Cowboy Trail Forum

We stopped at Valentine on our way to Spearfish. We had a such great time on the trail we plan to ride more of it next year. The suppers at the Peppermill Restaurant were so large that my wife and I could split a meal and still have plenty. Lodging at the Econo Lodge was more then adequate.

Thank you for the post. This is helpful in my planning.

Can't seem to find where to park at a trailhead in Valentine. Can you advise, please?

Ask any of the locals they are friendly and have all the answers.

I see on the RideWithGPS website/maps it shows the trail west of Valentine all the way to German Settlement Road.

Wondering if anyone with local/first-hand knowledge has actually ridden this stretch of 15-18 miles west of Valentine.

Thanks!

Asking the question as I am considering an end-to-end ride next June and am dreaming/planning. Thanks again.

Hate to rain on your parade. Lots of the trail is not well maintained or used. The bikers prefer to ride along the highway as it has 8 foot shoulders and has minimal traffic. There are few stretches that are worth traveling on. West of Norfolk the trail follows the rivet....nice. once it gets to where it parralells the highway you are best to travel on the road. There are a few stretches away from the highway the best are onthe way through Lone Pine. There is a new cell tower 10 miles west of Wood Lake. From there it is 15iles to Valentine. It is definitely the place to ride the trail. Traveling through the sandhills and crossing the Niobrara. A trip you won't forge.

Thanks for the feedback. I plan to give it a go from Norfolk to Valentine next summer. I kind of like an adventure. I am planning to stop at Valentine. Thanks again for the feedback. It is very helpful.

Can you travel west from Kilgore at all? Thanks.

Anyone biking to Valentine from Norfolk? I could drive your vehicle to Valentine as I want to hike from Valentine to Norfolk.

I walked from Valentine to Ainsworth. I think the trail as a whole is not going to work out. Most of it parralells HWY 20 which has 8 feet shoulders and has minimal traffic. It is a great highway for cross-country cycling. The only bikes I saw were on the highway. There are many sandburrs growing on the trail. Without puncture proof tires, trying to ride on it would be foolish. The best 15 miles to hike or bike. Are the 15 miles east of Valentine. It would be an easy bike ride as it is all slightly downhill. It stays away from the highway and it is gorgeous. It goes through the sandhills and is very quiet and peaceful. You get to cross the entire Niobrara river valley and to the Railroad Bridge that is nearly a mile long and the view is awesome. Aside from that section you can see most of what trail offers from your car driving down HWY 20. They are building a cell phone tower at mile 15 there is a windmill right east of it. It is about 10 miles west of Wood Lake. Get on the trail there and ride or walk to Valentine you will love it and remember it! Someone in Valentine the provides canoe trips should get some bikes to rent and shuttle people out there. It would be a big hit. The trail is in very good condition the whole way.

I plan to hike from Norfolk to Valentine, and I was just wondering if you can camp along the trail or if it is necessary to find campsites in each town.

You will need to stop at one of the small towns along the trail and camp. The trail is technically closed at sunset. Most all of the towns have a place where you can camp, some charge a small fee, and others are free.

Have you done the hike? I plan to do the same next weekend. To you have transportation arranged to Valentine?

Want to find a ride with anyone going from Norfolk to Valentine between August 20 and 22. 4028907361

Does anyone know how far it is from Valentine to the bridge over the Niobrara River outside of Valentine? Thanks!!

It's close to Valentine - no more than a couple of miles.

Thank you Steve!!

I just drove along US hwy 20 from Atkinson to O'Neill . I didn't see a single roadsign alerting travellers to the existence of the trail. Can you put some brown tourist location type signage " Cowboy Bike trail trailhead XX miles " at suitable locations along US Hwy 20 .

Excellent point! I realize state funding is low, but come on. Informational signs along the highways would be great! A modern website that shows more info, a Facebook and Twitter account that someone updates regularly, etc.


The state needs to fund more of the trail, but at least try harder to promote this trail.

I really wish there was more info on the Cowboy Trail. Also, when will the state finally continue the trail??


Anyhow, there is a section of the trail out west in Sheridan County that has been completed. It runs between Gordon, NE and Rushville, NE. Bridges repaired and surface laid. Been ready for around a year now. Local volunteers donated a ton of time to get it ready. Great towns, great people, great trail. There is also a Facebook page dedicated to this section of trail. Just search "Cowboy Trail West" on Facebook for more information!


Happy riding!!

You should add the Long Pine State Recreation area as lodging option. It has a very nice camping area and is about 1 mile from the trail

Ian, thank you for the suggestion. I have added Long Pine to the Ainsworth listings.

Happy trails!

Is there any place along the Trail where I can rent a bike? Thanks

A group of us have ridden from Valentine to Ainsworth this week. Much of the trail was grass covered with some holes, but not unpassable. The last mile before Ainsworth (West) our tires got covered with Texas sandburs and nearly all of them went flat. I hope it isn't like this the rest of the trail. Be careful!

