Cowboy Trail Forum

My wife and I came to Velentine for several days with plans to ride the Cowboy Trail...thinking it was a classic rail trail like the Mickelson or Katy. Sadly, it is not. The State of Nebraska has a possible gem and the Valentine bridge is worth the trip itself but the trail is a bummer. The gravel/chat is too deep and is not a great surface...you are in fear of washing out constantly. There are also many goat heads and other thorns. These could easily be managed with a little spraying and maintenance. However, the biggest drawback is that ATV and farmers/ranchers now us the trail as there personal highway. There is significant washboard starting 8 miles a South of Velentine...so bad we finally gave up our plan and returned to Valentine. The ATVs and farmers have even ripped out the barriers intended o prevent motorized vehicles. The state could do,ve this but otherwise this trail won't get much use. It's sad to see such a great idea, with considerable investment made so far, be such a disappointment for lack of a few things. Complain to the state...but don't waste your time on the Cowboy Trail at this time.

We rode a little bit east of there. Here is my blog post on the subject. Yes the trail could be a little better. It is such a great right of way it needs some community support but the area is so sparsely populated east of Valentine it is not likely to happen

https://travelreporter.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/the-cowboy-trail-and-sand-hills-nebraska/

I appreciate the heads up and I hope your disappointment along with the rest of us resonates to the community. It would be pleasing to be able to have both those who appreciate these trails so much and those who have adjoining land, work together for the common good.

I had just learned about the Cowboy Trail today so looked it up. As bicyclists as well as kayakers we were thinking it would be nice to ride the Cowboy and kayak the Niobrara. This thread is not encouraging.

Trail surface makes a big difference since we ride recumbent trikes and three wheels on a soft surface is a bit hard to push. And landowners showing and demonstrating disdain for the trail isn't encouraging.

I didn't experience any of the "locals" not wanting us there. Spoke with several ranchers and farmers all wanting to know where we were going how long etc. One rancher took us from the LBow Room in Johnstown to the Rodeo(that'd been our plan since the afternoon heat hit 100).

The trail is mostly well taken care of and you can hope out onto the highway anytime you want(with a few small exceptions),I have a blog here of our three day ride last Labor Day weekend, and some video at my YouTube channel with some idea of what the trail looks like.

We had a great time, and I encourage you to go (PS, my friend had Swchalbe Tires with puncture guard put on her bike and I had Teflon liners in my Clement XPLOR USH tires).

I have ridden the Katy Trail 2x’s and enjoy the solitude. Hope they get this trail going

We rode the trail August 2017, on Ranz recumbents. The Trail surface was not ideal, but rideable. Some places were rough and weedy, but we rode from one end to the other and back, camping along the way in city parks. We met nice people. Yes, the trail could use some work, but give it a try. People need to get out and ride. Ride and share the experience and make the trail happen!

Allowing motorized vehicles on these trails is the kiss of death in attracting visitors. Thought about this trail because of its length but if motorized vehicles are using the trail I have no interest in it.

I've bicycled trails in CA, PA, WI, GA, MO, UT, AZ, WV, MD.

The Katy in MO is decent, many in WI are nice but the best is the GAP/C&O. It is very well maintained, offers great camping spots, many small towns, beautiful scenery along rivers and the only motorized vehicles are for maintenance.

It is also served by AMTRAK with walk-on service for bikes. Met visitors from other states and countries who have made the trip because of the trail's reputation. The small towns and businesses along the GAP/C&O are booming, restaurants-bike shops are expanding and so are housing options. Do it. I plan to do again with my sons as we did a couple of years ago.

Jack, Your thoughts are well taken. I am ready to bike the GAP. I have only done a small portion of The Katy. That was my first experience with rails-to-trails. I enjoyed it because it was flat and no traffic. When we rode The Cowboy, there was evidence of motorized traffic. On one occasion I looked back and saw an ATV coming up behind my husband. Another time I saw a rider approaching the trail and it was obvious they were used to accessing The Trail at that point. When they saw us coming,they quickly turned and went another direction. I am glad we rode The Cowboy Trail. It has great possibilities and I hope people read these comments and realize what an oppportunity for riders and the state of Nebraska this trail offers.

