4 / OUTDOORS / Valentine From the Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center, you’re about 15 miles from one of the river’s most sought-after features: Snake River Falls. One of Nebraska’s most spectacular natural displays, these spring-fed falls cascade over layers of rocks, pouring fast and sending up sprays of mist. Hike down woodland trails that lead to the base of the falls, deep in a canyon. While you’re in the area, don’t pass up the chance to canoe local waterways. Area outfitters can provide you with everything you need for a peaceful paddle along the sandstone cliffs of the Niobrara. And while summer is a popular time to explore the river, don’t discount fall or spring for fiery foliage and colorful blooms. Niobrara National Scenic River 5 Norfolk to Valentine Stretching over the American outback is the longest rails-to-trails conversion project in the U.S. Known as the Cowboy Trail, it cuts a bold path that is at once tranquil COWBOY TRAIL, and energizing. In NORFOLK TO VALENTINE total, the trail spans 192 miles, tracing the abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway corridor. Bikers, hikers and other adventurers make the experience meet their needs, whether that’s a family excursion, a grueling long-distance push or an evening stroll through the wide-open spaces of Nebraska. However, the gentle curves and elevation of the now-paved railroad tracks are especially popular with cyclists. No matter your mode of transport, slow down for stunning views of rivers, valleys, prairies and woods along any of the trail’s 221 bridges. Cowboy Trail WATCHABLE WILDLIFE Where, when and how to spot Nebraska’s wild things From feathery cranes to woolly bison, you can check a variety of species off your “watchable wildlife” list in Nebraska. What makes the state such a prime spot? Our mix of prairies and pine forests, grasslands and wetlands—created by some 23,000 miles of rivers and streams. Before we dish on where and when to look, let’s cover the how: best practices for watching wildlife. Above all, remember the trifecta: silence, patience and distance. Put another way, the best sightings come to those who don’t mind waiting quietly from a safe distance. If you’re too close, animals are likely to stop acting naturally out of fear. So, watch an animal’s behavior. If it’s engaged in normal activity—feeding, for example—you’re likely at a safe distance. P.S. Binoculars rock. They allow you to maintain a safe distance while enjoying the very best views. A pair of all-purpose binoculars, power and dimensions 7 x 35, will do. WILDLIFE SAFARI PARK, ASHLAND 32 VisitNebraska.com
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2019 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 36
