Reply to Trail Conditions - Valentine to Kilgore

What are the trail conditions from Valentine to Kilgore. I know the map show that section to be "undeveloped", but what does that mean ? Dirt/Packed earth, bush and weeds (not passable), etc. ?

Thanks -

Any part of the trail from Valentine to the west is literally undeveloped; meaning it's just the abandoned rail bed. I have seen on blogs where people just ride on US 20 from Valentine to Chadron, and vice-a-versa.


They had such a good start on getting the long stretch from Norfolk to Valentine completed, moving about 15-20 miles per year. It has been several years now that this was completed, and the way I understood it, was they were supposed to continue west towards Merriman, NE. At that time, part of the railway from Merriman to Gordon, NE, Rushville, NE, and ending in Chardon, NE was still in-tact and used occasionally. That part of the railway has since been abandoned and the tracks removed, so the entire trail can actually be built on the old railway bed. There are parts that completely disappear from sight on US 20, which sounds like what many of the folks traveling the Cowboy Trail would enjoy more of on the portion that is already completed.


Seems like I have read that with budget restrictions, there may just simply not be any funding these past few years to continue the project. There are numerous small bridges that have to be "upgraded" for trail use, along with the surface they lay down. I would bet, that some communities along the undeveloped section will try and get the trail, at least through their town, finished with a nice, paved surface. I would really think that would help some of these old towns generate interest in their communities.


It is disappointing to hear that the trail is already falling into some disrepair and the surface is not always as advertised. It doesn't help when the ranchers decide to use the path for their own personal road. Sounds like a better option, while more expensive, would be to perhaps either use the proper material, or use blacktop for the trail instead. (Just an idea.)


My mom grew up in the Panhandle; Rushville to be exact. Their neighboring community of Gordon has

(The comment box has a word limit! Ididn't realize.. My apologies, and the rest of my thought(s) are continued below! I started at the beginning of a paragraph.)



My mom grew up in the Panhandle; Rushville to be exact. Their neighboring community of Gordon has a group of people trying to raise money to complete the portion of the trail between their two communities (15 miles apart). They recently had someone riding on the highway (US 20) that was struck by a motorist, so that has kind of kick started their involvement. That would be a welcome thing if they are able to get this done... A ride between the two communities would be very peaceful, and there aren't really any steep grades at all. It would also bring a few more tourists, I would expect, and also some positive news to those outside of the area that aren't familiar with these towns.


Hope the information helps those out there wanting to ride the trail. I have been searching and searching for news as to when, if ever, they plan on starting on the trail west of Valentine. If anyone sees anything, please post it so we can stay informed! Thank you.

If Nebraska wants to be at all successful they have to back up the lovely website with a way to get current information.

We just rode Valentine to Norfolk August 2017. Parts of the trail were rough, weedy and holes, but we made the entire trip except bridge out between Clearwater and Neligh and a section by Co-op at Ainsworth (sticker warning from local). Would be great to see it finished west of Valentine and maintained. It is a great opportunity for the state of Nebraska.