Cowboy Trail Forum

Are there any places to stay/camp in Clearwater? It seems not. How about in Inman? Thanks for the help.

Deluxe Motel is an older motel that has been remodeled and updated in Neligh. Great place to stay and great price.

We plan to ride from Valentine to Inman on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of Memorial week.

We rode this section August 9, 2017. One of our harder days. The first few miles ok.Some weeds and grass on trail. Then we started picking up puncture vine, mainly moving across intersections. Pushed across and would have to pick out numerous stickers before going on. A couple times carried bikes across. A local advised riding on highway along the co-op. We took that advice. The trail from that point on into town was good.

WOW! What an amazing trail! I just rode the Norfolk leg. Wish I had more time to ride the whole stretch. I'll be back again someday. Nice work and Thank You!

Planning on biking Norfolk to Ainsworth. Want to do 30 to 40 miles a day and stay at local motels and eat at area eateries. Our dream to bike Nebraska. Have Parkinson and want to do this while able. Any tips or advice?

My best advice is to get tire liners, "slime", or some other type of protection from flat tires. This will not protect against all flats, but tire liners made a huge difference for me.

My first trip on the Katy Trail, I had about 8 flats. Got tire liners before my second Katy Trail trip, and had zero flats. It's a different trail, but both trails have similar thorns. Also avoid riding through the vegetation on the trail as much as possible to avoid the thorns.

Your local bike shop will have the liners and would probably be happy to install for you.

I hope I haven't jinxed myself by bragging about how flat-free I've been with the liners! :-)

Thanks. MY local bike shop did recommend tire liners and we did put them in. You confirm what we were wondering. Big help.
Trail is packed pebbles. How is the biking vs. doing an asphalt course?
Thanks for the advice!

If you happen to overnight in Atkinson, I would highly recommend Sand Hills Guesthouse. Close to the trail, very nice people running the place, and a nice clean room. Thumbs up.

THANKS Will look into it.

This is my first time browsing this site and I just happened upon this comment about the SGH Motel. THANK YOU MR. ST.LOUIS! That was so kind of you to say. We LOVE our guests! atkinsonmotel.com

Dear Ray, Your advice to get tire liners for our bikes to help protect against flats was excellent. It was a big help--no problems --just cycling a long.
thanks.

Hey everyone, we are now offering a gear transportation service from Norfolk to Valentine, or anywhere in between.(or the other way around...) Shuttle is included with all of our services. Trip planning assistance as well as emergency trip assistance is also available! Parking and lodging info too...402-316-0157,nforkoutfitting.com

Awesome! Great to have a service like this for the Cowboy Trail.

Just to confirm - your shuttle service is also for bikes and gear? I visited your website but only saw references to kayaks. Thanks!

We used North Fork Outfitting for our bike shuttle to Valentine in June. Tony and Lita are very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend.

fyi - just contacted this shuttle service and apparently now they will ONLY shuttle you from Norfolk TO Valentine - not the other way around. We wanted to get a shuttle from valentine to ewing and then bike from ewing back to our car in Valentine.

it appears our only option would be to bike from valentine to ewing and then ride the shuttle from ewing back to valentine - but pay full price for the entire norfolk to valentine route.

My wife and I stayed, slept, visited, ate from Norfolk to Valentine during middle of July. We had to make some adjustments due to heat and thunderstorms, but that was the worse. The best are the folks of the Trail-- friendly, accommodating, and helpful. The Lodging and motels were clean and up to date --service excellent. The local restaurants were clean and the food/service excellent. We had a wonderful vacation- beautiful scenery only surpassed by the wonderful folks of the Trail.
More later

Thanks for the good information. Sounds like you had a very good experience and we are looking forward to the same. We will be riding and ferrying our vehicle along with us.

I'd started a thread above, but thought I'd drop you a note as well. We are going to ride the trail from Valentine to Inman on Labor Day week. I thought I'd ask, "were there any areas you'd avoid and take the highway? A bit of concern for flats etc from thorns. What bikes did you ride? My friend is going to ride her Cannondale Adventure 4 Hybrid with 700x35 tires and I am gong to ride my GT Grade Gravel bike with 700x35 tires. Would love to hear from you about things to do and how your trip went. Thanks, Steve

