Cowboy Trail Forum

Just curious - I read the Nebraska website and they recommend a puncture resistant or solid tire for the trail. Based on your experiences riding this trail, how bad is the sandbur this time of year and have you ridden the trail with normal tubed bike tires?

Thanks for your insights!

I’ve bee told you have two options if you want to ride the trail regardless of timing1) tubeless with slime, or tires with liners AND Thorn resistant tubes with or without slime in the tubes. Where we ride it liners have served us well. This time of year the thorns are less of a problem but still exist.

If you do need assistance on western end of trail... True Value Hardware in Valentine is great. Apparently they bought out the bike shop.They fixed me up after 2nd flat:fast,friendly, knowledgeable,and cheap!

As the others have stated - use thorn resistant tires, slime tubes, or run tubeless. Goatheads seem to be really prevalent near Ainsworth. Generally if I stay away from the grassy edge and be vigilant at driveway/road crossings to dodge puncture vine plants - I don't have any issue. Also I have had luck leaving the goathead on the tire when running tube sealant or tubeless. It seems to act like a plug giving the sealant a smaller hole to attempt to seal. Still carry at least two additional tubes and have an air source of your choice. YMMV!

We will do a self supported ride from west to east starting the 1st or 2nd of September. If anyone has any suggestions for what not to miss along the way or what to miss or avoid, including things on or off the trail, please pass them along.

There's lots of stuff to see if you are willing to explore the towns a bit. Many have small museums that refer to local history, but some are open by appointment only so do some research. Some of my favorite sites are the L-Bow-Room in Johnstown, Newport Pool Hall, Long Pine SRA, Bassett Lodge and Range Cafe, Brush Creek Brewing Co in Atkinson, and Neligh Mill. If you can make it up to Ashfall Fossil Beds it is definitely worth a visit - you need a state park permit to access FYI.

We came across a rodeo, car racing and an outside movie showing. We met people along the way at small restaurants that made our trip. The people in the communities make the trip. We YoYo’d so we saw many of the same people on our way back.

I'm planning a cross country SOLO Rv trip intending to bike in several areas. The Cedar Valley trail in IA, the Heartland/P Bunyan in MN, returning to the Mickelson Tr in SD, and the High Trestle Trail in IA.. I was going to stop and ride part of the Cowboy Trail but after reading the comments I have about lost any enthusiasm for it. I was planning on staying in Valentine and riding a bit but being by myself I'm concerned about the spurs and the surface. (I've got an Ebike (assist). and don't want to be changing a flat or flats. Too bad. I wanted to be able to say that I'd ridden a rails to trails in NE.to add to my collection ( I've done the Katy, the Silver Comet, the Minute Men, ... Washington DC/Alexandria, Memphis of course, the Great American Tobacco Trail, the Little Miami Trail). fun!

And Natchez Trace too!

We just road from Valentine to Johnstown and didn't have any issues with thorns. As long as you don't ride on the green spaces around the trail you should be okay. You should definetly check out the railroad bridge just outside of Valentine.

Does anyone know if there are shuttles that go along the trail? we are starting in stuart and hiking 4 days to valentine. need to know if we can take a shuttle back, or should we just leave a car in stuart and in valentine.

The only shuttle service I know of along the Cowboy Trail is North Fork Outfitting in Norfolk. Leaving a car in Stuart and Valentine is good a good alternative if you are not wanting to pay for shuttle service.

Looking for co peddler to do sections of the trail on bicycles..I am open to suggestions??you can text me at 402 710 9876

My girlfriend and I are planning to the hike the trail in early September and we would like to know if there are any current closures along the trail as of 7-10-22.

If any closures, are there detours that can be taken to get back on the trail?

