. Although there is no camping here, the vast open space is a breath of fresh air. Enjoy exploring the varying terrain you never knew existed in a place so famously flat.