Cowboy Trail Forum

My husband and I take an adventure bike trip every May. We were thinking of revisiting the Katy or the Ohio to Erie but I had mentioned the Cowboy. My husband says he has heard many tales of horrendous thorns on the trail. Is this really true? I appreciate the feedback from May riders.

I have not ridden the trail, I plan to this summer. However, I grew up in the Sandhills and yes, those thorns are bad. Kevlar and semi solid tires are a must to ride. The weight will pay for itself. But the views in the Sandhills are amazing and you will never forget the night sky.

I rode the trail in 2016. No thorns. Don't worrry.

Hermann

6 friends rode it end-to-end last summer and between them had 1 flat. They rode with good puncture resistant tires but nothing unusual or special.

Big thorns on the trail about a half mile west of town at Ainsworth. 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.

The thorns won't come out until mid to late summer , hence the differing opinions on this subject. Unless there are holdovers from the previous year, but I would expect the problem gets worse in the later summer

I ride the trail in late September/early October every year. Thorns aren't an issue.

Is harvest dust a problem in mid- to late September?

So, odd question for you folks who have used this website for your trip planning.
How many other bike trails used this web designer for their sites?

-bikecando.com
-bikekatytrail.com
-bikecowboytrail.com
All appear to be from exact same designer. I REALLY like this format and would research more trails.

Thanks for the note - glad you like the websites!

There are two others....

Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga trails in Georgia and Alabama:
http://www.bikeSilverComet.com

Rock Island trail, which intersects the Katy Trail (and the websites intersect somewhat too):
http://www.bikeRockIsland.com

If you know of any other long trails out there that don't yet have good websites, I'm open to suggestions for other sites!

Happy trails!

Ray,

THANK YOU for your work on this and the other sites.
I need to tell you more about WHY I’m SO happy with your site design.
My oldest daughter and I biked the Katy Trail in September, 2014. My youngest and I biked the GAP/C&O in September of this year. Both girls were 9yrs old when they took their trips. Both were also out of school for the duration of their trip, including travel to/from our home. As part of the conditions for their time off school (and to get myself out of carrying their textbooks along) I had to incorporate academic work into the trip itself. Geography, math, history, budget/finance and speech all were covered. In the winter, the girls laid out the endpoints of the trip and did the math and mapping of “how many days?” and “how far can we go each day”, “is it uphill/downhill and how much?”, “Where can we camp, get food, water?”, “What do we want to see?” “If we have a breakdown, where can we go?” “Is there something historically significant?”... We bought or library-loaned books on the areas we were going and read about the history and I even made the girls work up a budget for us for camping, food, drink, souvenirs, repairs, etc. We had tens of hours of prep-time in January and February prior to each of our trips. We’ve photo-documented the whole thing as they are in a Bicycling 4-H project as well. It was AT LEAST two weeks of classroom work rolled into a well-planned and executed trip.
After we returned the girls each had/have to do a Powerpoint (technology) presentation for their wing (grades K-5) of the school. –My youngest does hers tomorrow! I will bring in the tandem bike and gear and all the kids will get to ding the bell and try sitting on it and see the little stove and other cool stuff we used…
All that said, can you imagine how valuable your site was in planning our trip?? The girls and I have spent HOURS on your websites and have found them to be the clearest, most straightforward way to plan a

bike trip. So easy a child can do it. LITERALLY!
Thank you for your efforts on these. I’m sure they require a lot of resources be assembled during creation and updated as businesses/contacts change. Now we’re spoiled and have a hard time using any other sites. We’ve never done the Cowboy or the Silver Comet, but I’ve bookmarked those sites and one of those will be our next trip.
THANKS AGAIN!!

Sorry if my post was duplicated)

Awf Hand - sorry I'm slow to reply, but I love your description what an amazing learning experience you were able to give your kids. It's gratifying to know that one of my websites was able to play a key part in that. I love running these websites, and hearing stories like yours makes it all worthwhile. Good luck with your future trips!

Ray - don't you do the C and O/Great Allegheny Passage as well? The design of the site looks very similar.

Not sure what your definition of long trails is - or how short/long you want to work on....but...

Longleaf Trace in Mississippi isn't that long but could use some work. Found it fairly hard to find information. So could the Pine Creek Trail has a good/active Facebook page and a really good guidebook but no much in terms of a web presence (that I could find) Same with the famous Mickelson Trail in SD. Good guide book that can be downloaded as a PDF but not an active web presence/discussion forum (again - that I can find.)

As noted - there's some online information for all of them, but I really appreciate the active Comment Forums and the trip planning resources that you offer.

Finally - the Prairie Spirit Trail in Kansas and the newly developing Flint Hills Nature Trail in that state could also use some additional website work/design in my opinion.

Thank you for the heads-up on those other trails!

I will definitely take a look and see how well they fit. I love doing these websites and am always happy to have a new one to work on (and yes BikeCandO.com is one of mine)

Thanks again and happy trails!

I find this , as well as the other trails utilising these page templates, to be very useful when viewed on a desktop monitor. Very good planning tools.I think it would be useful to integrate google maps into the content..I find myself toggling between pages to look at topography , terrain details.
Keep up the good work Mr. Ray

My sister and brother-in-law managed Hidden Paradise in 1950. As a 15 year old, I went along, as a summer job, to help with picking up trash after the Saturday night dance and keeping the place clean. My Grandpa gave me a fly rod to take along and I fished in Long Pine Creek every day and caught lots trout. Great memories!!

I'm planning a bike trip to the Cowboy Trail next spring. How are the bike trail conditions? Thanks for sharing!
AC

I have biked on a lot of trails in different states but I cannot understand why this trail (Cowboy)is not kept up and promoted like other state trails do.
Nebraska is missing out on a lot of tourism and their dollars.

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.