Yes.
- A large bridge over the Elkhorn River between Oakdale and Neligh is still out so you will need to take the highway shoulder between Oakdale and Neligh for about 4 miles.
- Just west of Neligh there is a short stretch next to the river that has been eroded severely. You will be able to see some construction cones on the trail, you will need to walk adjacent highway shoulder for roughly 1/4mile and then can jump back on. Or if comfortable you can probably hike through the damaged section, stay away from the edge though.
- Between Neligh and Clearwater there is a section of trail that is permanently closed due the river reclaiming the trail in this section. You will need to take 519th ave back to the highway and ride around on the highway for about 3 miles. You can take 517th ave and head south to get back on to the cowboy trail. About a 2.5 mile detour for this one.
- The next closed spot is on the east edge of Long Pine. A large section of the trail embankment was washed out due to a culvert failure from the flood. To detour around, take 440th rd to the highway and then come back in to Long Pine and find the trail by the park on the main road, about 2.5 miles.

On NGPC's online trail map it will show a closure just east of the Niobrara River trail bridge, it is passable at the moment but exercise caution. These detours are likely to remain the same for the remainder of 2022.

This was extremely through and helpful, thank you!!

Does anyone know of any hiking time records from Norfolk to Valentine?

I'm not aware of a record for hiking the trail. I think most folks hiking the trail do 15-20 miles per day. Strava or other fitness tracker sites might have some hiking trips recorded there.

Thank you! A few friends and I are going to do a test hike in October. Next year we are going to try to do the whole thing in 7 days.

Hallo Andi, tolle Strecke hast du dir da rausgesucht. Ich verfolge dich mit dem Finger auf der Landkarte. Lass‘ es dir gutgehen. Ride on. Herzliche Grüße Dirk

The Nebraska state trails interactive map shows a few closures between Clearwater and Neligh. Can anyone confirm these are current closures? We’re looking at riding mid August. From what I have found on this forum, these closures have been on the map for quite some time. Appreciate any info! Thanks

Yes.
- A large bridge over the Elkhorn River between Oakdale and Neligh is still out so you will need to take the highway shoulder between Oakdale and Neligh for about 4 miles.
- Just west of Neligh there is a short stretch next to the river that has been eroded severely. You will be able to see some construction cones on the trail, you will need to walk adjacent highway shoulder for roughly 1/4mile and then can jump back on. Or if comfortable you can probably hike through the damaged section, stay away from the edge though.
- Between Neligh and Clearwater there is a section of trail that is permanently closed due the river reclaiming the trail in this section. You will need to take 519th ave back to the highway and ride around on the highway for about 3 miles. You can take 517th ave and head south to get back on to the cowboy trail. About a 2.5 mile detour for this one.
- The next closed spot is on the east edge of Long Pine. A large section of the trail embankment was washed out due to a culvert failure from the flood. To detour around, take 440th rd to the highway and then come back in to Long Pine and find the trail by the park on the main road, about 2.5 miles.


We are working on repairs for the sites except clearwater. They involve FEMA and are taking time to get feasible repairs approved.

I am sure happy that I decided to check the Forum. I will be hiking the trail in June and had no idea that there were trail closures. This saved me miles of hiking! Thank you for the information. If there are any updates to these trail closures, please update on forum. I will be hiking June 7 - June 15.

Just found the interactive trail map. The map indicates that there is a closure just outside of Valentine. Does anyone know if this is correct?

There is a spot of significant hillside erosion due to a failed culvert from the 2019 flood which has yet to be repaired as well. It is passable at the moment but is being monitored.

Thank you for the information, Alex!

We plan on riding the trail in a few weeks. Thanks for the update on trail conditions! The interactive NGP map shows that the trail is closed going East from Valentive just past the large bridge. Does anyone know if this is still closed? If it is closed, is there a detour or do you have to go back to Valentine and get on Highway 20?

Thanks!

Trail is still passable by Valentine, see comment above. Have a good trip!

What size tire would be best for the trail? My options are 29x2.2 or 29x3.0.

Thanks!

Both would be great - personally I'd run 3.0 at a nice supple low psi.

Curious if anyone has experience riding a trike on the Cowboy...

I ride a lot and mostly crushed limestone trails. I have been on a lot of the great ones, including KATY and the Mickelson (600+ miles on the Mickelson).

