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Reply to Hiking the trail
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Azza from Chamberlain, South Dakota on 5/12/2015 7:47:12 PM:
I'm considering this as a hike for summer '15. Anyone hike it or have suggestions? Can you camp anywhere along the trail? How's the water supply?

 
CDworak from Omaha on 6/4/2015 11:49:50 PM:
I was thinking the same thing. Is it safe to do it alone? Kind of a NE "way of St. James"? Thanks!

 
Brian from Gretna on 6/5/2015 1:57:19 PM:
I'm heading up there in July to through ride. If I go before you I'll send back a report on the state of camping and other amenities.

 
Ryan from Scottsbluff on 6/13/2015 8:36:21 PM:
Look forward to your report Brian.

 
steve k from saint louis, MO on 6/18/2015 4:07:56 PM:
Like most rail trails, I don't think you can camp anywhere along the trail. You have to make it to a designated campground. I camped at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park(Norfolk) 1 night($12) and Valentine City Park 2 nights($5/night) recently. Ta-Ha-Zouka Park is right on the trail while Valentine City Park is 1-2 miles, but it is easy to bike to.

 
Ray from Philly on 7/29/2015 1:28:42 PM:
I have hiked the entire trail from Norfolk to Valentine and continued on all the way to Merriman/Martin and on to the Black Hills. It is a wonderful trail to hike with plenty of options for camping. You can go days without seeing another person while on the trail. In almost every town along the trail you can camp in the city parks for donation/free/small fee based on which city you are in. There are lots of wonderful things to see and people to meet along the hike. I would suggest starting in Norfolk at the city park (Tah ha Zouka?) and heading west. If you feel like camping for the night and are not near a city park, no worries, very few people use the trail once you get a mile or 2 away from each town. Find a nice little nook to the side of the trail, set up your tent, leave no trace and go to sleep. This trail is a great hike for anyone, but perfect for an still learning hiker. Also in almost each of the city parks along the trail, there are free hot showers with your camping stay. Hike it!

 
Anonymous on 8/8/2015 8:28:48 AM:
Have any of you on this comment thread been to the cowboy trail yet to either hike or cycle?