Newport camping options
- + I'm planning a ride in May and I'd like to camp in Newport. What is the current status for options? The Pool Hall seems reasonable but the lack of a bathroom is my concern there.
Is Spring Valley P...
Discussion started 04/26/26 9:44:12 AM by Ellie - 2 replies (last reply by Kurt Kinbacher at 04/27/26 2:51:52 PM)Ellie from Boulder, CO on 04/26/26 9:44:12 AM
I'm planning a ride in May and I'd like to camp in Newport. What is the current status for options? The Pool Hall seems reasonable but the lack of a bathroom is my concern there.
Is Spring Valley Park abandoned?
Alex from Lincoln on 04/27/26 9:08:15 AM
No bathrooms are available at either location. Spring Valley Park is owned by the village of Newport and is available for camping. If you bump into the pool hall owner, she may let you use the fire hall. If a bathroom is required, staying in Bassett for your overnight is probably your best bet. They have a nice city park.
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron, NE on 04/27/26 2:51:52 PM
Spring Valley Park is abandoned. Bassett and Sargaent might be better camping options. Although a break in the pool hall is always a good option.
Walk/ Hike the Cowboy Trail
- + Has anyone walked/hiked the Cowboy Trail for multiple days? Camping, hotel, what would you do differently, what was your daily mileage, etc.
Discussion started 04/21/26 11:00:21 AM by Jenny C - 2 replies (last reply by Alex at 04/27/26 9:00:54 AM)Jenny C on 04/21/26 11:00:21 AM
Has anyone walked/hiked the Cowboy Trail for multiple days? Camping, hotel, what would you do differently, what was your daily mileage, etc.
Dave from Sacramento on 04/22/26 12:24:36 AM
I don’t have a direct answer, but I will say that my cycling experience on the trail a few years ago makes me want to caution you about the lack of shade on most of the trail. So watch out for the summer months, because it is pretty brutal being in the heat for long, long stretches.
Alex from Lincoln on 04/27/26 9:00:54 AM
Yes people walk it often. Like Dave said, heat can be something to plan for, but also storms, wind, tornadoes, and overnight cold. I think the most important thing is having good shoes/boots. There's a couple who vlogged their trip a while back, would be worth a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEzpimZ2VYU&t=1s
Hiking the trail near Chadron
- + Are people allowed to hike on the former railroad ROW starting where the tracks end east of Chadron?
Discussion started 04/15/26 6:52:24 PM by John Weare - 3 replies (last reply by Alex at 04/27/26 8:56:07 AM)John Weare from Alliance on 04/15/26 6:52:24 PM
Are people allowed to hike on the former railroad ROW starting where the tracks end east of Chadron?
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron, NE on 04/16/26 6:28:12 AM
Yes, the trail is not surfaced yet, but the right of way is Cowboy Trail West. You can also hike the Cowboy Trail Connector right out of Chadron. It is surfaced the first mile and then is a nice single track to Little Bordeaux Creek.
Pepper from Grant NE on 04/17/26 10:09:33 AM
I was just wondering if you have a date as to when the Trail will be opened from Valentine to Chadron. The Nebraskaland Magazine 2025 issue said it should be completed the summer of 2026.
Alex from Lincoln on 04/27/26 8:56:07 AM
The Nebraska Game and Parks portion of the Cowboy Trail ends at railroad mile marker 400, about 5 miles east of Chadron. Northwest Nebraska Trails Association has a trail easement with the railroad for a connection into Chadron and is mostly walkable and bikeable singletrack. The highway shoulder is also available. From mile marker 400 to Rushville, that is under development and will be surfaced either late this year or early next. The 91 mile gap from Gordon to Valentine is still undeveloped.
Walk/ Hike the Cowboy Trail
- + Has anyone walked/hiked the Cowboy Trail for multiple days? Camping, hotel, what would you do differently, what was your daily mileage, etc.
Discussion started 04/20/26 11:39:05 AM by Jenny C - 0 repliesJenny C on 04/20/26 11:39:05 AM
Has anyone walked/hiked the Cowboy Trail for multiple days? Camping, hotel, what would you do differently, what was your daily mileage, etc.