I have read here about the burs, etc--just wanting some opinions...I have an ICE Sprint with E-assist--willing to make any tire changes I need to.

Any thoughts, advice?

Pat

Not riding a trike personally but I know of people that have on the Cowboy Trail - goatheads are most prevalent between Ainsworth and Johnstown. I recommend using a thorn resistant tire and running slime (or other sealant) in your tubes. This has worked well for me and in my experience leaving goatheads in the tire acts like a plug so the slime can seal a smaller hole vs if you pull them out. Be sure to carry multiple extra tubes - in your case with multiple tires sizes id bring 2 extra for each wheel, pre packed with slime, and tube changing tools/air/knowledge. While some stores carry common tubes in the larger towns, the more specialized sizes will be difficult to find outside of Cleveland Bike and Sport in Norfolk.

The Cowboy Trail can be great, but you do have to be prepared, have backup plans, and be flexible as flats, severe weather, wind, heat, etc. can ruin a ride pretty quick due to the remoteness of the area. That being said you are often along a highway and friendly locals are usually willing to help someone in need, if you don't have a sag.

Husband and I enjoy tandem biking. What are the trail conditions and what is the surface of the trail made of? Asphalt? Dirt? Chipped stone? Thanks in advance for your input.

The trail is a combination of all those surfaces. That and Sandy or lose gravel. It might be a real challenge for tandem riders. Be interesting to hear other thoughts.

Depending upon your tire choice it could be very challenging. Trail conditions get rougher on the western portion. I rode from Norfolk to Valentine and back last Sept and wrote a short review of the trip talking about accommodations and trail conditions. I did it on a mtn bike with tire liners and had no problems.

Just to add to what Cynthia posted....we have met several tandems on rides. Didn't stop and ask how it was going, but it appeared to me that they were leaving fairly deep tracks.

This is really sad as it was getting in good shape. In fact I preferred it over other limestone trails....the Wabash for example. I'm guessing it is going to be awhile now.

I had the opportunity to talk with a lady recently who has done the cowboy trail several times, and seems to have a real fondness for it. One thing she said that did stick with me....."You are not very far from a good highway with shoulders. Don't let your ego get the best of you. If you see deep soft gravel covered with goat head thorns ahead, hit the road and come back on a little later. You'll enjoy the ride much more."

I'm going to be at the Prairie Club for a meeting. I'm not a golfer so thought about bringing my bike up and do part of the Cowboy Trail for an afternoon from Valentine. Is the Trestle Bridge South of Valentine and is it open? For an afternoon ride is that a short distance or a long distance? Thanks!

Yes the Cowboy Trail bridge over the Niobrara River is currently open. Not sure what kind of bike you have but a gravel, hybrid, or mountain bike is recommended...something with a wider tire. The bridge is only 2 miles from the trailhead in Valentine. Enjoy the trip! Prairie Club is a neat place too.

Yes the Cowboy Trail bridge over the Niobrara River is currently open. Not sure what kind of bike you have but a gravel, hybrid, or mountain bike is recommended...something with a wider tire. The bridge is only 2 miles from the trailhead in Valentine. Enjoy the trip! Prairie Club is a neat place too.

Thanks Alex. I have a hybrid bike so I should be ok. Just need to air up the tires.

Can anyone tell me if the trail is open all the way from Norfolk to Valentine? The maps show several places the trail is closed.

My room was very clean, very quiet. I recommend it for all travelers.

Thursday Jun 16, 2022 I rode the trail from Valentine to Ainsworth on my mountain / commuter conversion bike. I was pleasantly surprised at the condition of the trail. It was firm and lightly gravel covered. The edges had been mowed in most places.

This trail is not getting enough traffic. I encountered 1 rider in the 47 miles I was on the trail. I saw bike tracks, but none that were fresh.

The part of the trail that leaves the highway 20 path was my favorite part. There was nothing to hear but the birds. This area has a lot of sub irrigated meadow land where deer, turkeys, ducks, prairie chickens, and songbirds abound.