We are looking for anyone who wants to share the cost of the North Fork Outfitting shuttle on April 30th from Norfolk to Valentine. If you want to share the shuttle email me at macmail1252@gmail.com
Mac

We rode The Cowboy Trail August 2017. Some of the online comments were not positive. Some of the information we got before starting in Valentine were not too encouraging, but we started out anyway.

The bridge across the Niobrara River was totally awesome.

We met a father and son team from Germany on The Trail. We talked with some other folks who hosted a camper riding The Trail from Israel. How neat was that!

The Elbow Saloon in Johnstown serves up a great hamburger and the folks there were very friendly. One of the many highlights of the trip.

There were the chucks holes to look out for, weeds and sickers, but we enjoyed the ride. We meet some really great folks and ate some good food along the way.

Hopefully the trail will get finished to Chadron and we will be there to ride that as well.

You have a gem that folks should enjoy. Maybe a few though edges, but well worth the ride.

We spent time under the church awning, moved to the park on a rainy day this past August. The next day we found the grocery store. Wish we had been there the day before. Would have been a better place during all the rain and lightening. We picked up a snack and visited with the proprietor of the store. Nice folks!

We stocked up on groceries at the store. Very nice park with restroom and showers. We spent two days here. Met some other folks riding the trail also.

They have a very nice park and camp ground. We stayed 2 days. Visited their White Horse Museum. Very interesting. Nice folks!

Nice little pool hall here. Snacks and drinks on honor system. Visited with a nice local and found out this bit of information.

This information is a little past due. We rode this section of the trail in August of 2017, however, we rode through a 1/4 mile strip of green thistle weed. You could see a little bare ground, we picked up no stickers, but we were a little unsure. Didn't want to carry bikes across big ditch to highway and it was a ways back to intersection. Weeds are dead now, but new growth maybe coming along.

Big thorns on the trail about a half mile west of town. However, they are only on the trail in front of the agricultural supply business, about 500'. You can use the highway and bypass them. No other hazards noted between Ainsworth and Johnstown.

Amen to that. We were advised, by a local, to jump out on the highway at that point, as she had had multiple flats on her bike riding past that area. So glad she shared that information. Yes..the ride between Ainsworth and Lone Pine is a good one.

Who is paying for this city people's amusument trail? Great, just what the producing people of this state needs is more city people on bikes to look out for, while trying to produce food for YOU people.

My goodness Don, you sound so cranky. :) Most of us who ride the trails are country folks who love to be out on the trail enjoying the world. Please join us and smile.

I really doubt you are true country people, or you would be working at producing food, not taking up space on the back country roads like you folks like to do.

I lived across the river in Sioux City, IA for over 18 years. I remember the people of Nebraska to be more friendly than Don here. I typically spend several hundred dollars a year searching for new trails to ride. I'll be sure not to spend any out there in Bushnell.

Don's just cranky because so many small towns around here are dying - city folks never have a reason to come spend money to support local businesses. I'm sure he'd be less cranky if only his town had something that would attract city folks from Omaha, Lincoln, Kansas City, Des Moines, and beyond. And while all those city folks were there, they would spend money at local restaurants, stores, and motels, thereby putting more money into the pockets of Don's friends, neighbors, and family members. What could possible get city folks to come out to this part of NE and spend their time and money? Maybe... a nice long bike trail?

It worked for the Katy Trail in Missouri - towns that would otherwise be dead by now have B&B's and bike shops that get almost all of their business from out-of-town trail riders.

So lighten up Don, farming is not the only solution for Nebraska. I'm sure you have some friends and neighbors who would love to run small businesses where these city folks could inject their money into your local economy.

