RV camping
- + Has anyone camped at the Sunset Motel & RV Park in Hay Springs? If so, how far off the trail is it? Can you ride to the trail from the campground? Thanks for any info!
Discussion started 06/28/26 9:17:00 AM by Betty - 3 replies (last reply by Kurt Kinbacher at 06/30/26 5:56:42 AM)Betty from St. Charles, MO on 06/28/26 9:17:00 AM
Has anyone camped at the Sunset Motel & RV Park in Hay Springs? If so, how far off the trail is it? Can you ride to the trail from the campground? Thanks for any info!
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron NE on 06/29/26 5:20:26 AM
Hi Betty, Cowboy Trail west is only surfaced from Rushville to Gordon at the moment. The finished part is Valentine to Norfolk. Highway 20 out west has ample shoulder all the way across the state.
Kurt
Tony Hindman from Hay Springs, NE on 06/29/26 6:42:54 AM
Hi Betty,
The park and campground in Hay Springs is just a block from the trail. Bear in mind that the trail is not surfaced through Hay Springs yet, but if you're adventurous, it is passable.
Welcome to Hay Springs!
T.
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron NE on 06/30/26 5:56:42 AM
Hi again Betty,
I just heard surfacing between Rushville and just outside of Chadron should begin mid-July. So if you are planning early autumn,. . .
But the corridor is passable, as Tony noted, now, but maybe a fat bike orange fully suspended mtn bike would be good choices.
Subway in Ainsworth
- + This Subway is co-located at a gas station so it keeps longer hours than other local options, in case you find yourself at a loss for a place to eat. They also sell ice cream.
Discussion started 06/21/26 3:53:38 PM by Liz - 7 replies (last reply by Paula DeWald at 06/22/26 4:32:27 PM)Liz from Vienna,VA on 06/21/26 3:53:38 PM
This Subway is co-located at a gas station so it keeps longer hours than other local options, in case you find yourself at a loss for a place to eat. They also sell ice cream.
Paula DeWald from Fort Wayne Indiana on 06/21/26 4:57:58 PM
So nice to get a few words from you and great suggestions. I’ve been waiting for you to post anything about your trip. My husband and I want to do the Cowboy Trail the first week of September. The last week of August looks to HOT. No one seems to say anything about snakes on the trail. We usually ride trips that have snakes in the early Spring so I don’t see any. ie: We rode the Natchez Trace in the middle of March 2020. I realize they are more afraid of me but I’d rather not run into them. That being said I’m wondering if we should ride the Cowboy Trail during a colder month. Thanks for any help you can provide. Paula
Liz from Vienna,VA on 06/21/26 8:30:39 PM
Hi Paula, I did not see any snakes. That said, I didn't wander off the trail on foot into the prairie grasses or marshes! This is the only time I've been in Nebraska so I can't speculate what time of year would be best to avoid snakes.
On both that topic and weather in general I would defer to the Nebraskans here. It was very windy in mid-June and not too hot. One day got pretty warm in the afternoon, but mornings were fine. I would be more concerned about the wind but that might be a year round thing.
Chris from Helena on 06/21/26 9:32:56 PM
Liz and Paula, the new friends I made in Nebraska said the wind blows 9 days out of 7 there. ;>) I believe them. We had wind every day, almost always in our faces. Still a great ride.
Kurt Kinbacher from Chadron NE on 06/22/26 4:34:28 AM
There are snakes in Nebraska, I just finished riding and saw maybe 5 snakes running themselves on the trail in the morning. That was for the whole length of the trail. The campsites are quite developed, so not much to worry about in camp. We have rattle snakes out here, but they are very shy and always announce themselves. I did not swe a rattler ( or hear one) this trip. Kurt
Paula DeWald from Fort Wayne Indiana on 06/22/26 9:37:49 AM
Thanks Liz and Kurt. I was concerned about the snakes because people think they see more of them when it’s really hot and it will be much hotter out there in August and September this year (so far anyway).
I really like the idea of the out and back rides too from the cities and towns. It always amazes us what we see when we ride a complete trail both ways like the Michelson Trail in SD for example. Appreciate you both! Paula
Bullwinkle7 from Loveland, CO on 06/22/26 10:44:53 AM
Paula, we rode the Cowboy trail in May 2024 and saw no snakes. Also it was early enough that goat heads were not a problem. We had two vehicles so we generally road to the east. We would park our RV at the western location for the night and ride east back to our truck. We had only one day where the wind was from the east. It was a pleasant ride, stay alert for hitting pockets of soft sand, not too bad if tires are 2”+, but unnerving when tires are thinner. I had the bike wi thinner tires??.