If you want to explore the sandhills of Nebraska this is the trail for you.

I plan to ride the rest of the trail from Ainsworth to Norfolk in stages over the next few months.

I hope to see you there.....

Really glad to hear this. We ride spots but have never done the whole thing. If the trail is in good condition I hope someone starts a sagged ride. I'd love to join in. Just finished a ride put on by the South Dakota game and parks on the Mickelson trail (actually done several of them), and it really encourages interest for the trail. In lieu of that we'll probably give the entire trail a go when we can organize some logistics, and after we finish some sagged road rides we have booked. So yeah, we just might see you.

I am planning to ride the trail mid-to-late August and wondered about the prevailing wind direction that time of year. Based on the prevailing winds, do most people go west or east?

Ride whatever is logistically easier is what I recommend to most people. Ending in Valentine is great if you plan to stick around and paddle the Niobrara and see the area.

Additionally, I am considering riding to Chadron and beyond. Do the towns west of Valentine have similar services and municipal/private camping?

The trail west of Valentine has not been developed yet except for 15 miles between Gordon and Rushville, NE. I recommend utilizing the HWY 20 shoulder which is generally wide and has little traffic to go west of Valentine. But do use the Gordon to Rushville section! The towns generally are smaller and services will be limited. Some have parks with camping but not all. Just be prepared and carry lots of water and some food to tie you between towns. Cody, Gordon, and Rushville will have the usual array of services. Outside that it'll likely be hit or miss.

Someone had made inquiry about the prevailing wind direction on the Cowboy Trail; however, it did not get answered. I, too, would like an answer to this question. My starting point on trail would be based on prevailing wind direction. My guess would be winds coming out of the west, generally. Please advise.

There are several sites that give prevailing wind directions so a quick search might give you one you like. I think you will find prevailing winds in NE and North Central Ne, to be westerlies.....mostly southwesterlies, but this is not a given and if the ride takes 3-5 days you could easily find yourself with an easterly wind during a portion of the ride. Your best bet is to wait as long a possible to make your direction determination if wind is important to you. The strongest winds in northern Nebraska often happening in the spring. Elevation also drops from Valentine to Norfolk to the tune of about 2753 ft. It is a long gradual drop (or gain depending on direction) so you won't notice it much, but the overall effect most likely has some bearing on energy expenditure.

Don't overlook the suggestion to kayak the Niobrara at Valantine. It's a lot of fun, regardless of traveling direction

I know this is a shot in the dark but would anyone be interested in "teaming up" and riding this trail over a long fathers day weekend? Thursday or Friday to Sunday? It'd be the third weekend in June.

Even if you're hiking it, I'd love to share the bus ride from Norfolk to Valentine. Going solo would be super expensive (400+); chartering with two people would be just expensive (200+); and chartering with 3 or 4 people would be a great deal (about 100 each). Im not knocking the charter companies, its a long drive and they use those big cargo vans. Gas isn't cheap, so the more we can spread the cost, the more reasonable it'll be per person.

If you're planning to go out to Valentine in June, particularly over that 3rd weekend, and want to share the charter bus cost, let me know. Also, if you're riding the trail and would like some company, I've never ridden it and would be thrilled to have someone around.

~Anthony

Hi, are you still planning to bike over Father’s Day Weekend? I was planning to go around July 1 but sooner would be great as well!

Good Morning - Thanks for reaching out. Yes, I would still like to bike the trail and fathers day seems like an ideal time to go. That said, I am not opposed to going 7/1 either - nothing set in stone on my end. The biggest obstacle to it, for me, is transportation between Norfolk and Valentine. I'd sure like to split a charter out to Valentine. :). Obviously having a "partner" around would be mentally comforting as well, as I dont have a ton of experience out in that area of NE, or with bike-packing really. If your still considering riding the trail though, I'd love to link up and get your thoughts. Thanks again for reaching out!