Hiking, biking, horseback riding, trail running, no matter how you like to get outside and enjoy nature, you’ll find the trails and scenery in Northwest Nebraska to be the perfect setting for your next getaway.

Chadron State Park, Fort Robinson State Park and the Nebraska National Forest and Oglala National Grassland provide ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors on foot, on two wheels or from the back of a horse. No matter what way you choose to travel, you’ll experience beautiful scenery and the chance to see the wildlife that populates the region.

The two state parks have more than 160 miles of trails, all viewable online.

Eighty-nine additional miles of non-motorized trails use available on the Nebraska National Forest. Visit the U.S. Forest Service’s Nebraska National Forest online and select the activity you’re interested in to find spots such as Toadstool Geologic Park, the Cliffs, Black Hills Overlook and Strong Canyon. The Pine Ridge Trail spans nearly 40 miles and presents fantastic backpacking opportunities for those seeking a multi-day effort.

Discover Northwest Nebraska’s trail guide is a pocket-sized guide featuring some of the more popular trails. You’ll find a variety of trails from easy walks through the park to technical trails that will challenge your fitness level. Now updated with elevation profiles, our trail guide will help you plan your #DiscoverNWNebraska adventure. It can be viewed online or picked up at visitor’s centers in Chadron and Crawford and at select attractions in the region. There is also a bundle of regional maps available on Avenza.

Coming soon to the area is the Cowboy Trail and Cowboy Trail Connection, part of the Great American Rail Trail. The Cowboy Trail parallels the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway, providing an opportunity for hikers and bikers to enjoy the same scenery at a slower pace. Plans to develop the trail fully in Northwest Nebraska are in progress, with the Cowboy Trail from Sheridan County to the Museum of the Fur Trade east of Chadron expected to be completed by 2026. The Northwest Nebraska Trails Association is working to bring the trail into Downtown Chadron, and also expects its first mile to be completed by 2026. The Great American Rail Trail will eventually extend west to the Wyoming border, encompassing the White River Trail, a portion of which is already completed and provides access between the city of Crawford and Fort Robinson State Park.