Cowboy Trail Forum

A group of us are considering the Cowboy Trail for a trip in May of 2014. All of the comments I am seeing are making me question our choice. Has the trail improved over the last year or so? Is there any work being done to improve it? Where would I find a good resource for information, either in Norfolk or Valentine? Thanks in advance for any help.

Your best bet for info is probably the bike shop in Norfolk. Click Norfolk in the map above and you'll see it in the list of businesses.

Why spend you time and money where the state and local support is not there ? KATY, GAP/C&O/Erie Canal, ... There are great trails out there. Don't waste your time in Nebraska.

There are so many wonderful Rails to Trails in SD, Iowa, NE, Kansas and MO. Why waste time and money on the Cowboy Trail, it is not a good trail to bike on. I would not choose the Cowboy Trail for my vacation ride!

You can ride it but you'll possibly spend more time on parallel US 20 and US 275. Better get Kevlar tires because of the goathead sandbur. That sandbur is absolutely wicked.

Wondering if a bunch of strangers could meet up on the cowboy trail in April and kind of start our own mini RAGBAI all the little towns along the way be the support needed. Frank

I would be interested in riding the trail in April

The trail running east from valentine crosses the beautiful trestle bridge but soon deteriorates. More specifically, the section eat of Thatcher until almost Arabia was in bad shape. For almost five miles the trail is severely washboarded by agricultural vehicles. Even sections marked 'no motorized vehicles' shows clear signs of ATV and pickup use. In many cases the tire tracks lead into fields, suggesting local rancher traffic is making extensive use of the trail. The surface of the trail can also be challenging since the fine gravel is not compacted and can cause sliding where it has accumulated. I was disappointed after being converted to exploring this part of the world after cycling the marvelous Mickelson trail in SD twice.

I agree, don't bother with the Cowboy Trail. I stick to the Mickelson Trail in SD, The Wabash Trace Trail in Iowa, the Homestead and the Mopac in NE. My favorite is the Paul Bunyan Trail in MN. It is over 100 miles long and paved!

Last year I rode from Bassett to Battle Creek in late September. I spent more miles on US 20 and US 275 than I did the trail. Some of it was closed and other places they were working on it. Several times I had to get off because of new gravel. Good people to meet there though.

May 2012

Nebraska spent a fortune building the longest off-road bike trail in the country. However, it is currently unridable since the gravel is not compacted and it is like riding on sand most of the way. Also, the pink quartzite they have added to certain stretches is a much poorer riding surface than the white limestone on other stretches. It would take a very small additional investment to pay someone to steamroll the trail once a year and it would then be a jewel. It is my hope that this will happen and then be followed by positive comments from riders. If so, it will attract riders and much needed income to the wonderful communities along the route. On our trip, we did not pass one other biker over the 180 mile stretch we were on.

Positives;
1) Unbelievably friendly and charming communities
2) Beautiful wide open countryside
3) Flat terrain for riding
4) Wonderful steaks (try Golden Steer in Ainsworth and L&B in Clearwater)
5) Wonderful breakfasts (try West End in O’Neill)
Lodging;
1) Pine Valley Resort cabins; outstanding
2) Stuart Village Inn (Stuart), Historic Golden Hotel (O’Neill), West Hill View Motel (Neligh), New Victorian (Norfolk); all clean and comfortable
Thorns and Bike Repair;
1) The western parts of the trail have goat thorns which easily puncture tires. We had no problem using Continental Punctureproof tires and Sunlite Puncture Resistant tubes.
2) We had a broken derailer hanger and found that the only top bicycle shop on the trail is Cleveland Bike and Sport, 407 E. Norfolk Ave, Norfolk. However, this shop was AMAZING and saved our trip. We had a car at each end of each day’s trip and shuttled the cars with us as we proceeded or we would have been in trouble (i.e. we were able to drive to Norfolk for our repair)

I agree with this comment. The trail communities and the surrounding area have so much to offer and the puzzle is no one seems to care and the trail continues to be useless. Who wants to ride in these conditions, when there are so many other wonderful trails to choose from. Not me.

