This Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In Nebraska

We’re pretty in love with Nebraska’s many, many hiking trails. It’s impossible to choose the best one or the prettiest one or even a favorite one – but there’s one that we think is extra special. The wilderness trail at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge starts out at a gorgeous natural spectacle and leads you through some of the most beautiful wilderness in the state.

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge is located near Valentine and encompasses more than 19,000 acres.

flickr/Diana Robinson

Sights like buffalo and elk are common here. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see prairie dogs poking their little heads up from their burrows.

TripAdvisor/stoneyranger15

Park near Fort Falls to begin your hike. The first part of the trail will take you down a metal staircase into the valley where you’ll find…

By Chris Light (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

…the beautiful Fort Falls. The 45-foot-tall waterfall is peaceful and lovely to watch for a while before you continue your hike.

By Chris Light (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The trail is only about three quarters of a mile long, but it can be challenging. It’s just the right length for a leisurely afternoon of sightseeing along the Niobrara.

TripAdvisor/TranzorZ1985

The trail skirts the scenic river, letting you drink in the sights of the gorgeous bluffs and lush vegetation.

TripAdvisor/Jackie77

No matter the time of year, you’ll be awed by the views and solitude here. This area of wilderness is truly wild, and you’re unlikely to encounter many other visitors.

flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie

Fort Falls may not be quite as tall or as grand as its big brother, Smith Falls, but it’s an utterly charming part of the wildlife refuge and the perfect reason to take a hike.

flickr/Diana Robinson

TripAdvisor/stoneyranger15

By Chris Light (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

TripAdvisor/TranzorZ1985

TripAdvisor/Jackie77

flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie

Don’t be jealous, other hiking trails. You’re all beautiful.

Interested in another unique hike in Nebraska? This one near Crawford was named one of the 10 best in the U.S. for a spring hike.

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Fort Falls may not be quite as tall or as grand as its big brother, Smith Falls, but it’s an utterly charming part of the wildlife refuge and the perfect reason to take a hike.#

Fort Falls may not be quite as tall or as grand as its big brother, Smith Falls, but it’s an utterly charming part of the wildlife refuge and the perfect reason to take a hike.