Anybody watched the movie Deliverance?

This was taken from Wikipedia (if you trust this source since it is not peer-reviewed):

Bushnell, Nebraska

“The village has very few businesses left. The High School closed in the spring of 1981, with the elementary closing 5 years later. The students now attend School in Kimball, Nebraska. After the school closed all the businesses in town struggled to survive. The grain elevators closed, the gas station closed, then it was like dominoes. About all that is left is a Post Office and the village office. However, two new retail businesses and a nonprofit organization opened in the village in 2011.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushnell,_Nebraska

Don,
I would be more appreciative that people are exploring the state of Nebraska. It really is a beautiful state, and touring via bicycle is one great way to do it.

I appreciate your work as a farmer, and the fact that you produce food (or at least it will become edible food after it is processed). Since, we people pay for your farm subsidies; you can let us ride our environmentally friendly bicycles and spend money in towns that nobody else would visit. We will dodge your air-conditioned, digitized tractors and combines to see the beauty of the Great Plains.

I am from a rural town in Nebraska (no city folk), and I think any tourism a small town that can attract is a win for that community.

Beef production is much like manufacturing. How would you like to have your entire country living in a manufacturing plant product, produce, livestock or otherwise? We as people need to have our recreation and enjoyment separate from the production enviroment.

To C: Thank you for your spot-on sentiments.

I come from farming stock in several lines of my family. I know that Midwesterners can be extremely friendly, kind, generous and helpful folk. I also know that they can be cranky as hell at times due to resentment about their economic plight. I've become one of those "spoiled city bikers" who prefers paved or finely crushed trail (e.g. Acadia National Park carriage trails in Maine) and amenities are preferred. I'm more than happy to pay high taxes, including subsidies of all sorts when needed, and I'm also more than happy to spend what's leftover of my earnings on lodging, restaurants, museums, and shops. After reading all these threads about trail conditions, I'd still be willing to rent bikes with thick tires and cycle slowly to appreciate the beautiful views and wide open spaces but Don's remarks don't do anyone any favors -- he paints the locals as PIAs and it's a turnoff for tourists -- who can be nice people, too. If increased state taxes aren't possible/likely to improve trail conditions and amenities, then at least be nice to the people who come visit anyway so that the people factor outweighs any inconveniences. Perhaps also seeking a federal designation would inject federal funding into the trail. Perhaps that could add to the local/regional/state economy as well.

Give it some time Don. I've ridden the Katy Trail 3 times over the last 10 years and have seen positive changes in the reception locally over the years. There was a lot of hesitation and some open hostility at first, but over time people saw that the bicyclers were mostly friendly and spent much needed money in their communities. My last trip was last year, and most people waved and welcomed us warmly. By the way, I grew up on a farm and understand your concerns, I just think you'll find it's not as bad as you think.

To anon who has ridden the Katy Trail 3 times. Do you recommend the Katy or the Cowboy for novice bike riders? Not planning to ride the full length of either, but want to give it a try.

Cindy, We live close to the Katy trail and ride on it often. It is very well maintained and used more and more. In September, 2015 we rode the Cowboy trail from Norfolk to Valentine and back. It was a pretty well maintained trail with almost no one else riding it while we were there. We did get 2 flat tires around Ainsworth but no problems otherwise. I would recommend starting with the Katy and then trying the Cowboy next!

Funny...I was going to say JUST what Ray did about the Katy Trail reviving the small dying towns along the Trail. I lived there when they built the Katy and rode 1000's of miles on it, as well as End to End.

I too live way out, 161 acres that sits on 100,000 of acres. Our closest neighbor is 9 miles away....no no kidding! The closest Utility Pole is 4 miles from us and we are not hooked in.....betting this guy is NOT as 'country' as we are!

