In a state where being outdoors is one of our favorite pastimes, there’s nothing better than one of the beautiful hiking trails in Nebraska to get us excited to put on our walking shoes. This unique hike will take you between two small towns and through some of Nebraska’s prettiest undeveloped scenery. Let’s explore Dark Island Trail in Nebraska.

Dark Island Trail is a 10-mile mixed-use trail connecting Central City to Marquette. It was made possible by the hard work of volunteers and locals who donated time, money, and effort.
Dark Island Trail/Facebook
This is a rails-to-trails project, meaning that the route was once used to carry trains but has been converted into a walking trail. The former Republican Valley Railroad has been transformed into one of Nebraska's most beautiful and underrated trails.
Dark Island Trail/Facebook
While you're walking, take some time to connect with nature and feel the life all around you. Although both ends of the trail are in populated areas, the bulk of the hike runs through more rural, wild areas.
Jennifer Lorenz Mewes/AllTrails
Watch for wildlife like rabbits, raccoons, and deer, which are also known to frequent this tranquil trail. If you walk it in the spring and summer, you'll also see bursts of color in the form of wildflowers that blanket the sides of the trail.
Lisa Hall/AllTrails
The trail also has some informative signs that explain the history of this interesting area of the state.
Jennifer Lorenz Mewes/AllTrails
This region has been alive with activity for thousands of years, from Indigenous populations to more modern travelers to railroads.
Jennifer Lorenz Mewes/AllTrails
Today, one of the trail's treasures is Bader Bridge, a 1,072-foot (0.2-mile) span that was originally built by the Republican Valley Railroad in the 1880s to carry trains across the river.
Parker Loghry/AllTrails
After the trail was overhauled to turn the railroad bridge into a walking trail, it became a central point on the route - and the views from the bridge are worth a visit, even in the winter.
Diddier Castillo/AllTrails
Walkers and joggers aren't the only ones who get to enjoy this lovely trail. Dark Island Trail is also the site of the annual Dark Island Half-Marathon and Relay, and bikers love the varied surfaces that range from flat and even to wooden plants to thick gravel.
Dark Island Trail/Facebook

Next to visiting for yourself, there’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of this place than by watching this drone video that shows off some of the sights.

Have you ever walked or run the Dark Island Trail in Nebraska, between Central City and Marquette? Share your experiences in the comments!

What’s your favorite hike in Nebraska? If you know of another great place that you’d like to see featured here, be sure to tell us about it on our Nomination page. If you’re looking for more trails, here are some wonderful short hiking trails in Nebraska.

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More to Explore

Beautiful Natural Attractions in Nebraska

William Suphan | May 03, 2023

What are the most beautiful places in Nebraska? 

The most beautiful places in Nebraska include:

  • Oglala National Grassland. These prairies stretch for as far as the eye can see and are largely unchanged from the pioneer days.
  • Scotts Bluff National Monument. The rocky bluffs here are awe-inspiring and well worth a visit. Parts of it resemble a natural castle.
  • Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. This beautiful area is full of Wildlife and gorgeous waterfalls including the largest waterfall in the state.
  • Fontenelle Forest. This stunning spot has several hiking trails and also includes a Raptor Recovery Center.

Find out more about the most beautiful places in Nebraska. 

What are the most wonderful natural attractions in Nebraska?

The most wonderful natural attractions in Nebraska include:

  • Indian Cave State Park. This beautiful cave was once inhabited by Native Americans who left their petroglyphs on the walls.
  • Toadstool Geologic Park. This park has otherworldly rock formations that make it look as though you're on Mars or the Moon.
  • Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. This area is full of fossils and intriguing archaeological finds as well as natural beauty.
  • Chimney Rock. This was a landmark along the Oregon Trail and it is one of the state’s most iconic natural wonders.

Learn more about the most wonderful natural attractions in Nebraska. 

What are the most peaceful places in Nebraska?

The most peaceful places in Nebraska include:

  • Snake River Falls. These lovely Falls are a great place for fishing and swimming, especially during the summer months.
  • The Nebraska Sandhills. This eerily beautiful area is a great place to get some respite from City living.
  • Chadron State Park. This is a gorgeous area with multiple hiking trails where you were here nothing but birdsong and the wind in the trees.
  • Fort Robinson State Park. Locals love this place for trout fishing, hiking, historic tours, and horseback riding. 

Discover more about the most peaceful places in Nebraska.  

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Dark Island Trail, Central City, NE, USA