Riding Cowboy Trail
- + Chris and Liz,
I am riding the trail starting the 7th of June. My wife Carole will be providing me support from our rented Class C camper. More than likely starting in Valentine to have wind at my ba...
Discussion started 03/26/26 7:41:29 PM by Mike - 1 reply (last reply by John at 04/06/26 11:08:26 AM)Mike from Mill Spring, NC formerly Hastings, NE on 03/26/26 7:41:29 PM
Chris and Liz,
I am riding the trail starting the 7th of June. My wife Carole will be providing me support from our rented Class C camper. More than likely starting in Valentine to have wind at my back. Would like to try and complete it in 3 days.
Look forward to see people on the trail.
John from Brentwood Ca. on 04/06/26 11:08:26 AM
I plan to ride Valentine to Norfolk in August. Have you found any up to date info on trail closures or detours?
Stuart City Park in Stuart
- + Is there electricity at the campsites?
Discussion started 03/31/26 2:17:55 PM by Mad Dog - 1 reply (last reply by DougT at 03/31/26 2:51:28 PM)Mad Dog from Santa Ana Ca on 03/31/26 2:17:55 PM
Is there electricity at the campsites?
DougT from Castana, Ia on 03/31/26 2:51:28 PM
Every year I see RVs and campers there so i would assume so.
Bike & Tire Choice
- + Hello --
I'm hoping to ride Valentine to Norfolk in five days the second week of June, mostly camping along the way. I would have loved to join the Bubba's crew the preceding week, but schedule do...
Discussion started 03/20/26 9:53:17 AM by Liz - 7 replies (last reply by Chris at 03/22/26 9:07:41 AM)Liz from Vienna, VA on 03/20/26 9:53:17 AM
Hello --
I'm hoping to ride Valentine to Norfolk in five days the second week of June, mostly camping along the way. I would have loved to join the Bubba's crew the preceding week, but schedule does not allow. So solo it is.
Here are my bike options, and I'd be very grateful for insight for my choice. #1 is a single speed mountain bike; previous owner adapted it with commuter friendly gearing and tires (26" x 1.75"). There is clearance for days so I could get wider MTB tires or go tubeless, I think. Downside here is that any rear flat would require tensioning and that is not something I am particularly adept at. Okay, that I'm scared of (I just basically left original tires on and pretend I could never get a flat, lol).
#2 is a quite nice hybrid with 700 x 38 tires currently, but I only have clearance for up to 42 width. Tubeless would not be possible with current rims.
As you can see, I am concerned about thorns and flats primarily, and trail surface secondarily. I have LOTS of experience with changing flats on my hybrid and for other folks I encounter in my travels, but I don't want to spend all day doing it.
Thanks very much -- looking forward to this adventure!
Chris from Helena,MT on 03/20/26 11:51:30 AM
Liz, I have not ridden the Cowboy Trail yet, but plan to do so the first week of June. I’ve done a fair amount of bikepacking and touring and would never consider riding a bike with tires I couldn’t fix on the trail. That alone should rule out your single speed. I have a Surly Bridge Club that can handle either 700x2.2 or 27.5x2.8 tires and a Trek hybrid that can take 700x50 (2.0). I haven’t decided which to ride on the CT yet, but am sure either one would be fine. I’ll be riding tubeless if I ride the Surly. I’d recommend going with the widest tires you can fit on your hybrid. And make sure both the tires and tubes are puncture resistant. From the research I’ve done 700x42 should be OK for an experienced rider.
My regular ride partner said he’s interested in going, but hasn’t fully committed yet. If he bails, I might be able to change my schedule and ride the second week in June if you’re interested in having company.
Good luck!
DougT from Castana, Ia on 03/20/26 11:56:03 AM
I don't think a singlespeed will do you any favors. The west end getting to Valentine has some hills. If you use the hybrid I'd guess that the wider the tire the better, but someone more experienced with gravel bikes could weigh in with more knowledge than I. I ride a mtn bike w/2.25 tires. The trail is actually very clean the last few years and they're doing an excellent job keeping the dreaded goathead thorns out. One year I had 8 flats doing the trail out and back, but it's in good shape the last 3 or 4 years. You could always put sealant in your tubes or buy tubes with sealant in them. It's an awesome ride!