Rode the trail east 10 miles out and back from valentine, on road bike , trail was great! Wish I could go more but got dark on me.

Don't forget that valentine has the best river in Nebraska for canoe, kayak, and floating. several outfitters in town for shuttles and rentals. The bridge over the Niobrara is awesome!

I have biked several trails in the US. Five of us will be biking from Crazy Horse, SD on the Mickelson Trail south to Edgemont, (South end of traill) and then on to the Cowboy Trail starting in Chadron, NE to the end at Nolfolk, NE. After reading all the reports of the Cowboy, do any of you suggest that we stay on the highway? Chris

The trail is fine. I rode 60 miles of it last September. The surface is hard enough; I disagree with those who say it is too soft. It is a wonderful ride. You're missing out if you don't take it. I'm going back this fall.

Has anyone been on this bike trail recently. I'm thinking of doing a bike ride in memory of my grandson.

We have a group of about 10 folks heading that way the first of June.
As an out an back it looked fun and interesting and affordable. I see the incomplete section from Valentine to Chadron and was wondering if it is rideable even if not built up yet. We all ride larger tires 700x40's being the smallest of the group so single track and such is doable so long as we aren't walking for miles ... any knowledge of those areas as we could shuttle out and ride the entire 300 plus miles that way instead of an out and back.

Thanks

Kelly

You are probably already on your trip. I know it's in the 30's in Chadron today, so good luck. I do not believe you can bike from Valentine to Chadron, even without the trail build-up. We rode last year around the Norfolk area heading west and the trail was terrible. There were also bridges out from flooding a few years back and with the state's financial situation, I doubt they will be replaced.

From the state park website, the funding for the flood repairs was coming from federal resources.

Hi, I am cross country by bicycle now, and here I am in Des Morines now, predict will arrive Norfolk about a week, I would like to consider thhe trail to lead to to Rapid city, my bike is road bike with 700X25C tire, is it possible to ride to Rapid city by the trail?

welcome to my blog: wutang1106.wordpress.com

Best darn food in the country. You will never leave hungry!

My father and I are interested in doing the entire trail this June. How much of the Cowboy Trail has been finished? If I were to arrive in Omaha what would be the easiest way to get to trail. How could we get back to Omaha from the finish line? Thank you for the support?

There are much better trails, that are supported by the State and local communities. Trails that are maintained and unauthorized vehicles kept off. The KATY in Missouri is fantastic. The GAP/C&O Canal is another one. The Mickelson trail in South Dakota. Don't waste your valuable time and money that are adverse to the cycling community.

I agree with the reply. I would not waste the money or time on the Cowboy Trail The Katy Trail in MO, the Mickelson Trail in SD are so awesome and well maintained.

We are planning to ride the full length of the Cowboy Trail in May. Has anyone been riding on it yet this year? If so, what are the conditions? Are there still parts of the trail that are closed? Appreciate any information you can give us.

The friendliest place in town. Both receptionists were helpfull and considerate. I was made to feel very comfortable. You must stop here for your night.Great restaurant around the corner.

I am wondering if the less than stellar conditions on the Cowboy Trail are accidental or a plan to eventually discontinue this trail? I know the ranchers and farmers in the area use the trail as a farm road for animals and equipment and would probably cheer if the trail was abandoned. If people like me don't ride the trail because of the poor condition of the trail, does that give everyone involved reasons to stop funds for the trail? It seems a mystery to me that those responsible for this trail don't see the economic advantages to surrounding communities. Just look at the success of the Katy, the Mickelson and the Wabash Trace trails. Just wondering. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

What sections are really bad? I was thinking about trying to ride the whole trail as an out and back this summer starting in Norfolk.

