The best walks and hikes in Douglas County

Douglas County offers a wide selection of hiking routes, with over 40 trails available. These trails primarily feature lake loops, urban park paths, and riverfront routes, catering to various preferences.

Hiking in Douglas County is characterized by generally flat to gently rolling terrain. Many routes encircle lakes or traverse established parklands, often featuring paved or well-maintained paths. You'll find pleasant walks along bodies of water and through urban green spaces.

Yes, Douglas County is well-suited for family-friendly hikes, with 28 out of 42 routes classified as easy. Trails like the Standing Bear Lake loop — Omaha and Zorinsky Lake Trail east loop — Omaha are popular choices, offering accessible paths and scenic views around the lakes.

Many trails in Douglas County offer views of local landmarks and natural features. You can explore areas around Glenn Cunningham Lake, Zorinsky Lake, and Standing Bear Lake. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge — Omaha is also a notable attraction, offering unique views over the Missouri River.

Yes, Douglas County also offers moderate trails for those seeking a slightly longer or more challenging experience. The Glenn Cunningham Lake loop — Omaha, for example, is a 6.2-mile trail that takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to complete, providing a good moderate excursion through parkland.

The trails in Douglas County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.95 out of 5 stars from over 25 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, scenic lake views, and the accessibility of the urban park systems.

Many trails in Douglas County offer pleasant scenic views, especially those that loop around the various lakes. The Standing Bear Lake loop — Omaha is known for its picturesque lake views, while the Zorinsky Lake Trail east loop — Omaha provides a pleasant walk along the water's edge.

Yes, circular routes are a defining characteristic of hiking in Douglas County. Many trails are designed as loops around lakes or through parks, such as the Standing Bear Lake loop — Omaha, the Glenn Cunningham Lake loop — Omaha, and the Flanagan Lake Trail loop — Omaha.

Given the generally flat terrain and well-maintained paths, hiking in Douglas County can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, while summer provides lush greenery around the lakes. Winter hikes are also possible on many of the paved or less challenging trails.

For a shorter, easy walk, consider the OPPD Arboretum loop — Omaha, which is just under a mile long and takes about 20 minutes to complete. It's a great option for a quick stroll through a pleasant environment.

One of the longer options in Douglas County is the Tranquility Trail loop — Omaha, which spans approximately 6.2 miles (10 km). This moderate trail offers a more extended hiking experience through varied parkland.