We did Norfolk to Neligh, then picked up our SUV and did individual biking around Neligh and Valentine after that. We had extreme heat in July and less riding time than we had figured and I had some health issues so the riding bikes were cut short a bit.
1. Bikes - we had Specialized 21 Speeds; tires were 700x38- we wished that we had gravel or mountain tire; we were first timers to this; we practiced on paved roads at 12 to 14 mph and ended on the trail at 6 to 9 mph; we were passed by those with mountain or gravel tires with ease. We thought a mountain tire would have helped this --otherwise we enjoyed it.
2. Thorns- at the start of the trail at Norfolk they warn of Texas burs or Goatheads. We saw them in fields but didn't encounter them. The Valentine Locals watch the thorns East of the Niobrara Bridge to about Wood Lake or Johnstown(?). (read up on the internet about them as they can be a problem for flats.)
From Valentine to the bridge is ok and would recommend the ride (great view!).
3. Flats: We didn't have any! It was recommended (RAY) to put a liner in the tires to help prevent flats and we did. It definitely helped. Also get Triple A they have a pickup and deliver destination policy for bike flats. We stopped at the Norfolk branch and got the 800 number to call if needed; they have reps along the way.
4. The lodging along the way is very accommodating to bikers. Our primary was Country Inn-Norfolk; Deluxe-Neligh; Niobrara Lodge-Valentine; great places- let us store our bikes in safe/secure places; very helpful. Also had contacts in Ainsworth, Stuart, Atkinson, and O'Neill and believed they were accommodating as well if we wanted to stay there.
5. EATS- Valentine: Coach Light for Lunch; Peppermill for steaks---a great eating experience; others were great as well along the way.
6. Things to do: Tubing on the Niobrara- went 9:30 am to about 1PM -it was great! Would do it again. Niobrara bridge near Valentine- a must to see and behold; visit with locals along the way-great people. Views are good for the biking from Valentine to Inman. There a lot of town museums along the way. Pick your towns and research them for labor day events.

Looking forward to checking out the trail this summer 2017. Was curious about the eventual extension to Chadron, anybody have a ballpark ideas as to when that might happen? Thanks.

Also, looking forward to checking out the Trail this summer.

So, just wondering, did you get your ride in? How was it? We are planning Labor Day week to ride from Valentine to Inman, and wondering how things were. Thanks,

I realize this is a very subjective question but I'm driving from west to east starting in Chadron. Could anyone suggest several choice spots to stop and camp along the trail then ride an out and back in each direction. It's my first time through here and if like to recon some nice areas. Thanks for anyone who responds

I walked from Valentine to Ainsworth and I think the most beautiful part of the trail is the first 15 miles east of Valentine. I recommend you find a place to leave your bike in Valentine. Not sure how many miles you want to ride. At 15 miles you are at a new cell phone tower and a windmill where you can get water. You could turn around there and go back to Valentine. If you want you can go another 10 miles to Wood Lake. There is a very nice city park with water and a well kept lawn ideal for camping. It is another 10 miles to Johnston. There is no place to eat in Wood Lake. There is a nice bar and cafe in Johnston. Most of the trail follows Hwy 20 and the view is on par with the highway. The highway has 8 foot shoulders and little traffic. All the bikers prefer it. The 15 miles east of Valentine is mostly away from the highway. It is out in the sandhills and is a great experience. If you are going to ride any of the trail that is the part you definitely want to ride.

Thanks Paul. I'll be in the Valentine area tomorrow 9/13. I'm planning on driving/riding/camping most of the way to Neligh. I have a small motorhome and plan to stop and ride/camp along the way. Out and backs, whatever. I am taking about a week to do it so I should see a lot of it. Thanks for getting back to me

Traveling south of Valentine you will cross the Niobrara River. About half way up the on the south there is a parking lot on the east side of the rode. You can park there and get on the trail and walk north to the Railroad Bridge. It's a great view. Then hike back to your vehicle.

Just reading your post. This is what I would like to try and do the trail from Norfolk to Valentine. How did the park and ride both directions from your vehicle go? We're you able to find spots go park?

Hello! I am interested in biking this trail round trip. I'm wondering how often there is potable water and how many liters people are carrying with them at a time? I'm also curious if you have to camp at designated campsite or if you can set up your tent along the trail. Finally is it safe to bike the road from Valentine to Gordon? I have relatives I would like to visit while I'm in the area. Thank you for your help!

I am planning a trip to ride the trail from O'Neill to Valentine later this year. I see there are shuttle services available, but does anyone know if they drive that far and will they carry bikes? Or what do you find the best way to find a ride back to the starting point, besides ridding another 100 miles :)

Contact North Fork Outfitting in Norfolk. They shuttle people and bikes, I think from anywhere on the trail.
https://www.nforkoutfitting.com/

Hello, does anyway know what stretches are gravel and which ones are paved?

We just rode from Valentine to Norfolk. All stretches are gravel except when going through some of the towns. It is paved in Norfolk.

I did some recon today (27 June 2017) in Valentine, and this campground is now closed. :(
Super sad because it's location was PERFECT (half mile?) from the parking lot to leave cars and start the trail! And is right on the river near the awesome bridge!

Sad to hear this but thank you for passing it along; I have removed it from the listings.

Be prepared for flat tires. I picked up a thorn from weeds growing in the trail. The gravel is a bit deep in areas and not as packed as I would like. Deep holes and washouts near bridges need maintenance. Overall this ride is worth the trip and has several neat features including towns and bridges. Most of the trail is in direct sunlight with very little shade. I enjoyed the ride and was surprised by how little this trail is used. We stayed in Valentine. The Corner Pub was the place to be on a Friday night. Small town with no bike shop but most services. Bring extra tubes. A for scenery and bridges. Trail condition B-. Make the trip it's worth the drive. Very friendly people.