Hi Anonymous, Perhaps the question might be what trail sections are good? As you can read, others attempting to ride this trail usually end up riding the roads instead of the trail. The trail is paved from Norfolk for a few miles and that is nice but other than that it is not too good. I haven't been back to the trail since the Spring 2012, so maybe there have been improvements. I had a goal of cycling the entire trail but now will focus on the other Rails to Trails. Good luck and let others know of your experiences on the trail next summer.

Same. I was planning to do the trail end-to-end last summer, but it doesn't seem that the trail has the support. I'm not looking for a paved trail, but do not want to trip where I'm not wanted. Did the GAP-C&O Canal ride - what an experience! And the people I met were great. Looking at the Erie Canal trail this year. Everyone, there are many other trails to go on.

It is a good trail but I rode on and off US 20 and Us 275 for better speed. The state was working on the trail near O'Neill with that red gravel. It is flat but you better have kevlar tires. I had Bontrager Hard Case tires on my bike but got a flat on my Burley Bugger from the Texas Sandburr--even with kevlar tires on it. There's good people there and good camping. You might want to ride a short distance

Working on blog article while my son wraps up a slide deck from our June 2012 adventure. A group of 14, 11 on bike completed the whole trail in June for Boyscout Troop 7.
The trail was very rough from Valentine to Ainsworth - we changed about 12 flats that day - many on the same bikes. There were only 2 bikes that made it w/out a flat over our 4 and 1/2 days.
The communities and ranchers were very accomodating. We camped over night at Ainsworth, Atkinson, Ewing and Battle Creek. It was an outstanding experience. In our group were five boys ages 11-12 - they held up well. A couple got some sag wagon support on Day 2-4.
My son and I are planning a repeat next summer - this time w/ Kevlar, Double Tubed, Guard tires. While choppy, Valentine to Ainsworth can be done. Plus you won't need chiropractic care for awhile! ;-)

The Neligh website also indicates primitive camping is available at Fred Penn Park.

The thorns are really bad on the trail right now. It has limited my riding of late. Does anybody know what sections of the trail are concrete other than Norfolk?

O'Neill has a segment in town that is concrete or asphalt and probably about 1/4 mile. Other than than that, it's crushed limestone. Good luck.

If I wanted to bike the entire length of the trail, is there a return shuttle, or bus connections?

I would like this info as well.

Not that I know of. I was lucky that I got someone to take me from Battle Creek to Bassett. Unlike the Katy, this trail parallels US 20 and US 275. Most of the time it is less than 100 yards. The Texas sandburr is really wicked so get kevlar tires. Check with the bicycle shop in Norfolk.

I am a Missourian, and I was fortunate enough to ride the entire Katy Trail RTT this year. Now I want to do other RTTs! I am wondering how good the camping, lodging, dining, and night life is along the trail. On the Katy, we were able to find some great B&Bs, restaurants, and even a few pubs that were very fun.

Rode from Bassett to Battle Creek in late September. 20 to 28 miles per day pulling a burley trailer. Best place I camped was the city parks in Stuart, Neligh and Battle Creek. O'Neill has shut the hot water off at Carney Park. Each small town has some place to eat and drink. Carry snack packs with you for mornings. Get Kevlar tires because of the Texas "goathead" sandbur. Wicked. I bought Bontrager Hard Case for the trip. Ride this trail next year because they're working on some segments. US 20 and Us 275 parallel the trail so I rode that most of the time. For info, call the bicycle shop in Norfolk

Great stopping place! Has electricity, water and shelters. There are bathrooms open seasonally. They were locked Oct 18th for winter. Be sure to sign the guestbook!

