Chad from papillion NE on 11/8/2020 12:02:30 PM:
I talked to the Nebraska Game and Parks about the trail west of Valentine. They are responsible for the whole trail. They said it is not developed but they do spray for weeds there. On google maps you can see the railroad line with railroad ties next to it. That looks to be the worst part of it. Plus, it is only 17 miles long. Or, you can just take HWY 20 for that part. I am planning on doing hiking the whole trail until Chadron in 2021. I also found the railroad map for all railways in
nebraska, in the library of congress, or on-line https://www.loc.gov/collections/railroad-maps-1828-to-1900/?fa=subject:nebraska
Look for the map from 1889. It shows the length between towns and the name of the towns Along with the topography to show river, creeks, and ect..