An Outdoors Guide to Nebraska

Deer, turkey, and ducks, oh my. Explore wildlife havens and bits of the old Oregon Trail on these four dayhikes in Nebraska.

#1: Scottsbluff, NE: Saddle Rock Trail (Hiking)
The crumbling caprock and sheer sandstone faces of Scotts Bluff frightened Oregon Trail-era emigrants, but they're the draw on this challenging, 3.8-mile out-and-back that climbs 500 feet up the towering massif.


#2: Scottsbluff, NE: Mitchell Pass (Hiking)
Cut through Mitchell Pass and follow in the footsteps of Oregon Trail emigrants on this easy, 1.1-mile out-and-back in Nebraska's Scotts Bluff National Monument.


#3: Lincoln, NE: Conestoga State Recreation Area (Hiking)
Hikers must follow unofficial, angler, or game trails for most of this 3.1-mile circumnavigation of Conestoga Lake, a popular roosting ground for upland birds and gobblers.


#4: Omaha: Platte River State Park (Hiking)
In 3.3 miles, hike two loops—one leads to campsites and a lovely waterfall, while the other sneaks along ridges and gullies perfect for nature photography.