I sent in a post earlier last week asking for status of trail. Well I found out first hand. myself with 6 other guys started in Valentine. Best part of trip was the bridge just outside of Valentine. Trail then went to "heck" three words to describe the trail conditins....terrible...terrible...terrible. Bumpy, washboard, tractor tire ruts, animal tracks destroyed the trail. Keep in mind we are 7 guys that bike a lot, so we are not new to trails. we all had slime, I had tire liners and slime and most of us still got multiple flat tires. We had lunch in Johnstown. Trail was so bad we road highway most of the time. First night we stayed in Basset. Great campground right in the Fairgrounds, with a donation box. We were all so happy for a hot shower we gave extra donations. Road to Newport for breakfast at Sunny's second morning. Road then to Atkinson for lunch on second day. STOP AT RHONDA'S FOR LUNCH. very best food EVER..we didn't want to leave. Road on to O'neil and stayed night. Camped at part just south of trail. Had somewhat of a hot shower there. Third day- kept riding, and outside of Ewing exactly sure where but there will be a sign that says Trail Closed to the Public. Believe this sign....you keep riding and there is no trail....we had to turn around and head back and get on the highway. Had lunch in Tilden. Now on to Norfolk, saw another sign that said Trail Closed to Public. We believed it this time, we asked some locals and they gave us directions around the bridge that the Lincoln Journal Star says was put in and operational. We got to Norfolk, and that was it. I will add more as I think of it. But pretty dissappointed on how and why the state or whom ever let the trail get into such bad shape. All along the trail, there was not reallyk a town that "welcomed" bikers or tried to cator to cyclists. Again, big opportunities missed here by the state and the small towns along the way. But as I finish this, we had a great time, hangin

I am biking the country right now and am in Omaha. I want to go to Deadwood, SD so was thinking of taking the Cowboy Trail. I hear everything you are saying about the trail conditions, but how are the roads nearby the trail. I am guessing you were on 20. Is that okay to ride on. Any advice you have would be helpful as I am on my own and thousands of miles from home

Hi Levi,

I just got back from the Cowboy Trail a couple weeks ago. I did end up taking Highway 20 from Valentine to Bassett. The highway is great. Minimal hills and good to great shoulders. Definitely recommended. The trail pretty much runs parrallel with the highway so you could bounce back and fourth if you feel one or the other is not to your liking.

Thanks for confirming. Was planning an end-to-end Cowboy trip this summer, did KATY last year. Due to little feedback on the trail, and discouraging reports of conditions, did the Allegheny-C&O trail instead. Amazing journey. If Nebraska doesn't want the visitors, other states are very successful in gaining support.

My two cents about the trail. We arrived in Norfolk on a Saturday afternoon, hoping to ride to Battle Creek and back for a short ride. Not possible, there is a bridge out so our ride was less than 12 miles round trip. Very disappointed and unfortunately, it didn't get much better. The next day we decided to start in Tilden, thinking we would head west to Clearwater and back, and if we wanted to go longer we would keep going east toward Meadow Grove and back. That didn't happen either! You can't get to Clearwater from Neligh and probably never will again. The bridge was washed out and if you look at an aerial map, you'll see that about 5 miles of the trail was also washed out. Our total mileage that day was 36 miles and for me, that was plenty. The trail was rough and not maintained at all. In the Oakdale area, there is pink crushed rock on a long stretch that made biking extremely difficult. Next to the trail is a concrete / crushed rock dealer, so I guess he has used the trail for his waste? Not sure, but hated it.

The Cowboy Trail could be a real jewel through the state but I fear it will simply be left to deteriorate until there's nothing left. Our Governor and legislators will NEVER make it a priority and I find it sad that such a great tourist attraction is going to waste.

I just wish the Cowboy Trail would not be represented as this long continuous trail across Nebraska, because it's not, and I feel sorry for bikers who plan their vacations around riding the entire trail. You can't do it and if I was coming from out of state, I would be extremely disappointed.

We sit enjoying the beautiful Nebraska sunset at Neligh and find ourselves in full agreement. Nebraska needs to develop their diamond in the rough. The folks along the Katy and the Gap have it dialed in. Let's not just talk to each other at this forum, but also make contacts to any town and state official and rail trail organization that will listen. We get what we are willing to work hard for and support.

