Nebraskaland

April 2020 • Nebraskaland 27 could expect the trip from Schramm to Louisville to take three hours or less. The redesigned section of the Platte River Water Trail begins on the southeastern corner of Schramm, where a new parking lot and launch were developed on the south side of Highway 31 and opened in 2016. Flooding in March 2019 damaged the launch, and the river drops off fairly quickly from the bank, but it is usable. Game and Parks staff is looking at ways to improve the site. The river fl ows southeast from Schramm. About 1.5 miles below the park, it passes beneath the Lied Bridge, a former Rock Island Railroad line that is now part of a hike-bike trail that will eventually link trails in Lincoln and Omaha. Paddlers need to choose their route carefully under this bridge as its pilings often collect trees and other debris that should be avoided. About one-half mile below the bridge, the river turns to the northeast. Another mile downstream, paddlers can turn up Decker Creek, pass under the Burlington Northern Railroad bridge, and take a break at the new stop at Platte River State Park. The bank of the creek has been graded and surfaced with gravel, and a sidewalk leads to a picnic area for paddlers and others to use. Because of the distance from the nearest park road, the site wasn't built to be a put in or take out point. But anyone wanting to wheel their canoe or kayak down an maintenance road can do so. From Platte River State Park, the river continues to the northeast. In just under 1½ miles, paddlers will reach the western edge of Louisville SRA. Here, they might opt to pitch a tent and spend the night in the River View Campground, which is accessible from the river, albeit by a steep bank. The end of the Platte River water trail is another mile downstream at the east end of the park. This new canoe and kayak access point, boat ramp and parking area opened this spring, a year later than planned thanks to damage caused by fl ooding last March that has since been repaired. MAP ILLUSTRATION BY TIM REIGERT ● Schramm Park State Recreation Area – This new launch is located off Highway 31 on the north bank of the Platte River. Parking is available. ● Lied Bridge – This former railroad bridge that now serves as a hike-bike trail is located 1.5 miles below the launch at Schramm. It is currently closed for repairs following the 2019 fl ood. ● Platte River State Park – Located 2.9 miles from the launch at Schramm, this new stop on the water trail off ers paddlers a place to take a break and have a picnic. It is located a short distance up Decker Creek on the south bank of the Platte. ● Louisville State Recreation Area – The end of the trail is located on the south bank of the river at the east end of the SRA, 2.8 miles below Platte River State Park. This new area features a canoe and kayak launch, boat ramp and parking. Lower Platte River Venture Park Canoe Trail ● 1 ● 3 ● 4 ● 2 Schramm Park State Recreation Area Platte River State Park Louisville State Recreation Area Louisville South Bend SARPY COUNTY CASS COUNTY Platte R iver 1 2 4 3 Platte River

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