opedaler from NE Ne on 8/26/2025 8:47:04 PM:
We've been gone part of the summer hiking and traveling, so I was surprised to see the trail west and east of Tilden has been improved. Yes, there are still some loose gravel spots so a little vigilance around this area is warranted, but it has been very much upgraded. The ride from Norfolk to Oakdale and back makes a nice 60+ mile ride.
I should point out that at Oakdale the detour takes you on the road if you are continuing west. I, and several others, have bypassed the road closed sign and continued for another 1.5 miles to the site where the bridge has been washed out. DO NOT go all the way to the edge of the trail however as the river has washed away and undercut the trail and it is just hanging over the river for several feet. Make sure to turn around at the sign before the river. Some have carried their bikes across the river and continued on the trail on the other side. I don't think this is a good idea as the Elkhorn can be unpredictable and this doesn't seem safe to me. Still the 3 miles out and back from Oakdale to the bridge out is in fantastic shape if you are turning around and heading back east.