$5 per night. Plenty of shade trees. Not on the trail, but it's an easy 1mi north of downtown. (The trail crosses Main Street, which is the leg of Hwy83 running North from Hwy20 and is the historical downtown area that still thrives. Main Street will narrow to 2 narrow lanes and then forms a Y. Go right when it Y's, and the park is in your right).
Free showers, toilets, & water. Grilling stations and picnic tables.
Well kept grassy areas with a creek running through it. Picturesque.
1mi from Public library that has free wifi. Library is on east side of Main Street.

I'm curious what season is best for calm weather for biking the trail. Both strong winds and storms are things I'd like to avoid as much as possible.

The calmest weather would be early September, that is the low season for thunderstorms and you have a better chance of getting some calmer days. You can also have long stretches of calm dry weather starting in early July but expect the days to be in the mid 90's and the wind always blows 10 to 12 MPH even on the calm days

October is usually also storm free and lower winds so from Early september to Mid/ Late October

We were wondering the possible timeline for completing more of the trail from Valentine west? We may plan a bicycle trip for fall 2018.

Also, how much of the 195 mile current trail is on roads and how much on old railroad bed ( off road, not just on bicycle lane on side of road?)

As far as I know, any further expansion past Valentine is in limbo, and I would not expect any work to be done before your 2018 trip.

The entire trail is actual trail, not roads. But you will often hear of people using shoulders on the adjacent highway for portions of the trail. The main reasons for this are:

- Sections of the trail where the gravel is not well-packed enough, or too weedy.

- Places where a bridge is out. I came across two of these when I rode the trail 3 years ago.

- Some people just prefer solid pavement to packed gravel. Obviously skinny-tire road bikes are not good for the trail.

Hello there, is there long term parking a the start of the trailhead in Norfolk?

Yes, you can leave your car at Ta-Ha-Zouka park, which is where the trail begins. You're supposed to let someone from the park staff know if you'll be parked for four or more days (though I figure it can't hurt to notify them even for shorter overnight periods).

Happy trails!

To Cindy, I have ridden both trails and I prefer the Katy trail due to the fact that the trail by the most part is well maintained. There are numerous stops for food, water, repairs as well as medical help. You are able to get shuttle support and there is also the Amtrak train to shuttle bikers and their bikes in some locations. You can see services under the towns and services tab in both trail maps. Happy Biking pedler4

Has anyone thru hiked the entire trail Norfolk to Chadron?

I've noticed that most are traveling from Norfolk to Valentine. I'm planning to ride the trail in 2019, wouldn't it be best to ride West to East, Valentine to Norfolk? I live in the Midwest and know how the wind can blow. I know the grade is slight, but that way its all downhill also. Thoughts?

I would like to hear comments on that also! I hope to do the trail yet this summer and was planning a valentine to Norfolk route. Pros and cons appreciated

We are going Norfolk to Ainsworth and back later this year and will let you know.

Elevation is 1000 feet Norfolk to Ainsworth or 6.69 feet per mile. UP to Ainsworth and down to Norfolk. Still relatively flat land.

Something to think about. Most people want ot ride in the morning to 'beat the heat'. That being said, riding East to West (Norfolk to Valentine) puts the sun at your back for the ride. Going West to East, puts the sun in your eyes. As far as the wind goes, it doesn't matter, you'll have wind hit you at all sides in any direction you choose.

One other consideration is going against the flow. I've done a lot of hiking trails and you see less people going with the flow. If you go oposite way you meet everyone very very briefly.

You also meet to know those on the same schedule, stopping at the same places etc. A good chance to swap stories over a beer or 2

I haven't ridden the trail but lived in Nebraska and Kansas for many years. Typically, in summer months you will experience a southerly wind - sometimes south westerly when a storm is coming. Looking at the map, I think it will probably even out.

I do lots of trail riding, GAP, KATY, C&O Towpath and local trails here in Louisville and my hometown of Pittsburgh. I also do lots of long distance kayaking on creeks, rivers and the Great Lakes. The rule of thumb, if you are going out and back it to go uphill, upstream or into the wind on the way out. When we did the KATY one way, we traveled west to east, because it was our first time and we wanted tailwinds and downhill. Same for a Pittsburgh to Washington ride. However we are doing a DC to PIT ride this year, because we want to see the other side of the trees.

Wondering about the trail from Chadron to Valentine. Is it bikeable?

I've ridden the GAP 3x and the GAP and C&O from DC to Pittsburgh to give an idea of my experience.

Thanks!

I rode Norfolk to Valentine this year and we ended up riding mostly hwy20 instead of the cowboy trail. The trail west of Valentine is not finished, but hwy20 had great shoulders and traffic is not very heavy in that part of the state. Beautiful Sandhills scenery.

So you were on the shoulder of the road most of the trip? WTH? Why are they saying its complete?

I'm disabled walking and biking are out. My daughter is going with me can we use small scooters. Also weather early oct