Explore the best rated trails in Red Cloud, NE, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Pioneer Spirit Trail and Kearney Hike and Bike Trail . With more than 4 trails covering 38 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.
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.
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.
Great concrete trail that goes along the NW side of Harlan County Lake. West end of trail starts just off of US Hwy 183 in Alma and the east end is at Methodist Cove campground/boat dock. Trail is relatively flat, just some minor hills, very easy ride/walk. Many benches along the trail overlooking the scenic views of Harlan County Lake. Wildlife is also very prevalent along this trail. I have witnessed rabbits, squirrels, deer, pheasants, fox, turkey, turtles, deer, raccoon and even a very small lizard.
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.
The Pheasant Ridge Trail is a short 3 mile trail lining the north shore of Harlan County Reservoir in Harlan NE. I had the opportunity to ride it while passing through on the way from our Iowa home to visit family in Arizona. It provided a nice break along the way.
The surface is mostly concrete and it was smooth and relatively fast. It's a little hilly, but the hills are easily manageable and offer some nice vistas of the lake.
If you're coming from out of town, the best place to park is in the city park on the east side of US Highway 183 just to the north of the causeway over the reservoir. Parking is free and the trail starts just steps from the lot.
If you want to go a little longer, you might be able to cruise through the campground at the east end of the trail. There's a guard house there but it was closed for the season when I rode here last week so I was able to easily get in. On the way back, I detoured through town. Round trip was a little under 8 miles.
I wouldn't make a special trip here, but if you find yourself in the area, the Pheasant Ridge Trail is a nice resource and pleasant way to spend a little time exploring this beautiful, rural part of America.
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.
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.
The trail is complete from Ft Kearny to Cottonmill Park. Approximately 16 miles, one way.
Ride this trail today. It's in great shape.
As per the previous comment, you can't ride to Fort Kearny, but you can ride to the Platte River Road Archway which is worth a stop.
The trail section that curves along the canal is particularly nice.
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