Paula DeWald from Fort Wayne Indian on 06/22/26 4:32:27 PM
Thanks to Loveland CO. We are semi retired so we can come out anytime. When I was young boys put snakes down my back on the way to school as we had to walk through a wooded area. I’d just rather not see them. On the Katy Trail I saw a 12 inch lime green one that was ok. Last February I saw a 24 incher in the State Park in Gulf Shores while biking with my husband and brother. My brother said….why are you screaming? LOL
We’re coming to Omaha for a wedding August 29th so it makes sense to do the COWBOY TRAIL after that. If it’s not too hot I’ll be brave and we will do it. I don’t mind wind and I love the cold, I’m from Canada originally. When we did the Natchez Trace we had 14 mile an hour winds every day.
We’ll be riding our 4 inch (tire) Titanium Fat Tire bikes so it will be great. The best part of the ride is meeting the great folks along the way and other bikers.
Thanks again, Paula ?????
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 - 21 replies (last reply by Chris at 06/21/26 9:28:47 PM)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.
Chris from Helena on 05/05/26 5:37:36 PM
Liz, looks like my partner and I are locked into riding the first week of June. I'm guessing we'll get to Norfolk sometime on the 5th. Not sure if we'll head back west right away or overnight there. If you're driving from VA to Norfolk and want to explore options for us to shuttle you to Valentine, shoot me a text or call 406-202-0003.
Liz from Vienna, VA on 05/15/26 5:35:52 PM
Chris, I am so glad you and your ride partner are both able to make the trip. Alas, I don't get to Norfolk until the late afternoon of the 6th. I'm sure you're not eager to hang around any longer than you have to. Have a great ride! If there's any intel or surprises those of us passing through after you should know, I'd be grateful if you leave it here on the forum.
Liz from Vienna,VA on 05/15/26 5:37:36 PM
Oh, by the way! I'm riding the MTB. Just got it back from the bike shop for a tune up and slime tubes.
Chris from Helena,MT on 05/15/26 6:19:50 PM
Will do. I’ll also let you know if we end up taking longer than expected and won’t reach Norfolk until late on the 6th.
Chris from Helena on 06/01/26 7:32:41 PM
Liz, we rode from Valentine to Ainsworth today. The trail is in good shape, but don't fall asleep at the wheel...there are several places especially just after Johnstown where the surface is soft and squirrly. Wood Lake City Park at 26 miles is a nice lunch spot with water and flush toilets. If you want a shower when you get to Ainsworth, go to the city gym on the back of the Convention Center on Hwy 20. Showers are free and the gym is open late. East City Park is a great place to camp. $7.00
Chris from Helena on 06/03/26 4:28:45 PM
Liz, we rode Ainsworth to Stuart rather than Atkinson yesterday to even out the mileage. Stuart has a nice campground on the North side of town with a shower house that is across the open area north of the campground. Clean bathrooms and a big picnic shelter that came in handy when a massive storm hit around 5:30 this morning. The trail yesterday and today to O'Neill continues to be in excellent condition.
Liz from Vienna, VA on 06/04/26 10:18:39 PM
Chris, this intel is fantastic, thanks!
One question. Did you use ordinary tent stakes? I also have sand stakes and I didn’t know if the sand hills require sand stakes (at the risk of overthinking this).
Enjoy the rest of your trip! Hope the weather held out for you. Looks like I will have quite a windy first day.
Liz
Chris from Helena on 06/05/26 12:52:59 PM
Liz, regular tent stakes work fine. All the campgrounds are grassy lawns. Riverside Park in Neligh is a great place to camp right off the trail. Hot showers and nice tent sites with power to charge phones. We just finished in Norfolk. The trail was good all the way, but watch for very sandy sections between Oakdale and Tilden! The detours are easy to navigate and just as Alex from Nebraska Gama and Parks described. Hope you catch a few tailwinds...we did not! Pedal Farther!
Chris from Helena on 06/06/26 11:42:12 AM
One other highlight for you, Liz, is the H&H Bakery right off the trail in Emmett. If you get there when they're open it's definitely worth stop!
Liz from Vienna,VA on 06/06/26 8:03:51 PM
Well, things did not go according to plan so far. I got a text late this morning that U-Haul canceled my reservation for the vehicle I was going to use to shuttle. I called and there was nothing they can do. By that time I couldn’t cancel my hotel reservation in Norfolk (a points stay), so here I am. I’m thinking I will do out and back rides for the next 4-5 days — probably won’t cover the whole trail, but will see as much as I can. Happy to take recommendations for the can’t-miss spots! Thanks again, Chris!
Kurt Kinbacher from CHADRON, NE on 06/07/26 9:11:59 AM
hi Liz:
My favorite parts of the trail are from Valentine to Wood Lake (Sandhills at their finest); From Ainsworth to Long Pine (Long Pine Creek is amazing); Newport (check out the pool hall) to Atkinson; Oakdale to Norfolk (A lot more trees in this section). Happy Trails.