Thank you for all your comments. I was on the trail in early spring and it was terrible. Then I saw numerous articles that the trail was open, the surface redone and the bridges finished. I guess not! I was also planning a long trip on the Cowboy Trail and now will do the Katy or the Wabash in Iowa. What a sad waste of a what could be a beautiful trail and a boon to the small towns along the trail. What a waste!

unfriendly owners rooms need some serious cleaning.Wouldn't recommend this motel to any one,drive on travelers.

Thank you for the heads up! I was thinking of staying there. :) I will pass this motel up.

Here's a synopsis of our trip report.

The trail is very rough from Valentine to Johnstown (our Day 1 and 8.2 mph average, keep in mind we couldn't crank it due to some of the boy's bikes/conditioning). I rode with seven Boy Scouts (ages 12-17) and another adult leader. We were fortunate to have sag support from two others (Day 2 on). Am blogging about the 5 day journey and will post a link (50, 50, 43, 46, 11).

Slime your time, thorn resistant tubes double tube them (cut a tube and place it around your tire), buy slime guard, replace tires. With that you'll have a shot on the Valentine to Johnstown segment. That 40 mile plus stretch blows.

About 7 miles East of Valentine the surface turns to a washboard / ribbon. Watch for snakes (don't worry they're not just jumping all the time, but be careful). The washboard is nasty. Our group had 8 mountain bikes from good (Trek/Giant) to a couple of Wal-mart models (ruggized though) and my older Specialized Hybrid (1998 vintage). I was ok but bouncing a lot. Only 1 flat from Valentine to Arabia - mine. Looked like a possible snake bite

From Arabia to Wood Lake the sand burs were awful. 9 more flats across 2 bikes (2 on mine). At that point we slimed, double tube every bike. We feared only 3 might make it. We had only 4 more flats the rest of the way - some due to older tire and slime build up.

The final pain from Wood Lake to Johnstown was cow paths/holes. It was as choppy as the wasboard junk. Not fun.

From about 4 miles East of Johnston to the end the trail was pretty good. Some loose spots. When you get ride if of the crushed red rock to and see limestone - you're in a good trail.



We camped in Ainsworth, Atkinson (Day 2), Ewing (Day 3) and Battle Creek (Day 4). All were awesome towns/villages. We were impressed with every town / village as well. Some great city parks that allow camping and state recreation areas.

The trail does improv

From what I am reading on the trail conditions for the past months of 2011, the trail is a bit rough. Is that a normal and ongoing condition?

The reason I ask, it sound like I would want to ride my loaded hybrid and not the touring bike. Would like to spend 3 or 4 days on the trail next Spring, late April, 2012. Any advice or tips concerning a multi-day ride and camping would be appreciated.

Would be wanting to ride the trail with little or no hwy riding if possible so are there segments of the trail to avoid?

This is a good ride but not like the Katy Trail near you in Missouri. It is fairly level and mostly in the open. While they've used crushed limestone, they also throw in some pink granite ballast from the CNW RR in some sections. I had to walk my bike and trailer for a ways.
You need to take snack food with you for the mornings and maybe noon meal. You can camp at the City Park at Battle Creek and Neligh ($5). Ride the center of the trail because they have this "goathead" sandbur that loves bicycle tires. Some listed restaurants have been closed for years. You could call Cleveland Bicycle next Spring for advice. (402-371-3325) Even though the trail slowed me down pulling a Burley, I think I'll be back next September. Great people there.

Thanks for the information Russ!

I rode on March 24th, 2012 from Norfolk trailhead to Oakdale. The bridge just out of Norfolk is still not completed. But is was a short ride on the road to a place where I could access the trail again. There are no signs explaining how to do this, so ask someone first. The trail is soft with sand in many places. It was a fun ride but tough cycling. I agree not as nice as the Katy Trail in Missouri but still a good trail to ride.

