Taking any of the best hikes in Nebraska is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying nature. There’s something so relaxing about walking and just concentrating on the way the ground moves beneath your feet. A lot of people are scared of the idea of hiking by the notion that it’s only for very fit people. These trails are short enough for just about anyone to handle; some are more challenging than others, but none require you to be a seasoned hiker. Just lace up your shoes and hit that trail.
- Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, Nebraska City
TripAdvisor/Arbor Day Farm You’ll have to pay an admission fee to access the Tree Adventure trail, but it’s definitely worth it - especially if you have kids. The first part of the trail is full of creative play stations, including some very fun musical instruments. Take the short trail and you’ll cover around three miles round-trip. (The longer trail is also great if you’ve got the time and energy.)
Read more about Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure. Tree Adventure, 2611 Arbor Ave, Nebraska City, NE 68410, USA
- Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons You don’t have to go on a rough hike through the woods to enjoy this incredibly scenic place. The wheelchair accessible boardwalk offers an easy one-mile trip that will take you to some amazing views. This is also a great kid-friendly hike around Nebraska.
Learn more about Fontenelle Forest. Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA
- Saddle Rock Trail, Scotts Bluff National Monument
Visit Scottsbluff This trail is a bit tougher than the others because you’re actually climbing upward. The 1.6 mile trail gets a little steep in places, but it’s so rewarding when you see the incredible views from the top. If you only want to hike one way, the Summit Shuttle can take you either up or down for free.
Check out more about Saddle Rock Trail. Saddle Rock, Nebraska 69339, USA
- Toadstool Geologic Park, near Harrison
flickr/Katatonic If you’re in for a short but sweet overview of this wondrous part of Nebraska, you can choose the wheelchair accessible, 0.3-mile trail that skirts the rock formations. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Nebraska.
Find out more about Toadstool Geologic Park. Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
- Antelope Valley Trail, Lincoln
TrailLink/dwilliss This beautiful 2.1 mile trail runs through downtown Lincoln between the Bob Devaney Center on the UNL campus and Lincoln High School. The trail is paved and passes through the impressive Union Park Plaza, making it great for a leisurely day out with kids.
See more about Antelope Valley Trail. Lincoln, NE, USA
- Field Club Trail, Omaha
TrailLink/jessicab This two-mile paved trail passes through some of Omaha’s scenic historic neighborhoods. Beginning near UNMC at 40th and Leavenworth, the trail leads through Harrison Heights and ends at the grain silos near 35th and Vinton.
Read more about Field Club Trail. Field Club Trail, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Niobrara Trail, Niobrara
TrailLink/noeljkeller The Niobrara State Park trail system is extensive and covers more than 14 miles overall, but the 2.1-mile section which passes over the old railroad trestle is wheelchair accessible and perfect if you’re looking for easy hikes in Nebraska. It boasts some unbelievable views of the Niobrara River.
Learn more about Niobrara State Park. Niobrara Trail, Nebraska 68760, USA
- Plum Creek Trail, Seward
TrailLink/noeljkeller This beautiful trail follows the route of Plum Creek and passes through a variety of settings. The three-mile paved route starts in Plum Creek Park and runs through the park, under Highway 34, and ends on S. Columbia Road.
Check out more about Plum Creek Trail. Plum Creek Trail, Seward, NE 68434, USA
- Two Lakes Trail, Columbus
TrailLink/noeljkeller This beautiful paved trail spans 2.4 miles starting at 48th Avenue where it crosses the Loup Canal and ending at Lakeview Road at 18th Ave. The trail passes through or by several parks and wooded areas, making for a spectacularly scenic stroll. Two Lakes Trail, Nebraska 68601, USA
- Dannebrog Hike & Bike Trail, Dannebrog
TrailLink/noeljkeller Come for the delicious baked goods at the Danish Bakery, then stay in Dannebrog long enough to work off those calories. The paved three-mile trail encircles the entire town, so you can see just about everything there is to see while you enjoy the fresh air. The flat concrete makes this perfect if you’re looking for an easy hike in Nebraska.
See more about Dannebrog. Dannebrog hike and bike trail, 542-598 Centura St W, Dannebrog, NE 68831, USA
This selection of short trails is far from being exhaustive. Nebraska has endless miles of trails, many of which are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Add your favorite short hike to the list in the comments!
TripAdvisor/Arbor Day Farm
You’ll have to pay an admission fee to access the Tree Adventure trail, but it’s definitely worth it - especially if you have kids. The first part of the trail is full of creative play stations, including some very fun musical instruments. Take the short trail and you’ll cover around three miles round-trip. (The longer trail is also great if you’ve got the time and energy.)
Read more about Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure.
Tree Adventure, 2611 Arbor Ave, Nebraska City, NE 68410, USA
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
You don’t have to go on a rough hike through the woods to enjoy this incredibly scenic place. The wheelchair accessible boardwalk offers an easy one-mile trip that will take you to some amazing views. This is also a great kid-friendly hike around Nebraska.
Learn more about Fontenelle Forest.
Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA
Visit Scottsbluff
This trail is a bit tougher than the others because you’re actually climbing upward. The 1.6 mile trail gets a little steep in places, but it’s so rewarding when you see the incredible views from the top. If you only want to hike one way, the Summit Shuttle can take you either up or down for free.
Check out more about Saddle Rock Trail.
Saddle Rock, Nebraska 69339, USA
flickr/Katatonic
If you’re in for a short but sweet overview of this wondrous part of Nebraska, you can choose the wheelchair accessible, 0.3-mile trail that skirts the rock formations. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Nebraska.