Chris from Helena on 06/07/26 7:01:15 PM
Liz, sorry to hear about the shuttle snafu. I just got home after 2 long days driving so didn't see your note until now.
I agree with Kurt's suggestions. Out and backs from Norfolk, Neligh, Ainsworth, and especially Valentine to Wood Lake and back would be great. I'd avoid the sections with detours on the highway if you can.
One advantage of out and backs vs through rides like we did is that at least half the time there's a chance for a tailwind. We had none! You can also spend more time exploring the small towns which we found fun. Little league baseball in Neligh and open mic night at Bolo Brewery in Valentine were flashbacks to earlier and easier times in America.
Liz from Vienna,VA on 06/21/26 3:32:45 PM
Hello --
Sorry for the delayed response to this thread, and THANKS! I followed your advice exactly -- did out and back rides starting in Valentine, Long Pine, Atkinson and Norfolk. I had headwinds, tailwinds, crosswinds and for a mile or two, no wind at all! I got lucky with rain -- hardly any while I was on the bike. The afternoon/evening forecast one day was scary enough to make me opt for a motel in Atkinson and I was glad I did.
Overall, I found the trail to be in outstanding condition. The MTB worked out great. The scenery is beautiful. Compared to the Katy Trail, for instance, there are fewer touring cyclist and town amenities, and I hope that comes with time because I found this trail well worth the visit. When I found businesses open in trail towns, everyone was so friendly and helpful.
There were a few eateries I discovered that I didn't see noted on the forum -- I know coffee shops come and go -- but I will try to update the town pages to mention them.
Thanks again for the advice!
Chris from Helena on 06/21/26 9:28:47 PM
So glad you had a good time, Liz! I agree that the folks in the small Nebraska towns are wonderful. Keep pedaling!
RF Goeke Variety Store in Atkinson
- + This store has everything you could possible need -- so if you forgot something, check here! Lots of fun to just look around, too. They have an old fashioned soda counter. I recommend the purple co...
Discussion started 06/21/26 3:48:57 PM by Liz - 0 repliesLiz from Vienna,VA on 06/21/26 3:48:57 PM
This store has everything you could possible need -- so if you forgot something, check here! Lots of fun to just look around, too. They have an old fashioned soda counter. I recommend the purple cow!
Sandhills Guest House in Atkinson
- + I made a last minute reservation here and found the accommodations very comfortable. Super friendly staff. Close to the trail.
Discussion started 06/21/26 3:45:36 PM by Liz - 0 repliesLiz from Vienna,VA on 06/21/26 3:45:36 PM
I made a last minute reservation here and found the accommodations very comfortable. Super friendly staff. Close to the trail.
Allen’s Pizza Place in Bassett
- + Still there as of June 2026 and excellent pizza!
Discussion started 06/21/26 3:43:59 PM by Liz - 0 repliesLiz from Vienna,VA on 06/21/26 3:43:59 PM
Still there as of June 2026 and excellent pizza!
Current Trail Detours - 2025
- + Greetings all - looking forward to another trail season. I've been getting calls and emails about visiting the trail so I thought I'd post an updated list of detours for those planning trips this year...
Discussion started 05/05/25 1:58:28 PM by Alex - 1 reply (last reply by John Brett - HikingAmerica.com, Washington DC at 05/25/26 7:10:17 AM)Alex from Lincoln on 05/05/25 1:58:28 PM
Greetings all - looking forward to another trail season. I've been getting calls and emails about visiting the trail so I thought I'd post an updated list of detours for those planning trips this year. As always I will post on here if we get any new damage or temp closures that arise.
Here's a list of current closures and detours:
- A bridge approach to our bridge, No. 211, 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.
- 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.
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 in the area. These detours are likely to remain the same for the remainder of 2025.
Happy Trails!
John Brett - HikingAmerica.com from Washington DC on 05/25/26 7:10:17 AM
Hey Cowboy Trail community —
Back in May 2025, this post discussed bridge outages causing trail closures. We're now a year out from that report and wondering if anyone has current intel on conditions. Are those bridges repaired? Any sections still closed?
Asking because Bernie Krausse, who's attempting what may be the first known thru-hike of the Great American Rail-Trail, should be arriving in the Norfolk area within the next week. The Cowboy Trail is a key segment of his westbound route, so we want to make sure he's got accurate, current information before he gets there.
Any updates — good or bad — would be hugely appreciated. ??
— John, HikingAmerica.com
P.S. you can follow Bernie's journey at: https://www.hikingamerica.com/tag/great-american-rail-trail/
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 - 2 replies (last reply by Chris at 05/22/26 3:32:45 PM)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?
Chris from Helena on 05/22/26 3:32:45 PM
John,
I will be riding the trail June 1 - 5 and told Liz I'd provide an update on conditions when I reach Norfolk on this forum.