The truth is, so many of these folks that fight the Rails to Trails are angry because they did not get the land back when the RR abandon the area. I get that. BUT! The fight is over, time to move on, FIX AND CONTINUE the Cowboy Trail and make it, let it be, an enjoyable destination and a money maker for your State....

I have seen the development of public trails for nearly 40 years. There are always the not-in-my-backyard types in the beggining of projects but pretty soon they reallise the benefit to ALL Americans when WE develop public parks and recreation areas. I have spent the past 7 years visiting rail/trails around the country . I sure as hell prefer spending my travel money in Local US economies as opposed to Disyney World or Europe. The bicycle touring industry has become serious business in many parts of America..Lots of us Baby Boomers enjoying the bike trails like we used to enjoy hiking or mountain biking..

That's a lot of anger you got there Don. Do you really live each and every day with feel bad chemicals running around in your brain? I wouldn't want to live your life.

Jesus Don have a drink and relax. I'd love to ride this trail but hope not to run into any cranky aholes like you!

Says Don as he collects ag subsidies (welfare) for his unsustainable cattle operation paid for by taxpayers like me on the east and west coast...

I'd think Don would appreciate all those city slickers working up an appetite to eat the food he's producing. He's got to have buyers after all.

I too have ridden the Katy Trail, but more recently and frequently the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and C & O Canal Towpath. All of those trails and their towns seem to be enjoying the economic benefits of the trails. You are always going to get someone who is grumped out about something.

Don's an arrogant asshole - try to never ride his portion of the trail, and don't spend any money anywhere near him that might bene3fit him or his neighbors.

Yes. He is. But. What we should do is VISIT his area and be especially nice to each person there and spend money....THEN he looks like the jerk he is....Trail Riders/Users, look like the good people we are.

North Fork Outfitting LLC in Norfolk, now offers 2 all inclusive Cowboy Trail Tours! 4 day/night, or 6 day/night...each tour includes rooms, 2 meals per day, shuttle, and a 2 hour kayak float!Call 402-316-0157 for details!

Hi All,

My brother and I are thinking about doing a trip across Nebraska along the Cowboy Trail. I have gone across the state once along the Lincoln Highway but am very excited to come back to the state to ride its northern tier.

However, I'm trying to figure out the best way to make it up to the start of the trail and how to return at its end. Does one fly in to Omaha or Lincoln and send their bike to the Amtrak there? Then hitch a ride by bus or rent a car in both places? Is this even possible? Thoughts?

Andy

Hi Andy,

As far as transportation from one end of the trail to another give North Fork Outfitting a call (402) 316-0157. They run a Cowboy Trail shuttle service. To me it sounds like shipping your bike to the shop in Norfolk (Cleveland Bike and Sport) and then flying into Lincoln/Omaha, renting a car and driving to Norfolk might be your best option to get there. Then have the shuttle take you to Valentine and you would ride east on the trail back to your rental car in Norfolk. I would leave the rental car at Ta Ha Zouka Park, that's where the Cowboy Trail ends/begins in Norfolk. Or there is an Enterprise car rental in Norfolk if you just want to return the car when you get to Norfolk and rent another when you get back after riding the trail, not sure if that would be cheaper.

I can also shuttle from airport...Last year had a guy from Israel that shrink wrapped and boxed his bike to allow it as luggage, and I picked him up from the airport and shuttled him to his start. You would have to check with the airlines on their rules, but I am pretty flexible, and would love to help make your trip happen! Have a great day! Tony

Starting May 2018, North Fork Outfitting will offer Trail Bike Rentals as well as their Cowboy Trail Shuttle Service! Call 402-316-0157 or see nforkoutfitting.com for details!

Glad to hear this! I have added Bike Rentals to your listing within this website - even though you're not starting until May, this will help get the word out to people who are planning ahead for late spring and summer adventures. Good luck!

Making plans. Always have gone west to east on any cross Nebraska trip, but am checking in on what has been most effective for others. Thanks for any help offered.

