You’ve Never Experienced Anything Like This Epic Abandoned Railroad Hike In Nebraska
In its early days, Nebraska depended on the railroads, not just for supplies but to financially support entire towns. Even today, when our reliance on railroads is lessened, there are reminders everywhere of Nebraska’s long relationship with them. The Cowboy Trail is perhaps the best example of this relationship.
The Cowboy Trail occupies the abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway route across the Nebraska Outback.
The railroad corridor - known as the Cowboy Line - was constructed by the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad in the late 1870s and early 1880s.
The line enjoyed a good run until it was finally abandoned in 1992. The Rails-To-Trails Conservancy purchased the length of the line and donated it to the state of Nebraska.
Today, the trail is maintained by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The conversion from rail to trail has been handled by the NE Game and Parks Commission as well.
Two of the most dramatic and memorable bridges on the trail are at Long Pine and Valentine. From the bridge across the Niobrara at Valentine, you can see the historic Bryan Bridge, named the "Most Beautiful Steel Bridge" in 1932 when it was built.
Bryan Bridge still carries Highway 20 through the area, and from it you can view the former railroad trestle bridge that now supports the Cowboy Trail.
But the Valentine bridge is far from the only wonder you'll encounter on the trail. It runs through some of the most varied and lovely landscapes in the state.
If you travel the entire length of the trail, you'll go through river valleys, the Sandhills, and the Pine Ridge. And every single view is mesmerizing.
You don't have to travel the entire length to enjoy the trail, though. You can hop on and off at many spots along the way and just go as far as you like before turning around.
Communities along the Cowboy Trail are all happy to accommodate travelers; you can stop in to eat, camp, or stay at a hotel at many points along the way. See the Nebraska Game and Parks page on the Cowboy Trail for more information.
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
