Abandoned railroad corridors all over the state have been transformed into hiking/biking trails that allow visitors to experience the most beautiful parts of Nebraska. This particular trail has a fascinating history that predates even the railroad. Follow along on one of the best hikes in Nebraska to discover this beautiful part of our nature and history!

Chief Standing Bear Trail is a walking/hiking/biking trail that stretches between Beatrice and the Nebraska/Kansas border.
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The 23-mile trail roughly follows the route that the Ponca people were forced to walk in 1877 from their homeland in Nebraska to a "resettlement" area in Oklahoma.
Chief Standing Bear Trail
The trail crosses 16 bridges, originally built by Union Pacific when this path was a railroad route.
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Motorized vehicles of any kind are prohibited on the trail, making this a peaceful and relaxing journey.
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Trailheads in Beatrice, Holmesville, Blue Springs, and Barneston allow travelers to hop on where it's convenient for them.
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The route runs up alongside the Big Blue River for much of the way.
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This spectacular Blue Valley scenery is one of the most intriguing parts of this journey.
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There's always some kind of wildlife present. Keep your eyes peeled for companions like this as you're traveling the trail!
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The lovely walk is available year-round, and since it's not plowed in the winter, you can even use the trail for cross-country skiing when it snows.
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The sights along this lovely trail are unlike any other in the state. This is one of the prettiest and most historically significant hikes Nebraska has to offer, and one that everyone should visit at least once. To learn more about this amazing trail in Nebraska, visit its official website.

What would you call the best hikes in Nebraska? If you could make a list, what would be on it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

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Best Hikes in Nebraska

Tori Jane | July 31, 2022

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Nebraska?  

Nebraska is a pretty flat state, and as a result, many of its hiking trails are relatively flat and not difficult to traverse, making them perfect for families with kids. In this case, we’ll define a kid-friendly hiking trail as one that’s both rated as easy and goes for less than two miles. There are a lot that fit these descriptors, and many of them are already popular with families. Some of our favorite easy hikes in Nebraska that are perfect for kids include the Schramm Park Lake Loop, at Schramm Park State Recreation Area. It’s 1.4 miles long and quite beautiful. We also love the Toadstool Geological Park Trail, which is in the Oglala National Grassland and under one mile long.  

What are some of the most breathtaking scenic hikes in Nebraska?  

There are plenty of trails in Nebraska that are beautiful – no matter what anyone tells you! In fact, if anyone ever says Nebraska isn’t a beautiful place, ignore them. You don’t need that negativity in your life. What better way to celebrate this natural beauty than with hiking trails? One of our favorite scenic hikes in Nebraska is the 6.7-mile Platte River State Park Trail Loop, which is known for its gorgeous scenery and overall relaxation factor. Another is the Flanagan Lake Trail, a lovely, paved trail around – you guessed it – Flanagan Lake.  

What are the most popular easy hikes in Nebraska?  

The list continues! Which of the many easy hikes in Nebraska are the most beloved by locals? Some include the Standing Bear Lake Loop, which is three miles long and very scenic, and the Zorinsky Lake Trail – we suggest doing the 7.8-mile full loop. That’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in Nebraska, so you can’t miss it! Alternatively, head to the appropriately-named Tranquility Park and do the Tranquility Trail, which is 5.6 nice, quiet, peaceful miles through Omaha’s first-ever off-road trail system.

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