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron, NE on 03/21/26 5:28:24 AM
If your rims will not allow Tubeless tires. I would use tubes with green slime in them. You can order tubes already slimed in either presta or shrader valves. Or, if you have removable cores, you can add it yourself. It will seal most punctures, and it works great in goathead country.
Sandy from Loveland, CO on 03/21/26 2:37:02 PM
For what it worth, we rode the trail in May 2024. Two bikes with 650x47B (~2") tires and one bike with 700x28C (1 5/8') tires. The skinnier tires had many problems when it hit sand pockets, the fatter tires managed the sand much easier!
opedaler from NE Ne on 03/21/26 2:52:20 PM
I have been riding a stretch from Oakdale to Norfolk. Most if it is fine but a stretch from 3 miles west to 1 mile east of Tilden is very soft and deep gravel. Also, some horse tracks around Oakdale. Get as wide of tires as you can.
Liz from Vienna,VA on 03/22/26 6:14:24 AM
Thank you very much for all your intel!
It occurs to me that there is one more option: I briefly had a hand me down Specialized 29er that I passed along to a friend during the pandemic. I could borrow it back from her. It has 2.1' knobby tires. With slime tubes, that might be the best choice for both surface and goathead potential.
Thank you again! And Chris, let me know when you nail down your timing. I plan to start on Sunday, June 7.
Chris from Helena,MT on 03/22/26 9:07:41 AM
That sounds like a great option! I’ll reach out if my plans change.
BTW, if my plans don’t change, I will probably be driving from Norfolk back west June 6th. I’d have room in my truck to shuttle you to Valentine if the timing worked out.
Planning for July '26
- + Looking at a ride around mid July. I'm pushing 88 and ride an e-trike. I do not camp. Ideally I'd like to arrange a shuttle West to East or East to West. Best I gather from the forum that is not an op...
Discussion started 03/10/26 1:36:20 PM by Dale Schrimshaw - 5 replies (last reply by Alex at 03/18/26 8:54:53 AM)Dale Schrimshaw from Broken Arrow, OK on 03/10/26 1:36:20 PM
Looking at a ride around mid July. I'm pushing 88 and ride an e-trike. I do not camp. Ideally I'd like to arrange a shuttle West to East or East to West. Best I gather from the forum that is not an option. That said, I'm thinking hotels in Valentine, Ainsworth, Stuart, Ewing, and Norfolk. I'm thinking out and back rides of 30 to 60 miles round trip from those locations. Drive to next hotel location and do another out and back set.
Comments or suggestions would be appreciated. You could text me at 9186256715 or email schrdal@gmail.com
DougT from Castana, Ia on 03/10/26 9:07:58 PM
Sounds like a workable plan. From Valentine to Wood Lake there are no services available. Arabia is just a sign along the trail, so plan accordingly. You'll probably be going to Wood Lake for the turn around point, and there's a nice little park right along the trail with RR and elect to charge your bike. Also a cafe along the highway that I think is usually open. The only service in Johnston is the EL Bow (or something like that)Bar. Nice bar, nice people, and they serve food. There is a park along the highway in Bassett with water, I'm not sure about elect, but there are lots of services in town. The only spot in Newport is a little pool hall. No one there but it's always open and water there and snacks on the honor system. After that you're in good shape going east. What's your range on an e-trike? I'd guess 30 miles or so? I applaud your spirit of adventure to do this at 88 man! What kind of speed are you hoping to average? It's a great trail but you probably won't see many people on it. Tailwinds, brother!
Dave from Sacramento on 03/11/26 1:13:04 AM
Plan for extreme heat and absolutely no shade, too!
Dale Schrimshaw from Broken Arrow, OK on 03/11/26 8:18:20 AM
Thanks to DougT and Dave for info, comments, and suggestions. Doug asked about range and speed. I carry two batteries. Depending on trail conditions, wind, and elevation change I can do 60 to 90 miles between recharges. As for speed, probably a 10 to 12 mph average. Trail conditions influence speed. Still working on layovers and turn arounds.
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron, NE on 03/11/26 11:52:05 AM
As far as lodging, many choices in Valetine. The Comfort Inn is right at the Trailhead. In Ainsworth, I recommend Rodeway Inn. Stuart, I think there is only one choice. Many good options in Northfolk. Happy Trails.
