Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail

Nebraska

6 Reviews

View Trail Map
View Map
Print
Complete
Favorite
Send to App

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail Facts

States: Nebraska
Counties: Dawson, Gosper
Length: 10.3 miles
Trail end points: Johnson Lake Drive and Bullhead Expressway and State campground on Johnson Lake Drive north of Mallard Cove
Trail surfaces: Concrete
Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
ID: 7427050

Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail Description

The Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail is a 10-mile loop around a popular recreational lake in central Nebraska located about 10 miles south of Lexington. The project is nearly complete with 8.3 miles of paved off-road trail currently available around the shoreline. Two miles of well-marked, shared roadway connect the trail segments.

The trail is complemented with 3 gazebos, 12 rest areas, 3 trailhead signs, and 8 parking areas. A new dedicated pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the outlet canal was opened in the spring of 2016. The trail passes through wooded areas, open grasslands, and farm fields, crosses the Johnson Lake Dam, and connects eating establishments located around the lake.

A variety of activities are available on and around the lake, including boating, sailing, water skiing, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, golfing and camping.

Parking and Trail Access

From I-80, exit 237 (Lexington): Follow Highway 283 (Plum Creek Parkway) south for 7 miles to Johnson Lake Drive. Johnson Lake Drive is a paved road that circles the lake and provides trail access points every few miles. Handicapped-access parking areas are located at the intersection of Johnson Lake Drive and Bullhead Expressway on the east side of the lake and at the intersection of Johnson Lake Drive and Drive 18A on the west side of the lake.

Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail Reviews

Great trip around the lake just over 10 miles. Paved concrete for most of it. A little bit of road. Several service points along the way along with rest stops

Great trip around the lake just over 10 miles. Paved concrete for most of it. A little bit of road. Several service points along the way along with rest stops

Bike and beer

Nice, well maintained concrete trail. We rode on a Saturday and the two short sections shared by road traffic had minimal traffic. We parked at Canyon Lakes Brewing Company on the Southeast section of the trail. Good place for food and beer after the ride.

Nice paved trail.

The Johnson Lake Trail has two 4-mile sections of dedicated biking trail. The trail is mainly flat with a few hills that are manageable. You have two sections that you are on the asphalt road that does not have a shoulder. But each section is less than a mile. 4 stars because of the shared roadway. Hopefully in the future they have a bridge over the lake unlit like they have over the outlet.

Delightful trail around Johnson Lake. Two short sections on roads. Virtually no traffic. Very enjoyable break on a cross country journey.

Delightful trail around Johnson Lake. Two short sections on roads. Virtually no traffic. Very enjoyable break on a cross country journey.

Accordion

New Construction Improves Trail

We rode this trail a couple days ago, and were pleasantly surprised at the improvements since our last visit. The trail makes a complete loop around Johnson Lake, with only a few "shared roadway" instances, including a short stretch across the actual dam. In one case, we can see on-going construction to give bikes a separate pathway in the near future, leaving only the dam and the inlet roadways to be shared with vehicle traffic.

Very scenic ride. Many opportunities to stop and rest.

Enjoy.

A great riding destination for families and folks of all ages!

I ride the trail three days per week in good weather! It is a safe loop, with dedicated trail options away from the more dangerous stretches of vehicle roadway. The ten mile loop can be easily ridden in one hour.

Along the way are nine really nice rest areas and two gazebos, adding to the scenic settings-- plus two campgrounds and four eateries.

On the way I see families with small children, dedicated bikers, folks walking dogs, trikes, roller blades, and even wheelchairs! Folks who drive to it will not be disappointed!

Chuck Olsen

Nearby Trails

Go Unlimited Today!

  • FREE Account
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Post your trail reviews
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Get a free map in the app!
Register for FREE
  •  
Purchase Unlimited

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.