One of America's Longest Rail-Trails
The Cowboy Trail (officially the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail) follows an abandoned Chicago and North Western rail line across the wide-open top of Nebraska. Roughly 195 miles are open between Norfolk and Valentine, with more sections planned toward Chadron, making it one of the longest rail-trails in the country. It is a flat, point-to-point ride through ranch country, river crossings, and small Sandhills towns where a grain elevator marks every horizon. For travelers stitching the region together, the trail is one of the signature stops in our 10-day Nebraska Sandhills itinerary.
The Don't-Miss Section: Valentine to Wood Lake
If you only ride one piece, make it the western end around Valentine. Just east of town the trail crosses the Niobrara River on a quarter-mile-long, 148-foot-high railroad bridge, the dramatic centerpiece of the whole route. The deck is planked and railed for safe walking or riding, with sweeping views up and down the green river canyon. From there the trail rolls east through grass-cloaked dunes toward Kilgore, Crookston, and Wood Lake, passing wetlands full of birds and the occasional curious cattle herd.
- Valentine to the high bridge: a short out-and-back, perfect for a quick visit or sunset photos.
- Valentine to Kilgore (about 20 miles): classic Sandhills scenery, mostly remote.
- Valentine to Wood Lake (about 40 miles): a long day or a one-way ride with a car shuttle.
Trail Surface and What to Ride
The Cowboy Trail is surfaced with crushed limestone, smooth and firm in dry weather but capable of getting soft after rain. A gravel bike, hybrid, or mountain bike with wider tires handles it best; skinny road tires are not recommended. The grade is gentle railroad grade the whole way, so the riding is never steep, but the wind across the open Plains can be your biggest workout. Plan your route to ride with a prevailing tailwind when you can, and check for any temporary bridge or surface closures before a long ride.
Trailheads, Towns, and Services
Access points sit in nearly every town along the route, with parking, signage, and often a restored depot. Valentine is the best western base, with lodging, bike-friendly cafes, restaurants, and resupply. Heading east, services thin out quickly, so Ainsworth, Long Pine, Bassett, O'Neill, and Norfolk are your reliable stops for food and water. Between towns you may ride 15 or 20 miles with nothing but grass and sky, so treat the small communities as essential refueling points.
When to Ride
The best riding runs from late spring through early fall. May and June bring green hills and wildflowers, while September and October offer cooler temperatures, golden grass, and migrating birds. Midsummer can be hot and exposed with little shade, so start early and carry extra water. Spring storms and winter snow can leave the limestone soft or impassable. Whatever the season, sun and wind protection matter more here than on a sheltered forest trail.
Tips for a Great Ride
A little preparation goes a long way on this remote, exposed trail.
- Carry more water than you think you need and a basic repair kit; help can be far away.
- Use wider tires (38mm or more) for the crushed-limestone surface.
- Check the wind forecast and plan your direction around it.
- Bring sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the treeless miles.
- Tell someone your route and expected finish time on long, remote stretches.
Few rides capture the scale of the Great Plains like the Cowboy Trail, and the Niobrara high bridge alone is worth the trip to Valentine. Pair it with a river float and a waterfall hike, and you have the makings of an unforgettable Sandhills adventure.
