No matter what time of year it is, it’s the perfect time to check out the best hikes in Nebraska. Luckily, the state is brimming with hikes of all kinds – you’ll find everything from advanced trails to kid-friendly hikes around Nebraska, maps of which can also be found on AllTrails+. However, if you prefer an easy, leisurely walk over a strenuous all-day hike, these short and easy hikes in Nebraska, which are still wonderfully scenic, are just for you.

1. Homestead National Historical Park, Beatrice
Homestead National Historical Park, 8523 NE-4, Beatrice, NE 68310, USA
Stephen Kokoska/Google Reviews
When seeking hikes under 3 miles in Nebraska, Homestead National Historical Park is a great choice. The 2.7 miles of walking trails at Homestead wander through beautiful prairie and serene woodland around Cub Creek. The trails are wheelchair accessible, though the terrain can be uneven.
2. Toadstool Trail, Toadstool Geologic Park, near Crawford
Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
Alex Harm/Google Reviews
One of the best easy hikes in Nebraska, this short loop trail, which is just under 1 mile, takes you through some of the most unusual terrain in Nebraska. The spectacular Toadstool Geologic Park is the perfect place to go for an easy stroll through a landscape that looks like it belongs on the moon.
3. Antelope Creek Trail, Lincoln
Antelope Park, Lincoln, NE 68502, USA
AllTrails/Norm Peterson
Nestled within Antelope Park, you'll find a lot of other people enjoying this beautiful 2.3-mile loop trail around Antelope Creek, but it's such a great walk that you won't mind.
4. Norfolk-Skyview Trail, Norfolk
Skyview Lake, Norfolk, NE 68701, USA
Ethan Starkweather/AllTrails - Oct. 8, 2021
The serene Skyview Lake is the setting for this gorgeous 2-mile loop trail in Norfolk. One of the most scenic hikes in Nebraska, it's a great trail for families and for watching wildlife.
5. Fontenelle Forest Boardwalk, Bellevue
Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA
American Marketing & Publishing/Google Reviews
Although you can hike many miles on the dirt trails in Fontenelle Forest, the boardwalk is an easy half-mile loop walk through the stunning wooded landscape. Along the trail, you can stop to enjoy a beautiful view of the Missouri River.
6. Ash Hollow Trail, Lewellen
Windlass Hill Rec. Road, Windlass Hill Rec. Rd, Blue Creek, NE 69154, USA
Amy Cramer/AllTrails - Jul. 21, 2022
There are four different trails at Ash Hollow, but the eponymous trail is an easy half-mile out and back trail (one mile round-trip) that takes you through part of this important historic Oregon Trail site, making for one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Nebraska.
7. Walnut Grove Park, Omaha
15050 Q St, Omaha, NE 68137, USA
AllTrails/James Elliott
This paved loop trail, which is just under 1 mile, winds around the park and is easy for walkers of all ability levels. If you want to take a longer walk, the trail connects to Zorinsky Lake Trail and the Q Street Bike Path. The path is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed pups along.
8. Stromsburg Trail, Stromsburg
Stromsburg, NE 68666, USA
Rockford1963/Wikimedia Commons
This scenic 1.6-mile loop takes you through Stromsburg, the Swede Capital of Nebraska. Enjoy the fresh air, quaint architecture, and beautiful town as you stroll this kid-friendly trail.
9. Daemonelix Trail, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Harrison
Daemonelix Trail, Whistle Creek, NE 69346, USA
Myndi Clements/AllTrails - Sep. 1, 2021
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is full of unique history and incomparable sights, and this 1.1-mile trail shows you tons of both. Curious about the trail's unusual name? There’s an interesting story behind it, as the Daemonelix is one of the oddest geological formations in the state.
10. Schramm Park Trail, Gretna
Schramm Park State Recreation Area, 20874-21146, NE-31, Gretna, NE 68028, USA
AllTrails/Angelo Hofer
In our opinion, this is one of the most scenic hikes in Nebraska. The easy 1.3-mile loop has been known to become overgrown in previous years, but it's in great shape now and such a lovely experience. Leashed dogs are welcome.
11. South Overlook Trail, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Scottsbluff
Scotts Bluff National Monument, Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, USA
AllTrails/Dave Buttner
See Mitchell Pass, the Scotts Bluff National Monument, the Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center, and lots of other beautiful sites from this easy quarter-mile trail. Start at the Scott's Bluff National Monument Visitors Center and travel this asphalt trail

These are just a few of the easy hikes in Nebraska. What are some of your favorites? What other trails do you think are among the best hikes in Nebraska? Know of any other scenic hikes in Nebraska? Tell us!

The shortest hikes aren’t the only Nebraska hiking trails, of course. If you’re looking for new places to get out and enjoy the outdoors, check out these scenic hikes in Nebraska that all outdoor lovers should take.

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Best Hikes In Nebraska

Daniella DiRienzo | July 11, 2022

Where can I hike to a cave in Nebraska?

If you’re looking for an unforgettable cave hike in Nebraska, you’ve got to plan a visit to Indian Cave State Park. Located in Shubert, the park encompasses just over 3,000 acres, bordering the Missouri River. Of course, the centerpiece of the park is Indian Cave, a large sandstone cave. The cave as well as the rest of the park is easy to explore, thanks to more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Camping and picnicking are also popular pastimes at Indian Cave State Park, so consider bringing along your camping gear or packing a lunch.

Can I hike to historical sites in Nebraska?

Re-visiting the past is easy in Nebraska, and it’s all thanks to incredible historic sites, some of which you can hike to. Of all the historical sites in Nebraska, the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail is one that shouldn’t be missed. Spanning 1,300 miles through five states, the trail follows the route traveled by the Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847. The Nebraska portion of the trail includes some intriguing sites, including the Murdock Wagon Ruts. Located near present-day Alda, the 2.4-acre site features swales, which are the result of decades of wagon wheels, livestock, and pioneers travelling by foot.

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