18 Best Hikes In Nebraska: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2023
Jasmine Vieau
Author
When it comes to finding the best hiking destinations in the United States, Nebraska may not be the most obvious choice. However, the state is actually home to some incredible trails that are worth exploring. In fact, there are 18 hikes in Nebraska that are considered the best of the best. These top-rated hiking trails offer breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a chance to connect with nature. If you’re looking for a new adventure in 2023, consider checking out one of these best hikes in Nebraska!
Best Hikes in Nebraska
Nebraska offers some fantastic hiking opportunities, and here are a few trails that stand out as the best. Platte River State Park Trail Loop is an excellent option for those looking for a moderate hike with beautiful views of the Platte River. Schramm Park Nature Loop is another great choice, with a variety of terrain and stunning scenery throughout. And if you’re up for a challenge, the Zorinsky Lake Trail Full Loop is a must-try, with over seven miles of hiking and views of the lake.
- Location: South Bend
- Mileage: 6.7-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular for birding, camping, and hiking, this trail often has other people exploring. Ideal visiting times are March through October, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Platte River State Park Trail Loop is a 6.7-mile moderately challenging route near South Bend, Nebraska. Popular for birding, camping, and hiking. Well-maintained, hilly, and offers customizable options with branching trails. Some visitors find the markings could be improved.
- Location: Gretna
- Mileage: 2.2-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and running, this trail offers moments of solitude during quieter hours. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.
Explore the Schramm Park Nature Loop, a beautiful shaded hiking path just outside of town. Although it can get busy, it still offers a somewhat secluded experience. The trail features steep sections at the beginning, followed by pleasant ups and downs. Enjoy the scenic bridges, well-marked trails, benches for resting, and informative signs along the way.
- Location: Omaha
- Mileage: 7.8-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Highly popular for birding, fishing, and paddle sports, expect to encounter others on this trail. Best visited between March and October. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Experience the Zorinsky Lake Trail Full Loop, a 7.8-mile popular trail for running and biking. Enjoy the scenic paved loop with beautiful views and minimal hills. It's a great trail with plenty to see along the way.
Best Short & Easy Hikes in Nebraska
One of our favorite short and easy hikes is the Schramm Park Short Loop, which offers a suspension bridge and beautiful scenery. Another great hike is the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which spans the Missouri River and provides breathtaking views of the Omaha skyline. Finally, the Red Cedar Trail is an easy hike that takes you through beautiful wooded areas and a picturesque creek.
- Location: Gretna
- Mileage: 1.4-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular for cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, yet offers solitude during quieter times. Open year-round, suitable for leashed dogs. Beautiful throughout the year.
If you're looking for a sweet hiking spot, check out Schramm Park Short Loop. A trail system featuring interlocking loops. There's a suspension bridge, some Adirondack shelters, and gorgeous scenery. The trail offers elevation changes and is ideal for those seeking wildlife encounters and stunning fall colors.
- Location: Omaha
- Mileage: 1.4-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, with opportunities for solitude. Best times to visit: March to October. Dogs welcome on a leash.
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is an impressive 3,000-foot walkway connecting two states (Nebraska and Iowa) over the Missouri River in downtown Omaha. It's a sight to behold and offers a magical experience for visitors exploring the waterfront.
- Location: Gretna
- Mileage: 2.0-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular for hiking, running, and walking, offering moments of solitude during quieter hours.
The Red Cedar Trail is a well-maintained and picturesque hike with a variety of inclines and a suspension bridge that adds an element of fun. Perfect for all ages, it's an easy and kid-friendly hike with shaded paths, multiple bridges, and benches for resting throughout the trail.
Hardest Hikes in Nebraska
Nebraska may not be known for its mountains, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some challenging hikes. One of the toughest is the Hawthorne to Marsh to Missouri Loop, which offers views of the Missouri River. The Rock Bluff Run Trail is another option, with rugged terrain and a steep ascent to the top of the bluff. Finally, the Oak Creek Trail may be easier than the others, but it’s no less challenging, with its 12.8-mile long trek.