Pat and Darrell,

I'm going with a boyscout troop the first week of June. We had an expert mechanic along for the ride. We're planning the full ride from Valentine east to Norfolk with SAG support (two vehicles). Thanks for the insights. Also the bridge near Norfolk - any GPS or directions? Thx!

Hi, All,
My husband, brother and I, all in early 50s, plan to ride the trail west to east, starting in Valentine, and 20 to 50 miles per day. Can anyone tell me the condition of the trail from Valentine to Neligh? We plan to sleep in hotels and eat in restaurants on the way. We'll do this in the middle of May. Thanks!

Did you make the ride? How was it? Any hints, things to notice along the way? We are leaving June 21 to ride from Valentine to Neligh.

The trail is in bad shape from Valentine to Johnstown. Just take the highway shoulder for that section. Johnstown to Neligh is in better shape. Some bumpy sections and soft sections, but to be expected over 200 miles. Jump on the highway for a bit if you get tired of the trail. Be comfortable with changing a flat tire or two. I had slime tubes and was fortunate not to have a flat. I had touring tires which was a mistake as I sunk into the soft sections easily. Cross tires with small knobs would have been a better choice. The bridge outside of Norfolk was not open yet, but a county black top is close and connects back to the trail just before Norfolk.

Thanks for the update!

Abby, agree with Steve's assessment. The trail is very rough from Valentine to Johnstown. I rode with seven BoyScouts (ages 12-17) and another adult leader. We were fortunate to have sag support from two others (Day 2 on). Am blogging about the 5 day journey and will post a link (50, 50, 43, 46, 11).

Slime your time, thorn resistant tubes double tube them (cut a tube and place it around your tire), buy slime guard, replace tires. With that you'll have a shot on the Valentine to Johnstown segment. That 40 mile plus stretch blows.

About 7 miles East of Valentine the surface turns to a washboard / ribbon. Watch for snakes (don't worry they're not just jumping all the time, but be careful). The washboard is nasty. Our group had 8 mountain bikes from good (Trek/Giant) to a couple of Wal-mart models (ruggized though) and my older Specialized Hybrid (1998 vintage). I was ok but bouncing a lot. Only 1 flat from Valentine to Arabia - mine. Looked like a possible snake bite

From Arabia to Wood Lake the sand burs were awful. 9 more flats across 2 bikes (2 on mine). At that point we slimed, double tube every bike. We feared only 3 might make it. We had only 4 more flats the rest of the way - some due to older tire and slime build up.

The final pain from Wood Lake to Johnstown was cow paths/holes. It was as choppy as the wasboard junk. Not fun.

From about 4 miles East of Johnston to the end the trail was pretty good. Some loose spots. When you get ride if of the crushed red rock to and see limestone - you're in a good trail.

We camped in Ainsworth, Atkinson, Ewing and Battle Creek. All were awesome towns/villages. We were impressed with every town / village as well. Some great city parks that allow camping and state recreation areas.

Hey everyone, first time on the site. I just got off the phone with Duane Westerholdt and he said that they are probably going to pull the barricades on the new bridge next week, and that right now you can ride about two miles west but the contractor is still doing pavement work out there so be wary of newly poured roadwork.
So good news, sounds like it'll be up and running around this time next week.

Great news! I was there in March and had to wander a bit to find the trail, because the bridge was still out. Yeah! :) Thank you so much for the update.
Pat

We were just there yesterday.....don't see that happening. The whole trail was a mess, terrible, terrible, terrible shape. Huge opportunity lost by the state of Nebraska not maintaining the trail. We had 7 guys ride the whole thing from Valentine to Norfolk this week. I will be writing a whole review soon. Newspaper had article that said bridge was done, NO WAY was it done. Also part of the trail was gone.....no where to be seen. do yourself a favor wait a year.