The topography here may make you forget you're in Nebraska. Some of the hills are dramatic and there are bluffs and canyons everywhere. Get a trail map at the park HQ and look for the big loop you can do around the NW quadrant of the park. One of the rangers is an avid biker, so you're in luck if she's manning the desk. I did the loop counterclockwise, but it may be just as good clockwise. There are a couple drawbacks. The entrances to the trail from the road don't match the map well, so you may spend some time looking. The northeast end of the loop is simply mowed prairie grass, even when it's in the pines, so it's not that interesting. Also, the sand hills are subject to rapid erosion, and the worst of the grades have no waterbars or armoring, so they are deply rutted. However, the western edge of the loop is very good. This trail is worth a stop if you're in the area--unless you're continuing on to the Black Hills, less than two hours away--save you're energy for the excellent singletrack there.
Great short ride. Clockwise allows climbs on mostly asphalt and descent on nice singletrack. Nothing terribly technical - some rocks and roots. All downed trees have been removed from the trail.
| ThankI just got back today from hitting this awesome trail twice! This trail has gotten some mixed reviews but I had a lot of fun with a buddy of mine, pedaling out 10.14 miles. It was 4.5 miles if you stick to the trail. We ended up down in the campground the first round and it was 5.5 miles. This trail is a great mix of uphill, downhill, rocks, roots, trees, ruts, rock formations, and amazing views! We went clockwise starting at the Blackhills Overlook. Theres quite a few good climbs before we hit the downhill portion. We moved a few dead tree limbs that had fallen on the trail, and had to navigate some washed out, rutted parts, but it added to the fun. This trail was a perfect mix of uphill and downhill. Its a shame that about a mile of it is tied into the paved road of the State Park but it was actually a nice break after pounding down the trail. I live about 2 hours away and will definitely be back for more!
| ThankThere were a lot of trails and I only had time for one. It was one of the coolest views in Nebraska.
| ThankThe trail I took would have been ok but there was a tree lying on the trail every 20 feet. I did my best to move all of them. The hiking is great but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to come here for biking.