Alex from Lincoln on 03/18/26 8:54:53 AM
Great to hear you're interested in coming out to ride the trail. Class 1,2, and 3 E-Bikes ARE permitted on the trail! Your plan sounds good but if you are not aware there is a vendor that offers a supported ride experience called Bubba's Pampered Pedals. They go in early June this year I believe. Just wanted to offer that as an option. https://www.bubbaspamperedpedalers.com/cowboy-trail-nebraska/
Eagle Spring Guest Ranch in Atkinson
- + Is there air conditioning
Discussion started 02/20/26 9:28:41 AM - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 03/02/26 8:55:10 AM)anonymous on 02/20/26 9:28:41 AM
Is there air conditioning
Alex from Lincoln on 03/02/26 8:55:10 AM
Yes, it has a window ac unit according to one of the reviews on their Facebook page.
Lodging and trail closures on the Cowboy Trail
- + So here I am again asking for some more help. I’ve been trying to figure out the best mileage ride and places to stay. It sure seems to me the the mileage differs a lot when watching Cowboy Trail vi...
Discussion started 09/23/24 12:42:32 PM by Paula DeWald - 16 replies (last reply by Chris at 02/14/26 11:02:10 AM)Paula DeWald from Fort Wayne Indiana on 09/23/24 12:42:32 PM
So here I am again asking for some more help. I’ve been trying to figure out the best mileage ride and places to stay. It sure seems to me the the mileage differs a lot when watching Cowboy Trail videos and other information I’ve been gathering. I certainly would welcome suggestions. So far the best seems to be longer rides and staying in Valentine, Ainsworth, O’Neill and Norfolk or what I just said and throwing in an overnight stop in Neigh.
My other concern is the Rails to Trails website says there’s about 5 trail closures. Doesn’t seem like to long for detours but they also say the Niobrara Bridge is closed. For you wonderful bikers that live in Nebraska I’d welcome your help in figuring this out.
It would be nice to ride the trail the last week of October. I notice on the web that Bubba’s Pampered Peddlers is doing a ride in June over 5 days but doing shuttles back and forward for lodging. Thanks in advance for help and advice. Paula ?????
Dougt from Castana, Ia on 09/24/24 9:34:26 AM
Your overnights will work fine. I usually stay in Long Pine vs. Ainsworth, but there are a lot more amenities in Ainsworth.
Detours aren't a problem. 4 of them are right next to highway 20, there's a wide shoulder, and most drivers even move over more. Awesome drivers here! Detour on the east side of Long Pine can go either way. On the way to Valentine we usually go left on the gravel to avoid the sun in our and drivers eyes in the early eve, but it's usually both rough and soft(sandy soil). On the return we take the highway option and that's good. None of the detours have signs on the highway(apparently the DNR can't do that for liability reasons?) so you have to watch for the right gravel to turn on. The site can tell you the length of the detour.
Bring plenty of warm clothes. Last year we went in Oct. One morning was 28 degrees! Have a great ride! I always say that the Cowboy Trail is an adventure! Tailwinds!
Paula DeWald from Fort Wayne Indiana on 10/07/24 11:52:54 AM
Thank you Doug so much for all your help and info. We will be riding West to East Valentine to Ainsworth, Ainsworth to O’Neill, O’Neill to Neligh and Neligh to Norfolk We are getting pretty excited. Thanks for the info on the detours as well. We do have warm biking clothes. Looking forward to meeting the friendly folks of Nebraska along the way and riding the miles. We will be riding fat bikes with tubeless set up. Thanks again Paula
Cinda from Columbia, MO on 01/04/26 4:40:45 PM
We are considering the same agenda this summer. What lodging did you use in Neileigh?
Kurt Kincacher from Chadron, NE on 01/05/26 1:09:02 PM
The City park in Neligh is a good place to camp -- if you are camping. It is right on the trail and close to downtown. The Neligh Mill is a state historical park, and is a good place to tour.
Paula DeWald from Fort Wayne Indiana on 01/06/26 9:12:00 AM
We haven’t ridden the trail yet but are planning on riding it in September 2026. Our plan is to stay at Deluxe Motel in Neligh. There is also another place to stay at called West View Motel if you are not camping while riding the Cowboy Trail.
