Backpacking in Nebraska may not compare to other states in terms of vast wilderness areas or long-distance trails. However, for those seeking a scenic multi-day adventure amid the Cornhusker State’s natural beauty, there are still opportunities to be found.
From woodlands along the northern Niobrara River valley to rolling sand dunes in the central regions, Nebraska still offers diverse landscapes to explore.
And that’s what this post is all about – backpacking in Nebraska. We’ll provide tips to help you prepare for backpacking in this state as well as showcase the TOP 5 multi-day backpacking trails.
Interested? Let’s get started.
Discover the most stunning long trails in Nebraska for amazing adventures:
Diana Robinson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 187.2 mi / 301.3 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 2378 ft / 724.8 m
Location: Norfolk
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 54 800 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
The Cowboy Trail is a 187.2-mile point-to-point trail in Nebraska, offering a moderately challenging backpacking experience through the vast, monotonous landscapes of the Great American Plains. With crushed limestone and well-maintained bridges, it provides solitude and connection with nature, though the scenery can become monotonous. Expect to spend around 54 hours to complete the entire trail.
Becky, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 31.5 mi / 50.7 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 616 ft / 188 m
Location: Roca
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 7900 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
The 31.5-mile Roca Trail is a point-to-point route near Roca, Nebraska, considered an easy hike taking around 9.5 hours to complete. Ideal for backpacking and hiking, the well-maintained, compact gravel trail offers a peaceful experience with few other visitors. The trail follows an old railroad corridor, often lined with trees, though some open, windier sections exist. Watch for animal holes along the way. The trail is open year-round, making it enjoyable to visit anytime.
Jonathan Reyes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Length: 21.7 mi / 34.9 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 597 ft / 182 m
Location: Lincoln
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 5400 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
This 21.7-mile point-to-point trail near Lincoln, Nebraska offers a moderately challenging hiking experience. Generally taking around 6 hours and 49 minutes to complete, the trail provides solitude and is open year-round. The well-maintained crushed limestone path is mostly flat, with some paved sections. Scattered shade and pretty horse properties line parts of the route. Overall, it’s a simple but enjoyable trail for exploring Nebraska’s landscape.
Length: 40 mi / 64.4 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation Gain: NA
Location: Chadron
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 8700 calories
More Details: See on US Forest Service
A 40-mile hiking/biking/equestrian trail spanning the Pine Ridge area near Chadron and Crawford. Traverses varied landscapes like grasslands, pine forests, canyons and ridges. Fire-impacted in parts. Multiple access points including East Ash and Chadron State Park trailheads. Scenic but rugged route showcasing northwest Nebraska.
Length: 10.5 mi / 16.9 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1512 ft / 461 m
Location: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 4700 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
This 10.5-mile loop trail near Bellevue, Nebraska, offers a challenging hiking experience with a mix of inclines and declines. Generally taking around 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete, the trail is popular for birding and hiking but can provide solitude during quieter times. The trails are well-maintained, with some muddy spots expected, and are easy to follow. The best time to visit is from April through October.
Nebraska’s backpacking weather varies greatly across seasons:
Before making your gear selection, take a look at the weather statistics for Nebraska (Omaha):
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 38 | 51 | 64 | 74 | 83 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 65 | 49 | 35 |
| Low °F | 14 | 18 | 28 | 40 | 51 | 61 | 66 | 64 | 54 | 42 | 29 | 17 |
| Rain/Snow (D*) | 3 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
Not sure if Nebraska is right for you?
Don’t forget to check out our backpacking guides for Iowa and Colorado.
Campfires are allowed but have some rules when backpacking in Nebraska. In places like wildlife management areas and state parks, fires must stick to designated sites or fire rings. Check for burn bans during dry times. Some trails may not allow fires or need permits, so know the rules where you’re hiking. If fires are okay, use existing fire rings, only gather dead and down wood, and keep your fires small.
When you go backpacking in Nebraska, be ready for strong sun, storms, wind, and sudden temperature changes. Bring gear to handle all of that. Also, have tools and skills to find your way in the big prairies. Watch out for rattlesnakes, ticks, and tricky river crossings. Don’t camp under dead tree limbs that might fall in storms. Tell others about your route and when you’ll be back. It’s safer to hike with a buddy or group. Be aware of hunters during hunting seasons. Be careful on private land and ask for permission. And don’t get too close to wildlife like bison or elk.
When you come across wildlife in Nebraska, give them plenty of space. Stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and don’t try to get too close. Watch out for snakes in tall grass and look for signs like animal tracks. If you encounter a mountain lion or coyote, back away slowly and make yourself look big. Keep away from bison, especially calves and agitated adults showing signs of charging. If you hear or see a rattlesnake, take a different path. Let elk and deer move through without disturbing them. Tell authorities about problematic animals and use noise to keep curious skunks or raccoons away from your camp. Carry bear spray just in case animals get aggressive.
