Cowboy Trail Forum

I would like to come out and bike this trail soon, starting in Norfolk and riding west on the trail. I would be coming from out of state.

- If I flew out there what airport would I fly to?

- Are there places (Hotels) that are close to the trail head?

- When I got to the other end (Valentine) is my only option to rent a car and drive back to Norfolk?

- If I choose not to bring my bike, can I rent one in Norfolk?

Thank you!

- If I flew out there what airport would I fly to? Omaha is probably your best/cheapest option, Lincoln would be a close second. Or if you area alluding to having your own plane - you certainly can fly to Norfolk or Valentine, both have good local airports!

- Are there places (Hotels) that are close to the trail head? In Norfolk there are some good options a little over a mile north of the trailhead in Ta Ha Zouka park. There is sidewalk that goes all the way to the trail head from that area.

- When I got to the other end (Valentine) is my only option to rent a car and drive back to Norfolk? Valentine doesn't really have any car rental places, except a local U-Haul but that is an option. It might be worth considering renting a uhaul truck in Omaha, driving to Valentine and riding to Norfolk. You just have more options renting a vehicle to get back to Omaha to fly home if ending your trip in Norfolk. Last time I checked, renting a uhaul one way from Omaha to Valentine was about $325. North Fork Outfitting operates a shuttle out of Norfolk as well.

- If I choose not to bring my bike, can I rent one in Norfolk? Norfork Bike is the shop in Norfolk - I don't know if they rent bikes. Bike shops in Omaha probably do. I'd recommend a gravel touring bike with nice wide tires that are tubeless. Road bikes aren't suited well for the trail.

Hope this helps and if you come out, enjoy the trail!

While we've been riding sections of the trail flat free with a tubeless set up, I found it interesting to talk to two riders who rode from Valentine to Norfolk completely flat free without thorn resistant tubes, liners, or slime. While I wouldn't recommend it, it does say something about the upkeep of the trail currently. One rider, who started from Seatle Washington, was very impressed with the trail. The other, a local rider, was impressed as well. The only complaint was the lack of follow up detour signs around Long Pine. As one person said they detoured me off, but after that I was on my own. I did about two or three miles more than I needed to.

That's some encouraging news! I'd love to be able to skip the hassle of sealant in my tires and just go with tire liners for once! I wonder if there's a certain window on the calendar when they're worse, probably more dried out and lethal? I've had up to 6 or more flats on an out and back trip from Norfolk/Valentine/Norfolk in past years.
I've done this 6 or 7 times and noticed that the trail is VASTLY improved the last couple of years. I used to warn people that it was pretty rough. We're looking at maybe mid Sept after Labor Day so goathead updates are always appreciated.
I've always hated that there were no signs on the highway where the detours ended and I could go back to the trail, but it seems that I've read that the state won't let Alex post signs on the highway so I guess that lets him off the hook.
Tailwinds, brothers!

For what it's worth the gentleman from Seattle said that he didn't see any at all.

I also was on a road ride around Valentine earlier this year (TDN) and several took the trail for a stretch from Ainsworth to Valentine and all seemed to think it was in good, but soft, condition as rains had happened recently. No one mentioned goat heads at all. My wife and I had road tires on, so we took the road. After one of the riders was killed on a hit and run incident there was much talk of going exclusively to trails by many.

Our agenda is to ride the full thing this year. We have some things going on, so it remains to be seen if the full ride happens this year. If we do, I'm leaving the sealant in, but will carry spare tubes and a liner as a precaution.

I'VE BEEN TOLD that the burrs are worse later in the season. I can't verify that.

We rode the trail a few years ago (doing in again next week). We found that the trail itself was pretty good. We made a conscious effort to walk our bikes anytime we went off the trail (green spaces) and managed to do the whole ride from Valentine to Norfolk without any flats. The only place we got thorns in our tires was off trail and we were able to remove those before they did any damage.

Was planning on doing and out and back from Norfolk this Saturday July 20th. Had noticed in the spring the trail was closed just west of Norfolk. I can’t find any info you it has been reopened. If not is there a detour? Thanks.

Greetings - The repairs are complete but the trail has not yet been refreshed after construction equipment was on it so it's a little bit rough just west of the bridge. You can get through there now.

Thank you. Now if the weather holds off Saturday morning.

