Find the top rated dog walking trails in Columbus, whether you're looking for an easy short dog walking trail or a long dog walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a dog walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Oak Creek Trail is still closed just north of Valparaiso which was not posted on the info kiosk in Valparaiso. Better to start at County Rd. 30 if heading northward. Beautiful trail. Largely wind protected with embankments and trees. The horse trail alongside occasionally crisscrosses the fine gravel trail which was in good shape for this early spring ride. Restrooms were not open. North of Loma we encountered >20 mph winds which were gusting to 36 mph which added a significant challenge. But it was a pretty ride and worth the effort.
We've read mixed reviews of various segments of the trail, with issues of maintenance, and goathead burrs that will puncture tires. But the section near the west end of the trail, specifically near Valentine NEB merits a short ride and we didnt encounter any problems. Park in downtown Valentine, where the trail crosses highway 83 (or anywhere- its a small town) and head east on the trail about 2 miles for a visual treat. The huge trestle that is one of the trail icons crosses high above the Niobrara river, and offers great views of the valley. Also FYI, the Niobrara is a great float river and several outfitters are based in Valentine.
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!
I had planned on riding total NE Cowboy Trail in 4 days! On 29June I took off @ 7am from Econ Lodge @ Valentine. My first 45 miles were just AWESOME! Then I got a flat tire on the rear; Although I had an extra tube, I did not have a pump. After I began walking my bike, my front tire also went flat. I suspected I had picked up the thorns along the trail middle section, while I had been criss-crossing the trail to avoid the bumpyty-bump of some recent horse shoe prints! I walked about 4-5 miles to my Rodeway Inn. Lucky, Bomgars, was across the street. I was able to buy 2 new tubes, slime, and a hand pump.
After much trials/tribulations getting my 2 tires repaired, I took off late, 930am on Wed 1July. Becuase there was a detour in Long Pine, I decided to ride the Hwy 20 Shoulder. As I could always see the trail along the way, I then decided to avoid the risk of more thorns, by staying on the Hwy 20 wide shoulder. I did OK for 20 miles. Then during a water break, I made the mistake of leaning my bike on a stop sign. I must have picked up several thorns right there; not long after I took off, my rear tire went flat!
First I tried the Slime, but it did not plug the multiple holes! It took me about an hour in 90-degrees on the shoulder of Hwy 20 to get my LAST new tube installed. I had 30 miles to get to Atkinson. I prayed HARD that I would not get another flat.
I got to my Sandhills Guest House @ 6PM. I was totally exhaused by the heat, and the added stress caused by the Prevailing Winds and the continuous flying Farm Semi-Trailers, which created additional wind to push me back!
I decided I would pause my ride after completing 100 beautiful miles. The remaining 100 miles to Norfolk will have to wait for another time! Maybe I will find non-flat tires before my next attempt!
Has one section closed. About the second mile out from Valparaiso. We by passed by taking a two mile detour on steep gravel roads. Also can get to it off of 66, but that is one long hill up.
We rode this trail from Toulon to Princeville today. It was great! The path was very good. It is mostly shaded. Excellent. We stopped in Wyoming on our way back for lunch. Ate at 111 Coffee Shop. Don’t be fooled, this is NOT just a coffee shop. The lunch was delicious. And it is decorated all with bikes! Perfect for us bikers. And check out the bathroom. Cute!!! Can’t wait to do more of the route from Princeville going south.
Flat with beautiful views. Visited in early June 2020, rode 17.5 miles eat from Valentine then back for a total of 35 miles. Trail was very flat and worked well with our hybrid bikes. It was a little bit sandy and thick for the first 1-2 miles outside of Valentine but was fine after that. The bridge view was spectacular at Valentine. Beautiful scenic landscape, friendly people in the town of Valentine, and saw lots of wildlife. Would totally recommend.
Perfect nature walk for non-athlete wanting fresh air and comfortable pace. Crops ready for harvest and trees ablaze with color. Small water channel provided a peaceful stop. The native grasses were heavy with seed. The reservoir lapped with small waves while the stray duck flapped in the distance. Ideal setting for meditation.
This trail is a must, beautiful views and extremely secluded! We didn't see another person on the trail from Brainard to Loma. The trail is in really good shape for the exception of quite a few deep critter holes. I wouldn't suggest ridding at night! We will be back!
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