Chris
Val to Norfolk-2nd week of June
- + Looking for someone planning on same trip as I am and willing to share car shuttle between stops. Never done this before but would like to try to do it in 4 days, tentative stops in Ainsworth, Atkinso...
Discussion started 05/11/26 1:36:03 PM by Keith - 1 reply (last reply by Liz at 05/15/26 5:38:57 PM)Keith from Richmond, IN on 05/11/26 1:36:03 PM
Looking for someone planning on same trip as I am and willing to share car shuttle between stops. Never done this before but would like to try to do it in 4 days, tentative stops in Ainsworth, Atkinson, Ewing and finally Norfolk.(only because of milage) I can camp, just don't want to carry anymore weight than I need to as I will be on 1.75"tires. I can be flexible. If interested, text me on 3177483241.
Liz from Vienna,VA on 05/15/26 5:38:57 PM
I'm planning to shuttle from Norfolk to Valentine early in the morning of June 7. Not sure if that timing works for you but you are welcome to join me.
Johnstown park
- + On the trail at Johnstown, across from the L Bow Room, is a little park with a shelter, water, and an outhouse. A good option if the saloon is closed or you want just a quick pit stop.
Discussion started 05/12/26 3:14:33 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder,CO on 05/12/26 3:14:33 PM
On the trail at Johnstown, across from the L Bow Room, is a little park with a shelter, water, and an outhouse. A good option if the saloon is closed or you want just a quick pit stop.
Trade Winds Motel in Valentine
- + My friend works as a traveling doctor in Valentine and this is the hotel she recommended to us.
Discussion started 05/12/26 3:12:31 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder,CO on 05/12/26 3:12:31 PM
My friend works as a traveling doctor in Valentine and this is the hotel she recommended to us.
Wacky West Travel Park in Valentine
- + We rode by here - it is just to the south across the trail from the feedlot, so pretty darn stinky.
Discussion started 05/12/26 3:11:37 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder,CO on 05/12/26 3:11:37 PM
We rode by here - it is just to the south across the trail from the feedlot, so pretty darn stinky.
L Bow Room in Johnstown
- + Stopped in for pie (they have cream pies only), coffee & a soda - really friendly people. I was very tempted by the grilled cheese, but got my fill with the giant pie slice.
Also got to watch the H...
Discussion started 05/12/26 3:10:13 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder,CO on 05/12/26 3:10:13 PM
Stopped in for pie (they have cream pies only), coffee & a soda - really friendly people. I was very tempted by the grilled cheese, but got my fill with the giant pie slice.
Also got to watch the Huskers Softball team play on TV, so it was a lively place.
D&B Café in Ainsworth
- + We had breakfast here twice (they open at 6 a.m.), and an after dinner pie because we were staying at the East City Park and it is so close. It's a family-run joint and you can learn about their ever-...
Discussion started 05/12/26 3:06:40 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder,CO on 05/12/26 3:06:40 PM
We had breakfast here twice (they open at 6 a.m.), and an after dinner pie because we were staying at the East City Park and it is so close. It's a family-run joint and you can learn about their ever-growing family as well as be entertained by the locals who have their own social table.
Depot in Long Pine
- + The railroad depot (not open on Sunday) has restrooms available, and water. It's now a city office.
Discussion started 05/12/26 3:04:00 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder,CO on 05/12/26 3:04:00 PM
The railroad depot (not open on Sunday) has restrooms available, and water. It's now a city office.
East City Park Campgrounds in Ainsworth
- + Just camped there this week so wanted to update the information. You can camp either on the south-west part of the park by the horseshoe grounds, or the north next to Hwy 20, $7 for tents.
The only...
Discussion started 05/12/26 3:00:54 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder, CO on 05/12/26 3:00:54 PM
Just camped there this week so wanted to update the information. You can camp either on the south-west part of the park by the horseshoe grounds, or the north next to Hwy 20, $7 for tents.
The only open bathrooms were closer to Hwy 20, so a bit of a hike if you camp in the south-west area. There are no longer hot showers.
We got a picnic table near the horseshoe grounds and cooked in the nearby shelter to be out of the wind, which also had power outlets for charging our phones.
D&B Cafe was good for after-dinner pie and an early (opens at 6) breakfast, and is right next to the park.
Atkinson Mill Race Park in Atkinson
- + Camped here, $10 for a site. There are flush toilets and hot showers, and electricity at each camp site (as all are for RVs or tents) plus a picnic table. Camping is on grass. It's a little ways out o...
Discussion started 05/12/26 2:52:10 PM by Ellie - 0 repliesEllie from Boulder, CO on 05/12/26 2:52:10 PM
Camped here, $10 for a site. There are flush toilets and hot showers, and electricity at each camp site (as all are for RVs or tents) plus a picnic table. Camping is on grass. It's a little ways out of town so you can plan to ride the mile back into town or just cook in camp.
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