If anyone is planning to be in O'Neill this weekend while riding the trail - sounds like there will be an air show at the airport.

https://www.kbrx.com/2024/07/17/oneill-airport-hosting-nebraska-state-fly-in-airshow-this-weekend/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEE0DBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZodMmbIH5a7vvSi4wD-E7o9HdWkLLcZQUIsUXZbp_aj1RiJ2kW5hNPMzg_aem_aO1AHLd6c6j6WiYnOMJn9Q

Saw this nice video about the Cowboy Trail on Youtube and thought it would help give folks on here looking to ride the trail a better idea of what the trail is like. Worth a watch if you are planning a trip.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMA64kE_wiA

I’d like to do 2 weeks on the trail starting in Norfolk in August. What is the usual weather/temps the first 2 weeks of August?

Hello! Thanks for the question - I would plan on it being hot and sunny, 85-95 degrees for the highs with high humidity. Most parts of the trail are pretty exposed to the sun. Be sure to carry plenty of water.

Which direction is trail down hill?

West to east (Valentine to Norfolk). That's also downwind based on the prevailing wind direction, but you can have headwinds either way.

We will be riding the trail starting May 23rd. Are all closures or reroutes at permanent closures clearly marked? Thank you for your help!

On the trail, yes. There will be a "trail closed" sign where it is recommended you get off the trail and go towards HWY 20. I can't get signs on the highway to direct you back to the trail unfortunately, google maps is your friend.

Here's a list of current closures and detours:

- The trail is temporarily closed for repairs 3.5 miles west of Norfolk, NE. The repair should be complete sometime in late June. Use "Battle Creek Road" to detour around the closure, there are signs marking the route.

- A large bridge over the Elkhorn River between Oakdale and Neligh is still out so you will need to take the highway shoulder between Oakdale and Neligh for about 4 miles.

- Just west of Neligh there is a short stretch next to the river that has been eroded severely. You will be able to see some construction cones on the trail, you will need to walk adjacent highway shoulder for roughly 1/4mile and then can jump back on. Or if comfortable you can probably hike through the damaged section, stay away from the edge though. This location will hopefully be repaired by the end of the year.

- Between Neligh and Clearwater there is a section of trail that is permanently closed due the river reclaiming the trail in this section. You will need to take 519th ave back to the highway and ride around on the highway for about 3 miles. You can take 517th ave and head south to get back on to the cowboy trail. About a 2.5 mile detour for this one.

- The next closed spot is on the east edge of Long Pine. A large section of the trail embankment was washed out due to a culvert failure from the flood. To detour around, take 440th rd to the highway and then come back in to Long Pine and find the trail by the park on the main road, about 2.5 miles. This location should be repaired by the end of the year.

On NGPC's online trail map it will show a closure just east of the Niobrara River trail bridge, it is passable at the moment but exercise caution. These detours are likely to remain the same for the remainder of 2024.

Thank you for the information! I really appreciate the detailed response.

I see the closures will be existent for the rest of 2024, but is there any foreseeable timetable beyond that for the restorations to take place?

Yes - the repair site near long pine will be open again by the end of the year and the site just west of Neligh should be done by spring 2025. The detour between Neligh and Clearwater is permanent unfortunately.

Thanks Alex I hope the trail from Oakdale to Neligh is on the agenda somewhere too. I miss giving grief to some old golfing buddies as I pass the golf course. All kidding, the banter is reciprocal.

This thought might deserve its own thread, but I'm just going to stick it here; After riding all kinds of trails and paths I must say I would much rather ride a well-maintained limestone trail as a poorly, or even moderately, maintained paved trail. Granted a kept-up cement path is great but many of the paved trails we have been on have made for some pretty rough riding. We are constantly going back to our favorite gravel/limestone/crushed rock trails while waiting for patches of upkeep on some paved trails we've ridden. I'm glad to see the Cowboy getting some love

I failed to mention that one, Bridge 211 - it's in the works but will take longer as permitting a feasible and environmentally sound repair is time consuming. As relatively simple as building a new bridge to get to your old bridge sounds, doing it right takes time. The elkhorn river likes to move around quite a bit.

Good to hear, and thanks again.

I just finished the Cowboy Trail west to east from Valentine (Chadron. Really, but most of the West part is Hwy 20). All on good order, but keep in mind I am riding 2.25 29ers. All of Alex's detour info is correct, but I found it really useful to plot it out on GPS. Thanks Alex

Thanks for the trail info especially the detours. I’ve been riding between Norfolk and Clearwater but want to ride from Valentine to Norfolk. Hopefully start tomorrow. Any company is welcome ??

Late last week brought some very heavy rains and localized flooding in the Long Pine - O'Neill area. There is some damage and downed trees. There are no closures but there is a fenced off area just east of the Long Pine bridge where you should exercise caution as you travel around. I'll post any updates as things progress.

