Explore the best rated trails in Hastings, NE, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the St. Joe Trail and Pioneer Spirit 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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