We are done up to Inman now and have not run into any trouble like on the west side of Ainsworth. So far, many box turtles, a hog nosed snake, lizards, deer, all kinds of birds and other critters. We have covered Valentine to Inman now. Having a blast with it.

Found Ewing Park. Nap is incorrect. Park is North side of Hwy 275 before you enter town.

For those that have hiked/rode along the trail, would hammock locations be available at most camping stops? Obviously just need a couple trees, just hoping to save weight compared to a tent/sleeping bag/mat. Any other advice from those that have biked and camped the trail? Thanks!

When do you plan to go? I'm want to hike from Valentine to Norfolk. I plan to drive to Norfolk and looking for a ride to Valentine. I want to go June 11 or 12 2016. Will pay! 402 890 7361

Did you ride yet? Any recommendations? Looking to ride Juyl 4th-July 7th.

I am riding a carbon tri bike and was planning on highway rides, but this trail appears is a must. Would I be better off renting a road bike? Thank you in advance for suggestions

I am reading a lot of negative comments. I am planning a trip in July 2015, is this trail worth it?

People that complain about this trail are babies. Must be used to perfect trails to ride on. It is what it is.

I have friends from Topeka, Kansas who are experienced riders who went and rode it end-to-end...along with 2 other couples who are less experienced. They LOVED it and have highly recommended the adventure. Their advise (and they are former racers and decorated triathletes)...don't ride a tire narrower than 32-35. Have good flat protection. Slow down and enjoy the view. Take in the sights along the way - including many of the small towns. Eat in some diners. Stop for coffee. Enjoy the adventure.

Sounds like good advise to me and that's what I intend to do later in the year.

I rode it in September and had a great time. Valentine to Long Pine is a beautiful section to ride and the towns are great along the trail. Definitely stop at the L-Bow-Room in Johnstown if you come out. I would second the comment on at least 700x35c tires, it can get a little rough at times but if you've got the right bike the Cowboy Trail is wonderful to ride on.

This is the best bike trail that I'm aware of in the country. By best I mean longest dedicated bike path. Sure there are longer trails in America but you have to travel on roads with cars on the rest of them. The Cowboy is like the Katy Trail in Missouri, a popular trail, but without all of the drunks and floods. Nebraskans are very friendly and welcoming. My only complaint is that the entire trail isn't complete yet.

Looking to ride July 4th-7th and looking for some advice. I brought with me a carbon tri bike as I have a big race coming up in September, but it appears I can't pass up this trail! Those that have ridden the trail.. is my carbon tri bike going to get ruined? Recommend renting a trail bike probably? Anyone else looking to ride during this week? Message me. Cheers and aloha y'all

searched ahead though 6 consecutive towns starting with Ainworth that we are coming up to and all you show is bars and restaurants. Are there no bike shops on the cowboy trail?

no information on bike shops... but When are you considering biking the trail? What kind of bike are you using? Looking to ride July 4th-7th. Open to all suggestions and comments.

I am interested in biking this trail. What kind of bike is suggested to use for this? Can I use a carbon triathlon bike or is the crushed gravel going to ruin the bike? Open to all suggestions. Looking to ride July 4-7th. Thank you all

You would do better if you started a Twitter account and became active on Twitter. Cowboy Trail could be s huge boon to Nebraska tourism.

I will be riding self contained from Oregon starting in June passing through the Badlands and then south to Valentine on into Iowa. Some of the posts warn of rough trail, thorns and bridges out. Is the road along the trail a good alternative from Valentine to Norfolk? Do any readers have experience getting through the Badlands south to Valentine?

Sounds like it should be an amazing trip! Just did Bar Harbor to Seattle this summer. I've ridden the trail from Clearwater to Norfolk and can say that section is very smooth. I can't speak to anything past Clearwater. Thorns can definitely be a problem out here whether you are on the road or the trail. I would highly recommend flat protection of some sort. Have a fun trip!

Last I knew, there was a bridge out by Oakdale, but this was a few years ago, so Mooresnow may know better than me. It is easily avoided as the highway runs close to the trail except where that bridge was out. Just take highway 275 from Neligh to Oakdale and then hop back on the trail.

As another hint, check Google maps and make an alternate route for if it is rainy when you come through. Highway and/or county blacktop run within a mile of the trail most of the way. It isn't near as cool is riding on the trail, but patches can get soft.

I am sorry, I saw another post from earlier this year and realized I had the wrong bridge. Like I said-- it was a couple of years ago. Clearwater bridge is out. Take 275 from Clearwater for a few miles east, until you see the trail again to the south of the highway-- anywhere east of 519 Ave.

interesting. my daughter and i are walking it in june. hope the weather holds.

So is this bridge still out?

I'm thinking about doing this soon. Hopefully this summer...

What are the conditions of the paths? Is is crushed rock or cement?

rode bike from norfolk to neligh, first few miles are paved {2-3 mi} crushed gravel after that. It is fairly smooth, my bike has narrow road tires I had no problems

My son and I are planning our first long walk from O'Neill to Norfolk in a couple weeks. We are planning on 3.5 days, which means 20-25 miles/day. Does this sound reasonable to those who have already hiked this section?