- Location: Bellevue
- Mileage: 10.5-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Popular trail for birding and hiking with opportunities for solitude during quieter hours. No dogs allowed.
Discover the Hawthorne to Marsh to Missouri Loop, a 10.5-mile challenging trail near Bellevue, Nebraska. The route offers beautiful views of the forest, prairie, and Missouri River, making it one of the best hikes near Omaha. The loop takes around four and a half hours to complete, making it a fantastic hike for those who want to break a sweat.
- Location: Falls City
- Mileage: 5.9-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Ideal for backpacking, birding, and camping with minimal crowds. Open year-round, dogs allowed on leash. There is a fee for parking.
The Rock Bluff Run Trail offers a challenging and rewarding hike with epic views and lots of elevation changes. It's perfect for those seeking a more intense hiking experience in Nebraska and is ideal for preparing for backpacking adventures.
- Location: Brainard
- Mileage: 12.8-mile point-to-point trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and running. Offers moments of solitude. Open year-round, leashed dogs welcome. Beautiful scenery throughout.
The Oak Creek Trail is a 12.8-mile-long point-to-point trail popular for running and biking with a quiet and scenic countryside setting. The crushed rock path follows an old railroad route, providing a unique and peaceful experience. It's perfect for marathon training and offers picturesque views of Oak Creek from the railroad bridges.
Best Waterfront Hikes in Nebraska
One of the best waterfront trails is the Zorinsky Lake East Loop, which offers views of the lake and is family-friendly. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the Wehrspann Lake Full Loop is a great option, with miles of scenic trails to explore. And for a more laid-back experience, the Flanagan Lake Trail is a perfect choice, with its easy terrain and tranquil surroundings. All three of these hikes offer something unique, making them some of the best waterfront hikes in Nebraska.
- Location: Boys Town
- Mileage: 4.4-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular trail for birding, road biking, and running. Enjoy solitude during quieter times. Best times to visit: April to September. Leashed dogs welcome.
The Zorinsky Lake East Loop is a well-maintained, shaded paved trail, perfect for running, biking, and leisurely walks. It's wheelchair, kid, and stroller friendly, so it's an excellent option for the whole family. A great place for outdoor activities and relaxation.
- Location: Gretna
- Mileage: 6.0-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This is a very popular area for fishing, road biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Hike the Wehrspann Lake Full Loop - a 6.0-mile easy trail with a beautiful mix of wooded and prairie sections. The path is a mix of double-track and small single-track portions around the lake, providing a scenic and lightly hilly hike.
- Location: Elkhorn
- Mileage: 5.2-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular trail for road biking, running, and walking. Solitude during quieter times. Open year-round, beautiful anytime. Leashed dogs welcome.
Take on the Flanagan Lake Trail! This paved path circles a scenic man-made lake and offers a wide, well-maintained surface for walking, biking, and relaxation. Enjoy the convenience of benches along the way, making it a perfect spot for the whole family to take a break and enjoy the outdoors. Don't miss this great park with plenty of fun for the kiddos.
Best Winter Hikes in Nebraska
Winter can be a great time to explore the great outdoors in Nebraska. If you’re a fan of hiking, there are plenty of trails to choose from. Some of the best winter hikes in the state include the L.E. Ray Lake Loop, Lake Seldom Trail, and Iron Horse Trail Lake Loop. These trails offer stunning views of the winter landscape and are a great way to get some exercise and fresh air during the colder months.
- Location: Grand Island
- Mileage: 1.3-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Great for birding, running, and walking. Few crowds. Leashed dogs welcome.
Explore the L.E. Ray Lake Loop, a delightful 1.3-mile dirt trail near Grand Island, Nebraska. With its easy terrain, the hike is perfect for birding, running, and leisurely walks. Discover the scenic lake as you follow the trail around, passing a dog park in the middle and a boat ramp in the southwest corner. Enjoy a quick and enjoyable outing on this scenic loop.
- Location: Holdrege
- Mileage: 1.8-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Ideal for birding, mountain biking, and running. Minimal crowds. Open year-round, scenic anytime. Dogs allowed on leash.
