Nebraska has plenty of wide-open land with many opportunities for those looking to be active. In fact, when it comes to hiking, there’s something for everyone. We’ve chosen three perfect trails for easy family hikes in Nebraska. If you decide that you want a bit more of a challenge, each trail also provides that choice. It’s up to you.

The first on the list is a short section of the Cowboy Trail in Valentine. While the Cowboy Trail is more than 187 miles long, there are plenty of options for shorter treks.

marekuliasz/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages

The Bryan Bridge is a short walk from the Cowboy Trail parking lot. You’ll see signs along US Route 20 for the Historic Bridge.

Luv2Xplore/TripAdvisor This is a well-known structure to bridge enthusiasts given its wonderful pin-connected cantilever arch. For everyone else, it’s a very pretty and classic-looking bridge.

The Cowboy Trail trestle across the Niobrara River is also a short walk from the parking lot.

Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons It holds what many consider the best view of the Bryan Bridge. Also, children tend to become excited about walking on trestles like this. What a great memory maker!

Folks love the Cowboy Trail for the variety of views and activities. It’s perfect for a short family outing, a serious hike, a long run, or a bike ride.

Carol A S/TripAdvisor Cowboy Trail, Nebraska, USA

Next on our list is the Standing Bear Lake Loop in West Omaha.

Monica Robinson/AllTrails This easy hike is three miles long and will take a bit over an hour to complete. It has a paved path with inviting curves that nudge you along.

The floating bridge allows hikers to continue the loop over the lake.

Laura Richards/AllTrails Hikers welcome this as a way to complete the trail while avoiding the road. It’s a thoughtful and nifty addition.

A hike that ends around sunset is a hike done well. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and making use of the picnic areas here.

Anuhya Bheemireddy/AllTrails Standing Bear Lake, 6404 N 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68164, USA

The last hike is at Scott Bluff National Monument Visitor Center and Saddle Rock.

Federica Grassi/Moment via GettyImages This is an easy hike that you can make more moderate if you wish.

This scenic hike is short and accessible by wheelchair.

marekuliasz/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages Once the trail starts to incline, at a bit short of a mile, you can opt to explore before heading back. Or you may continue up the trail.

At this point, the trail will become more of a moderate challenge. The views make any extra effort well worth it.

wweagle/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages There is not a lot of shade on this trail, so bring along sunscreen. And also remember your camera! Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341, USA

If you take any of these hikes, please let us know how they go by leaving a comment. If you know anyone who could use a nice stroll, be sure to share these ideas! 

marekuliasz/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages

Luv2Xplore/TripAdvisor

This is a well-known structure to bridge enthusiasts given its wonderful pin-connected cantilever arch. For everyone else, it’s a very pretty and classic-looking bridge.

Ammodramus, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

It holds what many consider the best view of the Bryan Bridge. Also, children tend to become excited about walking on trestles like this. What a great memory maker!

Carol A S/TripAdvisor

Cowboy Trail, Nebraska, USA

Monica Robinson/AllTrails

This easy hike is three miles long and will take a bit over an hour to complete. It has a paved path with inviting curves that nudge you along.

Laura Richards/AllTrails

Hikers welcome this as a way to complete the trail while avoiding the road. It’s a thoughtful and nifty addition.

Anuhya Bheemireddy/AllTrails

Standing Bear Lake, 6404 N 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68164, USA

Federica Grassi/Moment via GettyImages

This is an easy hike that you can make more moderate if you wish.

marekuliasz/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages

Once the trail starts to incline, at a bit short of a mile, you can opt to explore before heading back. Or you may continue up the trail.

wweagle/iStock / Getty Images Plus via GettyImages

There is not a lot of shade on this trail, so bring along sunscreen. And also remember your camera!

Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitor Center, 190276 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341, USA

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.