The best traffic-free bike rides in Nebraska

Komoot offers over 60 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes across Nebraska. These routes are designed to provide a peaceful and scenic experience away from vehicular traffic, making them ideal for touring cyclists.

Yes, Nebraska offers many easy and family-friendly no-traffic routes. Out of the 60 available routes, 36 are rated as easy. A great option for a relaxed ride is the Standing Bear Lake and Recreation Area Trail, which is 12.8 km long and features minimal elevation gain.

Nebraska's no-traffic routes offer a surprising variety of landscapes. You can experience the vast, grass-stabilized Sandhills, rugged buttes and canyons in the Pine Ridge area, and scenic river valleys. Many routes follow former railway lines, providing relatively flat paths through diverse terrain, from open prairie to wooded areas.

Absolutely. Nebraska is home to several impressive rail-to-trail conversions that offer extensive car-free cycling. The Cowboy Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in the country, stretching for 189 miles across north-central Nebraska. Other notable options include the MoPac Trail and the Homestead Trail, which are excellent for longer touring adventures.

While many routes are easy to moderate, Nebraska does offer more challenging options, especially for those seeking gravel adventures. The Pine Ridge region in the northwestern part of the state provides rugged terrain with significant climbs and stunning views. Some sections of the Sandhills also offer challenging gravel cycling, particularly for those with larger tires.

Many routes pass by or near natural attractions. You can explore areas like Scotts Bluff National Monument with its iconic rock formations, or enjoy the tranquility of Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. Lakes such as Zorinsky Lake and Holmes Lake Park are also popular spots for cyclists.

Yes, the Niobrara River area, particularly the Niobrara National Scenic River, is known for its numerous waterfalls. While not directly on a specific no-traffic touring route listed here, you can find highlights like Stone Creek Falls in Nebraska, which can be a rewarding detour or destination for cyclists exploring the region.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic touring routes in Nebraska, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness and solitude of the trails, the diverse natural beauty, and the well-maintained surfaces of the rail-trails. The opportunity for wildlife spotting is also frequently mentioned.

Yes, several routes offer a circular experience, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An excellent example is the Flanagan Lake and Standing Bear Lake Loop, which is a moderate 22.9 km ride around two scenic lakes.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for no-traffic bike touring in Nebraska. The weather is typically mild, and the natural scenery is vibrant, with blooming wildflowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Summers can be hot, and winters can be cold with snow, which might limit accessibility on some trails.

Many of Nebraska's state parks, recreation areas, and trailheads for popular rail-trails offer designated parking facilities. For routes around urban lakes or within city trail networks, you'll often find parking lots conveniently located near the starting points. It's always advisable to check specific trail information for parking details before your ride.