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Zorinsky Lake Trail

Hiking trails & Routes

Zorinsky Lake Trail

Easy

4.6

(6426)

8,267

hikers

Zorinsky Lake Trail

Q: Is the Zorinsky Lake Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate , making it very suitable for beginners, families, and individuals with young children. Its paved paths and minimal elevation changes ensure a comfortable experience for most visitors.

Q: What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail primarily features paved pathways that wind around Zorinsky Lake. You'll experience a mix of wooded areas, open parkland, and scenic lakeside sections. There are also native tallgrass prairie areas and crossings over Boxelder Creek and its wetlands.

Q: What wildlife can I expect to see along the route?

The area is a popular spot for birdwatchers , with a variety of avian species. You might also spot other wildlife like deer and foxes, especially in the wetlands and wooded sections.

Q: What can I see along the route?

As you hike, you'll enjoy picturesque lakeside views and pass through diverse landscapes including wooded areas and tallgrass prairies. Notable points include the Zorinsky Dam and sections of the Zorinsky Lake Trail itself.

Q: Where can I park to access the Zorinsky Lake Trail?

The Edward Zorinsky Recreation Area, where the trail is located, offers various parking options. As it's an urban park, multiple access points with parking lots are available around the lake.

Q: Is the Zorinsky Lake Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to maintain the park's cleanliness for all visitors.

Q: When is the best time of year to visit the trail?

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer is great for lakeside activities. Even in winter, it provides a peaceful escape, though some amenities might be limited.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to use Zorinsky Lake Park?

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access Zorinsky Lake Park or its trails. It's a public recreation area within Omaha, designed for community enjoyment.

Q: Is the trail accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

Yes, due to its paved paths, ramps, and railings on bridges, the trail is largely accessible for strollers and wheelchairs , making it inclusive for a wide range of visitors.

Q: Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the main route around Zorinsky Lake is part of the larger Zorinksy Trail network. It also passes through sections of the Zorinsky Lake Trail and the Zorinsky Conncetor Trail, offering options for extended exploration.

01:49

7.02km

40m

Hiking

The Zorinsky Lake Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature right in Omaha, providing a predominantly paved and wide path that makes for an easy 4.4-mile (7.0 km) hike. You'll enjoy continuous views of the expansive 255-acre Zorinsky Lake as the route winds through open grasslands, native tallgrass prairie, and…

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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2.84 km

Zorinsky Dam

Highlight • Structure

Zorinsky Dam was created in 1984 as part of an initiative to protect the city of Lincoln from flooding. The area became a state park in 1993. The dam blocks Papillion (Papio) Creek, as does Wehrspann Dam to the south.

Tip by

6.96 km

Zorinsky Lake Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Zorinsky Lake Trail is paved and runs the perimeter of the lake. The trail takes you over Boxelder Creek and the wetlands to the west of Lake Zorinsky.

Tip by

7.02 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.96 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.49 km

3.45 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Monday 3 August

32°C

18°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Zorinsky Lake Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it very suitable for beginners, families, and individuals with young children. Its paved paths and minimal elevation changes ensure a comfortable experience for most visitors.

What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail primarily features paved pathways that wind around Zorinsky Lake. You'll experience a mix of wooded areas, open parkland, and scenic lakeside sections. There are also native tallgrass prairie areas and crossings over Boxelder Creek and its wetlands.

What wildlife can I expect to see along the route?

The area is a popular spot for birdwatchers, with a variety of avian species. You might also spot other wildlife like deer and foxes, especially in the wetlands and wooded sections.

What can I see along the route?

As you hike, you'll enjoy picturesque lakeside views and pass through diverse landscapes including wooded areas and tallgrass prairies. Notable points include the Zorinsky Dam and sections of the Zorinsky Lake Trail itself.

Where can I park to access the Zorinsky Lake Trail?

The Edward Zorinsky Recreation Area, where the trail is located, offers various parking options. As it's an urban park, multiple access points with parking lots are available around the lake.

Is the Zorinsky Lake Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to maintain the park's cleanliness for all visitors.

When is the best time of year to visit the trail?

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer is great for lakeside activities. Even in winter, it provides a peaceful escape, though some amenities might be limited.

Are there any fees or permits required to use Zorinsky Lake Park?

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access Zorinsky Lake Park or its trails. It's a public recreation area within Omaha, designed for community enjoyment.

Is the trail accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

Yes, due to its paved paths, ramps, and railings on bridges, the trail is largely accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it inclusive for a wide range of visitors.

Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the main route around Zorinsky Lake is part of the larger Zorinksy Trail network. It also passes through sections of the Zorinsky Lake Trail and the Zorinsky Conncetor Trail, offering options for extended exploration.

How busy does the trail get?

As a popular urban sanctuary, the trail can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak hours. However, the wide paved paths generally accommodate both walkers and bikers comfortably.