Just finished a TDN ride with several taking the Cowboy trail on and off. I had road tires on, so I skipped the trail this time around. I will be taking a Cowboy trail later. Those who did however, really enjoyed it......no flats, accidents, and no deaths....unlike the road ride. The hit and run death on the road brought many to say, it may be time for trail riding to take the forefront.

Totally agree about danger of highway riding. I've ridden a lot of highway miles... but have decided to do trails..should be less danger from motitized vehicles!

Hi all! I got a wild idea and some unexpected time off from my work (a use it or lose it pto type situation). I’ve wanted to do this for a few years now but I’ve always chickened out. Finally, I’m going to ride the cowboy.

I’ve taken off M-Th next week and will leave Omaha area on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning - probably Saturday morning. I’ve got a ride home from as far west as Chadron. My wife will be in Chadron for a work event but said she’d get me in valentine if I wanted or anywhere along to trail. Just might have to chill there for awhile at worst.

If anyone wants to join me on this crazy adventure, I’d love a partner. Like I said, you’d have a ride home at least.

Reply back if interested and we’ll figure out a way to discuss 1:1.

Cheers,

Anthony

Heard about goatheads/sand burrs and flats. We had a very different experience, trail was cleared of burrs and a few loose sand but nothing bad. We did the 50 mile out and back, had lunch at Ma’s Cafe in Wood Lake 15 Sept. No flats (I have “slime filled tubes, full disclosure). We saw lots of goatheads on the side and a few encroaching the trail. I tried and succeeded in pushing them off but got covered with very sharp burrs. So advise to leave them, easy to see and ride around. Riding out of Ainsworth tomorrow, no fear.

We rode from Valentine just 8 miles east and returned. No shade and a lot of loose sand on a hard surface. Although we had 1.5 inch (38 mm) tires, I wish they were wider or had knobs. The tires were getting caught in the sand. Didn’t see any goat heads. The trestle over the Niobrara river was pretty cool.

Is any section of the trail closed between Meadow Grove and Inman? Thank you!

Unfortunately, yes. The trail will be repaired between Neligh and Oakdale along with the short segment just west of Neligh. The spot halfway between Neligh and Clearwater is permanently closed from flooding in 2010 as the river occupies the trail ROW. The Nebraska Game and Parks online trail map shows all current cowboy trail closures: https://outdoornebraska.gov/parks/explore-trails/hiking-biking/cowboy-trail/

Hope you get out and enjoy the trail!

Today (05/11/24) We rode the section referred to above. As we came to the end of Broken Bridge, we saw a trail closed sign. We happened to meet a couple walking from the west and asked if it was indeed closed. They said that it was open but looked as though there had been work done previously. We gave it a try, and it was open although there was a backhoe parked to the side in one spot, and it appeared as though some railroad beams (presumably used to stop motorized vehicles from entering the trail) had been removed. A small disturbance was all that remained. It was easily ridden over. Enter at your own risk, but it seemed fine to us at this point in time.

Yes the repair by Broken Bridge, 3 miles west of Norfolk, has had a delayed start due to all the rain. That segment is closed and they are starting this week. If passing through please use the detour route.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1L_xk91eEUSIn2qMZcg1oiT77s2thOdc&usp=sharing

I am interested in riding our horses on some of the trail. Are there stretches that are only concrete? What are the undeveloped areas like west of Valentine? Are there places to park a 46 foot long truck and horse trailer and overnight RV camp? We have portable horse corrals for nightly horse containment. Thanks in advance for any replys.

Thanks for the interest in the trail! Yes, there are a couple stretches of paved trail in O'Neill, Atkinson, and Valentine for the length of the town but you can ride just off the surface. The rest is crushed limestone and wood decked bridges. The trail relies on the community's facilities for camping - many of the city parks won't have difficulty accommodating you. I recommend calling the city office in the towns you which to stay at and see what they recommend. Another place to call are the fairgrounds as they have facilities for livestock as well and often have rv spots too. Google maps is your friend! Happy Trails.

Starting April 30, 2024, the Cowboy Trail will be temporarily closed west of Broken Bridge by Norfolk to repair damage caused by the 2019 flood. The bridge over the Elkhorn River will still be open but the trail will be closed to the public for one mile west of the bridge. Thru traffic can use Battle Creek Rd. to detour around the closure and access the trail again two miles west of the Cowboy Trail parking lot. Here's a map of the temporarily closed area and a detour.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1L_xk91eEUSIn2qMZcg1oiT77s2thOdc&usp=sharing

Is there any long-term parking at either end of the trail? The plan is to go out and back but need to leave my car somewhere. Any help is appreciated.

