Stretching 195 miles across Nebraska's heartland, the Cowboy Trail invites cyclists to traverse an old railroad corridor turned multi-use trail, running from Norfolk to Chadron. The route rolls steadily through open prairies, cottonwood groves, and alongside rivers that dare you to keep pushing forward. The terrain is predominantly crushed limestone and gravel, maintaining a mostly gentle gradient of around 0.5% to 1%, with subtle elevation changes that won’t overtax your legs but will keep you engaged.

Starting in Norfolk, riders begin where small town charm gives way to wide open farmland. The trail holds a steady rhythm of farmland vistas interrupted by shaded stretches beneath towering cottonwoods that seem to lean in, watching your progress. Tailwinds often sweep across the plains, pushing you to cover serious ground early in the day. Keep an eye on the Platte River that snakes alongside parts of the trail, its currents humming with energy.

The Cowboy Trail’s straightforward layout makes navigation easy, but its length demands planning. Lodging options are sparse but reliable in towns like Valentine and Merriman, where welcoming locals fuel your journey with stories and homemade meals. Water sources can be limited in some stretches, so carry at least two liters and refill whenever available. Prepare for varied weather—heat waves simmer during summer, while spring winds can whistle like a challenge across the open flats.

Gear choices are critical: a sturdy hybrid or gravel bike with reliable tires will handle the mixed surfaces best. Comfortable shoes, wide-brimmed hats, and protective eyewear aren’t a luxury—they’re essentials. Timing rides for early mornings avoids the harsher afternoon sun, and the trail’s gentle elevation changes reward steady pacing rather than speed.

Wildlife punctuates the journey: deer cautiously browse near tree lines, hawks circle in the thermals, and occasional pronghorn might bolt ahead in bursts of speed. These moments remind you the trail is fiercely itself—a living environment that demands respect, not conquest.

Riding the Cowboy Trail is an engagement with Nebraska’s landscape at its rawest. It’s a long haul, yes — but every mile offers reward: fresh air weighted with the scent of grasses, wildflowers nodding their approval, and an experience grounded in the rhythms of the natural world. For cyclists seeking purposeful adventure with practical demands, this trail’s wide open arms await.