Find out more about Toadstool Geologic Park.
Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, Harrison, NE 69346, USA
TrailLink/dwilliss
This beautiful 2.1 mile trail runs through downtown Lincoln between the Bob Devaney Center on the UNL campus and Lincoln High School. The trail is paved and passes through the impressive Union Park Plaza, making it great for a leisurely day out with kids.
See more about Antelope Valley Trail.
Lincoln, NE, USA
TrailLink/jessicab
This two-mile paved trail passes through some of Omaha’s scenic historic neighborhoods. Beginning near UNMC at 40th and Leavenworth, the trail leads through Harrison Heights and ends at the grain silos near 35th and Vinton.
Read more about Field Club Trail.
Field Club Trail, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
TrailLink/noeljkeller
The Niobrara State Park trail system is extensive and covers more than 14 miles overall, but the 2.1-mile section which passes over the old railroad trestle is wheelchair accessible and perfect if you’re looking for easy hikes in Nebraska. It boasts some unbelievable views of the Niobrara River.
Learn more about Niobrara State Park.
Niobrara Trail, Nebraska 68760, USA
This beautiful trail follows the route of Plum Creek and passes through a variety of settings. The three-mile paved route starts in Plum Creek Park and runs through the park, under Highway 34, and ends on S. Columbia Road.
Check out more about Plum Creek Trail.
Plum Creek Trail, Seward, NE 68434, USA
This beautiful paved trail spans 2.4 miles starting at 48th Avenue where it crosses the Loup Canal and ending at Lakeview Road at 18th Ave. The trail passes through or by several parks and wooded areas, making for a spectacularly scenic stroll.
Two Lakes Trail, Nebraska 68601, USA
Come for the delicious baked goods at the Danish Bakery, then stay in Dannebrog long enough to work off those calories. The paved three-mile trail encircles the entire town, so you can see just about everything there is to see while you enjoy the fresh air. The flat concrete makes this perfect if you’re looking for an easy hike in Nebraska.
See more about Dannebrog.
Dannebrog hike and bike trail, 542-598 Centura St W, Dannebrog, NE 68831, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Nebraska June 28, 2022 Danielle Schwartz Where can I hike to a cave in Nebraska? If you’re looking to hike to a cave in Nebraska, head to Indian Cave State Park for a fun adventure. It’s right on the Missouri River, so in addition to the exciting cave destination, you’ll get the treat of being able to check out the water views. There is plenty of shade on this hike, so it’s great even in the hotter months. You can also check out the cool carvings left from ancient native tribes on the cave walls. What is the best wildflower hike in Nebraska? The best wildflower hike in Nebraska is the amazing Gjerloff Prairie in Hamilton County. There are fields of natural open space punctuated by peaceful rolling hills. Gorgeous pink and purple wildflowers dot the landscape in the warmer months, making this a colorful and cheerful place to walk. You can learn all about the area at the education center, which is located right in the middle of the wide-open space. What are the most picturesque hikes in Nebraska? The most picturesque hikes in Nebraska are also some of the most unique. One great area is Ash Hollow State Park in Lewellen. You’ll run into an ancient cave and a stone schoolhouse! For animal lovers, head to Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County. This is an especially beautiful place for bird watching. For a real visual treat, go to Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard. The landmark is really striking and you’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Nebraska
June 28, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
Where can I hike to a cave in Nebraska? If you’re looking to hike to a cave in Nebraska, head to Indian Cave State Park for a fun adventure. It’s right on the Missouri River, so in addition to the exciting cave destination, you’ll get the treat of being able to check out the water views. There is plenty of shade on this hike, so it’s great even in the hotter months. You can also check out the cool carvings left from ancient native tribes on the cave walls. What is the best wildflower hike in Nebraska? The best wildflower hike in Nebraska is the amazing Gjerloff Prairie in Hamilton County. There are fields of natural open space punctuated by peaceful rolling hills. Gorgeous pink and purple wildflowers dot the landscape in the warmer months, making this a colorful and cheerful place to walk. You can learn all about the area at the education center, which is located right in the middle of the wide-open space. What are the most picturesque hikes in Nebraska? The most picturesque hikes in Nebraska are also some of the most unique. One great area is Ash Hollow State Park in Lewellen. You’ll run into an ancient cave and a stone schoolhouse! For animal lovers, head to Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County. This is an especially beautiful place for bird watching. For a real visual treat, go to Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard. The landmark is really striking and you’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking to hike to a cave in Nebraska, head to Indian Cave State Park for a fun adventure. It’s right on the Missouri River, so in addition to the exciting cave destination, you’ll get the treat of being able to check out the water views. There is plenty of shade on this hike, so it’s great even in the hotter months. You can also check out the cool carvings left from ancient native tribes on the cave walls.
What is the best wildflower hike in Nebraska?
The best wildflower hike in Nebraska is the amazing Gjerloff Prairie in Hamilton County. There are fields of natural open space punctuated by peaceful rolling hills. Gorgeous pink and purple wildflowers dot the landscape in the warmer months, making this a colorful and cheerful place to walk. You can learn all about the area at the education center, which is located right in the middle of the wide-open space.
What are the most picturesque hikes in Nebraska?
The most picturesque hikes in Nebraska are also some of the most unique. One great area is Ash Hollow State Park in Lewellen. You’ll run into an ancient cave and a stone schoolhouse! For animal lovers, head to Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County. This is an especially beautiful place for bird watching. For a real visual treat, go to Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard. The landmark is really striking and you’ll definitely want to bring your camera with you!
