38 Nebraskaland • November 2024
T
here is nothing better than
a long run through beautiful
country.
As communications director
for the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission, I get to travel to some
of the state's best destinations for
meetings.
Quite often, before those meetings
start, I hit the trail. Donning my
Nathan hydration belt and a headlamp,
I head out before sunrise, take in the
first light of day and return in time
to make roll call. Here are some of my
favorite parks and trails for walking,
hiking or running.
Fort Robinson State Park
Kick off your day on the White River
Trail just before sunrise and witness
the golden glow lighting up the Red
Could Buttes of Fort Robinson. This
flat, easy, out-and-back trail along
the White River offers stunning
views and is lined with native plants
and wildflowers. Keep an eye out
for longhorn steers grazing nearby.
Another gem here is the loop around
Fort Robinson's historical buildings —
roughly a mile-long trail where you
can stop to pet the horses and enjoy
the mouth-watering aromas wafting
from the lodge.
Cowboy Recreation and
Nature Trail at Valentine
This trail, and the bridge 2 miles
southeast of Valentine, showcase
some of Nebraska's most breathtaking
scenery. Cross the bridge over the
Niobrara River for an elevated view
that will leave you in awe. Keep
heading east and the trail takes you
through the serene Sandhills and past
wildflowers and grazing horses and
cattle. Complete your visit by renting
a tube or kayak from a local outfitter
and float down the Niobrara River,
with a must-see stop at Smith Falls.
My Favorite Running
Trails in Nebraska
A longhorn steer grazes in a pasture of Fort Robinson State Park in front of the
Red Cloud Buttes. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
The Niobrara River Bridge on the
Cowboy Trail in Cherry County.
MIKE FORSBERG, NEBRASKALAND
By Christy Firestone