Cindy from Fort Worth on 01/14/26 6:47:18 PM
Hi,
I saw the postings of the detours from 2024. Has any of the issues causing the detours been fixed? I hope to ride this trail in the fall.
Chris from Helena,MT on 01/14/26 9:08:40 PM
I’m trying to tie down logistics for a ride from Valentine to Norfolk in either early June or any time in September. The segments and duration of several folks on this thread align with my general plan. I’d like to find a couple other riders to share a shuttle from Norfolk to Valentine or work out a way to handle shuttling vehicles ourselves. I’ll be driving a pickup and can take on 4 or 5 riders and bikes. I’m retired so pretty flexible on dates. Reply here or text me at 406-202-0003 if you’re interested in seeing what we can work out. Thanks!
Chris from Helena,MT on 01/15/26 10:08:42 AM
I’m trying to tie down logistics for a ride from Valentine to Norfolk in either early June or any time in September. The segments and duration of several folks on this thread align with my general plan. I’d like to find a couple other riders to share a shuttle from Norfolk to Valentine or work out a way to handle shuttling vehicles ourselves. I’ll be driving a pickup and can take on 4 or 5 riders and bikes. I’m retired so pretty flexible on dates. Reply here or text me at 406-202-0003 if you’re interested in seeing what we can work out. Thanks!
Cindy from Fort Worth on 01/26/26 6:44:20 PM
Hi Chris,
I ride with three other female friends. We're considering 3 different states/routes to ride. If we ride the Cowboy Trail, it'll more likely be an out and back. You're welcome to join us for whichever direction you like. I'll send you a text so we don't bog down this thread.
Kurt Kinbacher from CHADRON on 01/26/26 7:26:32 PM
I tried contacting the DeLuxe Motel in Neligh last summer before and during my ride on the trail. Their voice mail was always full. When I went through, I had already made other plans. I didn't look at the property, but you might contact them pretty far in advance to see if they are operating.
Dave from Sacramento on 01/27/26 1:20:05 AM
Cindy, what other trails are you considering? I ask because I have done the Katy Trail, Mickelson Trail and the Cowboy Trail, and the first two were MUCH better — like night and day. If you haven’t done either of those yet, you should consider them. I think you will have a lot more fun, and fewer thorns, detours or sections of trail that haven’t been maintained in years.
Cindy from Fort Worth on 01/27/26 11:43:04 AM
Hi Dave,
I have ridden the Mickelson Trail and the Katy Trail. The first trail was gorgeous and, at times, challenging. The Katy Trail was beautiful, flatter and longer. We're considering 4 connecting trails in Wisconsin, the Ohio to Erie Trail in Ohio and trails in the Des Moines, IO area. If you need other ideas of where to ride, we've ridden the Golden Spoke in Utah and parts of the Huckleberry Loop in Tucson, AZ.
GaryJames from Pittsburgh on 02/13/26 8:56:07 PM
Chris, I may ride the CT beginning July 1st, '26. I would begin in Chadron and ride 3 days to Norfolk. If I do the ride (50-50) I would be looking for a shuttle back to Chadron on July 4th. Probably not a good day for any shuttle service, most likely. But, I could move my start date to July 2nd. Gary
GaryJames from Pittsburgh on 02/13/26 9:21:07 PM
...I will be starting in Valentine, not Chadron. The mileage chart does not accurately show the distance between Chadron and Valentine. Google Maps showed me the actual distance and it was much longer than what is shown on the mileage chart.
Kurt Kinbacher from CHADRON on 02/13/26 10:21:23 PM
Hi Gary:
The Trail should be surfaced from Chadron to Gordon (50 miles) sometime in the summer, but it is ballast at the moment from Chadron to Rushville. After Gordon, use Highway 20 to Valentine, then it is all good (couple short detours) to Norfolk. I am not sure about shuttles all the way back to Chadron. Hope things work out. Its a good ride.
Chris from Helena,MT on 02/14/26 11:02:10 AM
Hey, Gary! Early July could be hot, but not out of the question. Rather than clog up the forum, shoot me a text to continue the conversation. 406-202-0003.