Explore the best rated trails in Lexington, NE, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Johnson Lake Hike and Bike Trail and Kearney Hike and Bike Trail . With more than 3 trails covering 35 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.
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
This was the second stop in our 2023 "Tour de Great Plains & Colorado" bike trip. The trail was in excellent condition, mostly flat and the town of Kearny is the best of America, you really couldn't find better place to stop and ride. It really does seem like the place where you can leave the front door unlocked.
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.
This trail is very well maintained and is relatively level. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
A great, flowing, double track trail that allows great views of Platte Valley.
Delightful trail around Johnson Lake. Two short sections on roads. Virtually no traffic. Very enjoyable break on a cross country journey.
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.
Great walk...for being in an urban setting be prepared to see lots of wildlife. Many places to get on the trail and walk or ride a bike. Not many facilities from archway to Fort Kearney but great easy walk. Cranes are available for viewing during migration in spring. You will like the experience.
This trail is a gem. It crosses the Platte River twice on beautiful bridges. There are shelters with seating along the trail. We even saw a couple of deer running beside us. The trail leaves from the Ft. Kearney Campground and the campground hosts lend campers bicycles for free.
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.
OK, my previous estimate was off a bit. The actual length of the trail from Ft Kearny trail head to Cottonmill Park trail head is 26.98 mi round trip. Your mileage may vary, especially if you take the time to ride through either/both parks.
Also, the Kearney Hike/Bike Trail is much more than just these two end points. There are many branches off the main line that take you around and through the Kearney area, including Harvey Park, Baldwin Park and Yanney Park.
Enjoy.
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