Cowboy Trail

The Cowboy Trail of Nebraska

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The Cowboy Trail currently runs 195 miles across northern Nebraska, following the old Chicago & Northwestern rail route from Norfolk in the east to Valentine in the west. The railroad called this the "Cowboy Line."

Eventually the trail could extend through Kilgore and on to Chadron, making it the world's longest rail-trail. However, development of the rest of the trail is not currently underway.

Website changes: We recently updated the look and functionality of BikeCowboyTrail.com. You will still find all the same information, trip planning tools, and forum discussions as before - but we have updated the look, improved the tools, and made the site more interactive. Please contact us if you have any comments, complaints, or suggestions.

Valentine Railroad Bridge in Valetine NE

Crossing the Niobrara River west of Valentine; Source: Jerry Penry, The Valentine Railroad Bridge

Interactive Map - map a section of the Cowboy Trail with mile points

Trip Planner - build a list of services and mileage distances along your planned route

Towns and services - check out what's available along the trail

Mileage chart - see distances between towns

Cowboy Trail Forum

Discussion board for Cowboy Trail comments, questions, and just plain talk

Trip Reports

Journals and videos from others' Cowboy Trail travels

Events Along the Trail

Country fairs and other events

Current Weather

Check current conditions along the Cowboy Trail

Guide Books

Cowboy Trail references to include in your pack

Elevation charts

See how elevation changes along teh trail

[ click here for a more full-featured interactive Cowboy Trail map ]

Equestrian use: Horseback riding is allowed on the Cowboy Trail

More Cowboy Trail resources:

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
If you are looking for the Cowboy Trail in Canada, try this link: Alberta's Cowboy Trail

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