Have you ever heard of the Lake Seldom Trail? It's a lovely 1.8-mile out-and-back path located near Holdrege, Nebraska. The trail is incredibly well-maintained and offers a convenient option for hikers, as it's located just outside of town. The informative interpretive signs and gravel parking lots at both ends make this trail a pleasant and accessible hike for all to enjoy.
- Location: Du Bois
- Mileage: 2.8-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and running. Solitude possible during quieter hours. Best times: March-October. Dogs allowed, some off-leash areas. Day use fee to Nemaha NRD.
The Iron Horse Trail Lake Loop is a 2.8-mile foot trail encircling the picturesque Iron Horse Trail Lake. This local favorite is a hidden gem offering a peaceful, less crowded hiking experience. The route provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, and with numerous picnic tables along the way, it's an ideal spot for a relaxing outdoor excursion.
Best Hikes near Lincoln
If you’re looking for great hiking options in the Lincoln area, you won’t want to miss out on the Wilderness Park Trails, Holmes Lake Loop, or Pioneers Park Trails. Each of these trails offers a pretty view and a chance to get out and experience nature not too far from the city.
- Location: Lincoln
- Mileage: 17.5-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Solitude possible during quieter times. Open year-round, beautiful anytime. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Experience the beauty of Wilderness Park Trails, offering gorgeous and mostly shaded paths with lovely views. The wooded dirt tracks wind through dense woods teeming with wildlife like deer, turkey, raccoons, and foxes. While bugs can be pesky in the summer, it's well worth the visit to this park's amazing trails, making this route one of the best options for nature lovers.
- Location: Lincoln
- Mileage: 2.3-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular for hiking, road biking, and walking. Expect encounters with others. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Holmes Lake Loop offers a super easy and enjoyable trail with mostly gravel. It's perfect for walking and biking, making it a great family activity. The well-paved and maintained trails around the lake provide beautiful views of nature and the serene lake, making it a delightful experience for all.
- Location: Lincoln
- Mileage: 2.9-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and running. Solitude possible during quieter times. Best to visit from March to October. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Pioneers Park Trails offer a beautiful 2.9-mile loop with lots of shade, greenery, and a lovely water feature. The large park provides numerous trails and sights to explore, making it a wonderful outdoor destination near Lincoln.
Have you had the chance to explore any of the hiking trails in Nebraska? If so, do you think any stand out as the best for Nebraska hiking? We’re curious to hear your thoughts on the best hiking trails in Nebraska, so share your recommendations with us!
Whether you’re looking for miles of trails with cool rock formations and geological formations or a boardwalk hike full of wetlands and wildflowers, this hub has everything you’ll need, and be sure to Try AllTrails+ For Free!
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More to Explore
The Best Hikes In Nebraska
Does Nebraska have good hiking trails?
Nebraska's best hiking trails include:
- Toadstool Geological Park Trail in Harrison
- North Overlook Trail in Scotts Bluff National Monument
- Saddle Rock Trail
- Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitors Center
- Lover’s Leap and East Red Cloud Buttes Loop in Crawford
- Canyon Loop via Cliffs Picnic Area in Nebraska National Forest
- Cowboy Trail: Norfolk to Valentine
- Oregon Trail
- Louisville State Recreation Trail
- MoPac Trail: Springfield to South Bend in Chalco Hills Recreation Area
- Niobrara Loop Trail
- Chadron State Park 6 Mile Loop
- Gering 'U' Street Pathway
- Lover's Leap and Fort Robinson State Park Double Loop
- Lake Ogallala Trail
- Indian Cave State Park Loop
- Smith Falls Trail in Smith Falls State Park
What are the best months to hike in Nebraska?
The best time to hike in Nebraska is during the fall season, from September to October, when the landscape is adorned with vibrant foliage, and the weather is cool and pleasant. Spring, from April to May, is also a popular time with moderate temperatures, but it can be prone to unstable weather and heavy rainfall. Winter, from December to February, brings intense cold with temperatures staying below freezing.