Hiking/walking whole Cowboy Trail

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Bee from Chadron, NE on 2/11/2015 8:50:16 PM:

Really wanting to hike this whole thing. I think I can make pretty good pace. I know this is mainly biking on here and seems like most of the use is biking. Has anyone ever done the whole cowboy trail from Norfolk to Chadron? I've done research and read the user guide book on the trail but all the info only extends to Valentine. I know west is not finished yet and it sounds like it is unrideable but I am walking so I want to attempt it. Anyways any feedback would be nice. I really want to walk this whole 321 miles.

Ryan from Scottsbluff on 6/13/2015 8:34:01 PM:

I want to hike it also.....have you gotten any more information?

steve k from saint louis, mo on 6/18/2015 1:31:22 PM:

I traveled out to Casper, WY the last couple of weeks via U.S. 20 that goes through Chadron and Valentine and while there are sections that are complete it would be a tough hike between Chadron & Valentine. In addition, I seen other locals riding whats become of the trail on ATV's, and they may think you are a trespasser. In some towns, their were incomplete sections, which may be the result of the state no longer having proper easements so that is another problem. I did some biking between Valentine and Norfolk and found the trail to be in good shape. I would not be hesitant to try the completed trail between Valentine & Norfolk just be prepared to deal with the elements.

Ray from Philly on 7/29/2015 1:38:42 PM:

I hiked from Norfolk to Merriman along the wonderful Cowboy Trail (and beyond it) and then shot north through Martin, SD (free camping in city park) to Pine Ridge and the Black Hills. It was a great hike, summer of 2009 if I recall, August maybe? Go walk it, you will love it!

Anonymous on 9/10/2015 12:35:34 PM:

The 15 mile segment between Gordon and Rushville is almost complete. The trail has 2 miles of limestone and the rest is packed and sprayed for weeds. We should have all limestone completed by the end of next summer. Come hike. :)

Geri from Long Beach on 2/8/2016 8:12:39 AM:

How long did it take you to hike Norfolk to Valentine, (or beyond?)? This fall I am planning this as my first thru-hike, and hope to photojournal it, so plan to take a leisurely pace. What kind of wildlife did you run into? (Any rattlesnakes?!)

Samsus from Long Pine on 2/11/2016 1:52:03 PM:

FYI, there ARE rattle snakes in areas. I frequently (multiple times a week) walk over the bridge in Long Pine. The west side had a baby rattlesnake on the trail about 20 feet from the end of the bridge. I'd say the chances of running into one are rare. Also, lots of coyote scat (in case you happen to plan on camping on the trail).

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