When finished, the Cowboy trail will
stretch 321 miles across
Nebraska, making it the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the
nation. The trail will cross 221 bridges and pass through 29 towns.
Much of the trail is in various stages of development, but only 60
miles are currently open for use. These include 5 miles east of
Valentine, 21 miles between O'Neill and Ewing, and 34 miles be-
tween Neligh and Norfolk. The most scenic parts of the long
stretch; are from Neligh to Oakdale, and from Meadow Grove to
Norfolk. The Norfolk end-of-the-trail, doesn't go all the way
into
town, but the trail can be accessed at the 37th street crossing
1½
miles south of highway 275, or the trail parking lot at the 47th
street crossing. To find the 47th street crossing, go 1 mi south
of
highway 275 on 37th, then 1 mi west, and then another ¾ mi south.
The towns are nicely spaced, and the trail surface is exceptional.
Fred Penn Park, on the outskirts of Neligh, has an open
air shelter,
pond, and free primitive camping. When completely
finished, the
trail will pass through farmland, ranches, and canyons.
|
|