I've always done West to East because I live in Lincoln and it's a significantly shorter trip back from Norfolk. And after 3 days of riding I appreciate that very much! In your case I don't think it will make much of a difference. Pick the direction with the tailwind!

I rode the trail from Atkinson to Valentine and back last weekend. The trail was primitive but enjoyable! We camped in Atkinson, Ainsworth, and Valentine and found well managed campgrounds. I really appreciate the friendly local residents and helpful park managers.

The trail is definitely rough in places and requires one to "dig in". However that seems appropriate for crossing the Sandhills in the Nebraska wind.

I encourage the state-park managers and adjacent agriculture producers to work closely together. It appears that this trail could be an simultaneous asset for both. Perhaps ag-producers could drive cattle and equipment along the trail instead of on it. And in cases where cattle have roughened the trail the produce could repair the trail with a drag or other implement.

In short, this trail is enormous and can be managed as a multiple use resource for both bikers and the very important agricultural industry.

Yes, we rode the first part of Sept, and enjoyed it. Being a bit primitive made it a little more of an adventure. East of Wood Lake, there seemed to be lots of vegetation and we jumped off onto the road.

The thing that seemed to make it the roughest was the tire tracks. On the compacted limestone it gets hard enough those wouldn't be an issue. On the crushed granite, it never compacts so it is. But, all in all I am glad we rode it..

Ever been on a Cattle Drive? Around a herd of Cattle? Cows go where cows want to go. Driving them, you are staying back enough so that they do not spoke and scatter, but close enough to keep them moving away from where you are....and there is a Dance involved to turn them...
Keeping them off the Trail? That will be a HUGE fight with ranchers.

I encourage the STATE OFFICIALS to get out and see that the Local Trail Maintenance IS NOT BEING DONE AS THEY THINK IT IS! I think from reading a letter I got back about the Trail from Omaha and what is said about the Trail.....NOT ONE IN THE SAME! Heads need to roll, because if the Capital really thinks they are spraying for weeds and maintaining the chat..... There is some lying and cheating going on!

I agree! the Nebraska Game and Parks division seems like if it does not do anything the issues will go away. I have emailed them twice with no replies to my emails. As a tax payer I feel my dollars are going under a sand dune. The trail needs to have a group go to the capital and protest the mismanagement that we are paying for. Maybe that would get some attention.

I agree that mismanagement is never a good thing and certainly frustrating to the taxpayers of any state. And any state should be doing what they say they are doing. As for the condition of the Trail I guess I'm just not that picky because it looked pretty decent to me. As for the many great agricultural producers of Nebraska we should all be incredibly grateful for what they do - after all it appears to me that Nebraska producers are the reason most of us in the Midwest get to eat!! so give credit where credit is due. I believe the Cowboy Trail and Nebraska Agriculture can peacefully co-exist.

You sound speciously like a Business person along the trail.....rather than a person from MO

I have a flat-bar hybrid w/o any suspension; will the trail beat me to death w/o suspension or should I get another bike w/ suspension for this trip?

Any excuse right? ;-)

How often will you ride the Cowboy Trail?
Will you ride Full Suspension anywhere else?
Is there a Bike you have been looking at and love but are wondering why you would need it and the Cowboy Trail sounds like the reason?

I rode my GT GRADE-150 Gravel bike with Clement Xplor USH tires(I put in Slime Teflon Liners and go one flat, but I think it was a wheel issue not a thorn). Lisa rode her Canondale Adventure 4 with Schwalbe tires. I think the bigger tires were better. She got a flat (on the bike rack) the day after we quit. So... That's what we rode.

I think you will be just fine with no suspension. I rode a Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail and locked out the front fork and it was fine for 200 mi Atkinson to Valentine and back. Ran Clement LXV 2.1 tires. If you need to take the edge off just run a bit lower pressure. Your hybrid will probably be better on the trail than my hardtail mountain bike was.