Camping? What camping? There's a small lot for trailer campers, but no tent camping.

Nice campground. No fire pits, but a nice place to stay.

Today I found this news story on the Wabash Trace Trail Facebook page. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9idygukNQg&sns=em
Maybe the towns people along the Cowboy Trail could watch this and change their mind about the economic opportunity they have been given & embrace what it can become. There are many people across this country that want to ride and enjoy the scenery our state has to offer. I rode the Katy trail in Missouri last week and can't wait to go back to ride more of it next year. I would rather stay in Nebraska but based on comments here, I don't want to risk spending my valuable vacation time on a trail that isn't as welcoming as the folks in Missouri are. Please help me reconsider.

I agree with you 100% I love cycling the Wabash Trail and the Katy Trail and I did not have a pleasant experience on the Cowboy Trail. I think the state and communities are missing great opportunities by neglecting the Cowboy Trail. Like you I will stick other Rails to Trails and skip the Cowboy Trail. Check out the Homestead Trail in NE and the Mopac, both excellent trails in great condition.

I wish that the darn trail would get completed from Valentine to Chadron sometime soon! There is virtually ZERO movement by the state on this project. Very disappointing.

In the early years there was a lot of resistance along parts of the katy trail too, but the towns and counties along the trail keep growing with it. Things just keep getting better here, and hopefully they will there too with time.

The Cowboy Trail is awesome. The terrain and sights of the Nebraska Outback are better than any other trail in America outside of the mountains or coastal areas. The reason you guys don't like The Cowboy but rave about other worse trails like The Katy is cause you're drunks. That's why it takes you several days to complete the trail instead of finishing it in two days like a real cyclist does. The Katy is alright but the people on it ruin it. It's overcrowded, especially in the St. Louis area, it floods often, it's poorly maintained especially in St. Charles County and like I previously mentioned there are a lot of drunks that like to frequent the bars/wineries along the way instead of actually cycling, the intended purpose of the trail. Furthermore some jackboot Republican senator is trying to pass a bill that would allow atvs on the trail. Atvs and bicycles mix well, kinda like bicycles and cars.KGFW2R

I'm a pretty new, recreational rider who is thinking about trying some of the trail at some ambiguous point in the future. :) Can anyone point me to an elevation profile for the whole trail or sections thereof? Thanks!

Check out this page:
http://www.bikecowboytrail.com/elevation.aspx

It's a very flat trail. The long slow increase in elevation going west is so gradual that you'll probably never even notice it.

Happy trails!

I am looking into bicycling from Norfolk to Valentine next fall. My thought was to drive to Valentine, get a shuttle back to Norfolk, and then ride to my car. Does anyone have experience with getting a shuttle ride to the other end of the trail?

Howdy Nate.., don't believe there is any shuttle services in them parts. However you could more than likely get a ride from a local cab company. I searched GOOGLE (type in Norfolk Nebraska taxi) and found Checker Cab (402) 371-5800. They claim to take one wherever they need to go . Vaya con Dios!

Nate, Are you saying next year as in 2017? I'm looking to ride from Valentine to Norfork sometime in Sept of 2016. Most likley the last week in Sept. I'm looking into signing up 5 to 10 riders. Contact me if you want too.

Hey guys, let me know if I can help either of you...my trailer can handle 10-12 bikes, and van holds the same! 402-316-0157 nforkoutfitting.com

Hello, all! I am looking to bike this trail over the summer, starting from the Ta-Ha-Zouka Trailhead in Norfolk. I am not sure how far out I will go. It all depends on where transportation back to Norfolk is available. I used the site's trip planner and it includes shuttles. Does anyone know if the shuttles listed run to Norfolk? Thanks!

Hollie, I have been riding the trail between Norfolk and Oakdale and as far west as Ewing for years and don't know of any shuttles. Of course, that could be because I wasn't looking for one.

If I may suggest, why not plan an out-and-back? There are many places to camp on the way. Neligh's park is a great camping spot right on the trail. Or, if camping isn't your thing, almost every-other town has some size of hotel.

Another option would be to find a friend to drive you as far as you want to go west and then you could bike back to Norfolk.

Whatever you do, pack an extra tube, a patch kit, a pump, tire levers, and plenty of water bottles. A couple of the towns that list water have public hydrants in parks nowhere near the trail. In Tilden there is a hydrant on the trail, as well as a nice little convenience store just across the highway to the north, which is why it is a common stop for me on day trips.

Hey Hollie, give us a call at 402-316-0157, I offer gear and bike transport(shuttle included) to Valentine or anywhere in between!

Needing to get from Norfolk to valentine with 4 bikes. Around the end of April
Any ideas? Not wanting to spend a lot.

We are planning a trip in May to bike the trail. Is it easier to bike from Long Pine to Norforlk or the other way around? And anyone have any tips?