I welcome any additional input, but the good news is that there is long term parking available on both ends of the trail, and in fact there are several good answers to this question from past Forum discussions.

Just follow these steps to see past answers:

1. Go to https://bikecowboytrail.com/search-forum.aspx

2. Enter the word parking in the Search Words box

3. Scroll down and click the blue Search the Forum button

Again, any other responses are welcome.

Happy trails!

I am trying to plan a trip to ride the cowboy trail later this year. Is there a big elevation gain difference or overall difficulty difference between riding it west to east vs east to west? Thanks in advance.

Nevermind. I just found the elevation chart. It appears that elevation isn't much of an issue.

The grade is really mild - technically you lose elevation going west to east, but the other factor is wind. Going west to east you have higher likelihood of winds being in your favor but it is not a sure thing. For folks from coming out of state, I recommend ending up closer to where you came in from (or need to go) so if you're flying back out of Omaha, end in Norfolk so it's only a 2.5 hour drive back vs 6. Just something to consider in trip planning. Hope you enjoy the trail on your trip!

Thanks Alex. I think it works out great for me then. I'm in California and would therefore just start on the west side. I was thinking about trying to Do Valentine to Norfolk in two days (staying in Atkinson over night), take a rest day in Norfolk, and doing the return trip in two days. That might be a bit ambitious for me these days, so I'll probably arrange a shuttle for the return trip.

Yeah I've seen people do Norfolk to Valentine in two days but I think the conditions need to be just right...high 60's, partly cloudy, and a tailwind. If one of those things are not in your favor, it can be brutal going that distance on the trail in a day. The trail is not as efficient of a surface as pavement either, so you'll notice working a bit harder than normal, but some folks enjoy that sort of challenge. If the going gets tough, you can always opt for the paved highway 275 / 20 shoulder. It's fairly low traffic and drivers are pretty courteous in NE, in my experience.

Heads up, we are experiencing some localized flooding from ice jams. We had to close the bridge/trail near Cache Creek which is located about two miles east of Ewing. You can detour on the highway shoulder to get around the closure until the erosion is repaired. I will post when this gets opened back up.

Contractor started work today, the repair site closed and is signed, please avoid this area and detour on the highway shoulder. I anticipate this re-opening at the end of the month if all goes smoothly.

The repair is complete and now open in this area.

My daughter and I are kicking around the idea of bikepacking the Cowboy Trail in 2024. We would like to share a shuttle with someone or possibly coordinate a private shuttle with another group. If anyone is thinking about a late May or early June 2024 trip, let me know. We have plenty of time to coordinate, line the moons and make it work. We are looking at a leisure 4 days.

Thanks!
Ty

Ty - Depending on your timeframe, I may be interested. Please e-mail when you have your dates set up briedel13@msn.com Thanks!

Ty, depending on the dates, it might work for me to share a shuttle. I can’t go in May, but early June might work. If you want to follow up email me at cldsmith@msn.com.

We are a group of 8 going west to east starting Memorial day weekend and taking 4 days. I haven't had much luck getting any communication from the shuttle folks in Norfolk as of yet to see how many they can handle.
I have learned that the Sand Hills Guest House in Atkinson is completely sold out for Memorial Day weekend. That is Alumni Day in Atkinson.

I have sent emails to both that left email addresses. We are looking at mid June. Pat-I contacted the guy that owns North Fork Outfitters. I think he has a few irons in the fire. He talked like he would be offering shuttles in 2024.

I'm thinking of doing the travel July 15-19 Either down and back or just East to West. I'd be interested in sharing a shuttle if one is available.

My daughter and I plan on bikepacking the Cowboy Trail in June. Our plan is to camp the entire way unless there is some very poor weather. Currently planning on taking the first couple of days a little easy. We are thinking Woodlake on night 1 which is also shuttle day from Norfolk. Long Pine SRA night 2 (camped here before) and then O'Neill night 3 and Neligh on night 4. I have searched the forum and it is hit and miss on finding reviews on camping. My biggest concerns are night 3 and 4 in O'Neill and Neligh. The forum says there is camping but is it comfortable? Thanks in advance.

O'Neill and Neligh have great campgrounds in my opinion. Both have shower houses and Neligh has a city pool which can be a serious treat. Plenty of shade at each one as well.