Explore the best rated trails in Hastings, NE, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Kearney Hike and Bike Trail and Fort Kearney Hike & Bike Trail . With more than 11 trails covering 61 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I took off in the middle, at parking area D. South of Bader bridge. I use my 29er with 2.2 inch tires. They received 0.35 inches of rain the night before. The ride was cool and humid with cloud cover for most of the ride. Trail is packed fairly well with gravel on top. Very similar to most Nebraska gravel roads. Took off to the south toward Marquette. The mile 3.5-5 heading south was tree covered so much so that it stopped the breeze from reaching me. Cross highway 14, and quite a bit of the trail has trees on both sides, but sky above. Keeping you shaded and allowing somewhat of a breeze to reach you. About mile marker 6.5 the trail opened up more and I noticed a lot more loose crushed concrete on the trail. The last 2 miles into Marquette is fairly open. Crop ground on either side or trees. Through Marquette, the trail was really soft as I’m guessing the elevator traffic has rough it up quite a bit. The trail condition south of Marquette is not ideal. Definitely larger rocks that are loser. Can also tell where farmers have checked on their fields and used the trail with a side-by-side. Got to the end of the trail at a really cool bridge that is over the gravel road. Too bad the trail doesn’t continue past the bridge I turned around and headed north. Saw my first other trail user about 2 miles south of Bader bridge. Road for over 11 miles before seeing another person on the trail. I continued North across the Bader Bridge, saw several people on the bridge in a few people between the bridge and Central City walking. That section of trail is in pretty good shape, crushed limestone one deep spot that took me by surprise but otherwise in good shape. The area between the bridge and Central city has very few trees. It is mostly open. From the bridge over the gravel road south of Marquette all the way to Highway 30 in Central City is 10 miles. Don’t let the 8.3 miles fool you! Overall, the trail is in pretty good shape. I would definitely want mountain bike tires, not gravel tires. I would say half of the trail is shaded by trees during the day.
This smooth, concrete trail is flat and wide. Park at Ft. Kearney State Park and it is 1.8 miles to the I-80 underpass where the trail continues as the Kearney Hike and Bike Trail for several more miles. In the 1.8 miles there are several benches and two very nice pavilions with tables. The very long wooden bridge, crossing the Platte River is a bumpy ride due to the knotty wood boards used for the floor. The views of the Platte River are beautiful and we saw several great blue heron there. There is a second concrete bridge also crossing the river. Restroom facilities are found. Campground.
The first 4 miles of the trail going south from Central City is really nice. The long bridge over the Platte allows for excellent viewing of the river. The tree lined canopy traveling farther along was very pretty. Once riders cross HWY 14 and proceed on towards Marquette, the trail became increasing difficult to ride even with medium width bike tires. The trail surface of powdery fly ash was deep. It also appeared that new limestone/crushed rock gravel had recently been added to the trail but not graded, thus making it too difficult to continue riding. Perhaps fat tire bikes would be able to traverse this section but definitely not road or hybrid tire bikes. A very peaceful and pastoral trail to ride, but unfortunately the final 3 or so miles is too hard to really bike. Nice restroom facilities and picnic area at the trailhead in Central City.
This trail is very well maintained and is relatively level. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Surface is well maintained for the entire length of the trail, no loose piled gravel. Rode morning after thunderstorms, surface absorbed the moisture well. Encountered cross country runners and other bikers on the trail. Bader Bridge is a marvel!
We parked near the Stuhr Museum and took off away from the museum, planning to bike while it was still cool and then visit the fabulous place. It was not well marked but easy for the most part to follow. It was really fun with the tall grasses. We were on a paved pathway for quite a while on a file and then the trail just stopped. We went further riding on gravel and in the grass but decided to head back to the museum. Make time to visit the museum. It’s really great.
There is lots of maintained green space, only a short block parallels busy road. Several benches if needing a break. Easily accessible parking at nearby churches and schools. At crosswalk, my dog and I waited but the traffic stopped and allowed us to pass!
Read somewhere that Hastings rcvd a Green Town award. The Pioneer Spirit is a linked set of trails, mostly quiet enough to hear the birds. Runs by a college and at least three parks. Then on into town. I also rode a new segment from my hotel out into cornfield territory, where the sky is enormous!
A great, flowing, double track trail that allows great views of Platte Valley.
Nice small 3 mile trail. The south east section the concrete isn’t very smooth. Having to ride back on the highway to get from one to the other is not ideal. The nature trail is well-maintained even though it is just a dirt track. Will remember my bike when I am in Dannebrog in the future. Will ride this trail again.
We visit family in Kearney at least twice each year and discovered the bike trail on Traillink.com. We are not serious bikers but simply enjoy riding and sight seeing while we get some exercise. So, this trip we packed our folding bikes and rode the entire trail. Like I said, we are not super serious bikers just a retired couple getting exercise.
The trail is very well maintained with water fountains/bottle fill stations at the Arch and Yanney Park. The main trail is completely paved and mostly flat. We normally stay at the Microtel which is right along the trail and makes a good starting point. Highly recommend this trail and the parks in Kearney, they have done a wonderful job developing and maintaining them.
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