Escape to the river
In a world that works so hard to stay connected every single minute of the day, there’s something amazingly calming about the escape that can be found on the meandering flow of Nebraska’s waterways. The kids don’t have to fuss about what’s happening on their favorite social networking site. There’s no need to worry about mowing the lawn or whether the stock market went up—because when you’re on the river, it’s all about your family, your canoe, the water and the environment around you. It’s time to take it all in.
Portions of 10 of Nebraska’s most popular paddling rivers have been established as designated canoe trails in conjunction with the American Canoe Association’s water trails initiative. The Nebraska canoe trail segments have been chosen because they represent the beauty and majesty of the respective rivers they are a part of. They are perfect for recreational use by families looking for a great adventure lasting up to five days along 18 to 72 miles of river.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has published online guides for each of the 10 canoe trails in Nebraska. Each guide includes general information about the river, canoe trail put-in and take-out points and areas of interest, as well as the locations of public and private campsites, picnic and restroom facilities and contact information for local community and medical authorities along the route.
The commission has also published an overall “Nebraska Canoe Trails Guide” that includes general information about Nebraska’s rivers and canoe trails, along with tips for a successful float. The guide also includes a statewide listing of outfitters offering canoe rentals, shuttle services and, in some cases, guide services. The Niobrara River, in particular, features an abundance of outfitters ready to serve paddlers because of that river’s popularity with families and recreation groups. (For resource and Web site information, see the list at the end of this article.)
Nebraska’s canoe trails are excellent for family paddling, as their waters flow slow and gentle. In fact, the International Scale of Difficulty generally rates Nebraska’s rivers at Class I: Easy; moving water with small waves and riffles can be expected, with few obstacles. The Niobrara River in north-central and northeastern Nebraska features some faster moving water, rapids and chutes, which keeps the trip entertaining for experienced paddlers yet manageable for families and beginning paddlers.
The Niobrara River Canoe Trail
Without a doubt, the Niobrara River offers some of the most fun and challenging water to paddle in Nebraska. Stretching across northern Nebraska from a narrow, shallow beginning in eastern Wyoming, this National Scenic River features an incredible assortment of waterfalls, rapids and chutes. It’s the combination of these elements that makes the 30.5-mile Niobrara River Canoe Trail one of the premier paddling locales in the nation for canoe and kayak enthusiasts alike.
This canoe trail begins at the Cornell Bridge at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and travels in an easterly direction. A daily access fee is charged at the launch, and a sticker must be affixed to your canoe or kayak. The Niobrara River Canoe Trail ends at the Norden Bridge, which is located south of the village of Norden.
Out on the water, the Niobrara River Canoe Trail offers almost immediate options for scenery, courtesy of trails shooting off from the sides of the river that lead to secluded spots like Fort Falls and the overlook at Buffalo Bridge. Some access points, such as the one at Berry Bridge, are private property, and landowners may charge a nominal access and parking fee.
Less than 10 miles into the journey, Smith Falls State Park offers picnicking, camping, modern restrooms and showers. It’s also the location of the state’s highest waterfall, Smith Falls, where water takes a dramatic 70-foot drop from the top of the birch-lined canyon before making a short journey to the river. It’s a must-see for any family traveling down the river.
The Calamus River Canoe Trail
Flowing gently to its eventual destination at the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA), the 56-mile Calamus River Canoe Trail could very well be one of Nebraska’s most scenic canoeing stretches. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has given the segment from Nebraska Highway 7 bridge to the Calamus Reservoir SRA official canoe trail status, and it stands as one of the state’s most diversely beautiful and fun-to-navigate waterways. Its tight turns and tall reeds even create a maze-like feel at times.
The Calamus River flows cold and clear, even during the hottest months of the year, as it’s fed by the underlying Ogallala Aquifer through a series of artesian wells and springs. This makes the Calamus good for paddling virtually anytime the weather is warm enough. And with low, gently rolling banks along the river providing excellent views of the surrounding Nebraska Sandhills, it’s a breathtaking adventure.
The Republican River Canoe Trail
At a leisurely two-mile-per-hour float from its start at the Harlan County Lake Dam near Republican City, the Republican River Canoe Trail takes paddlers on a winding journey through some of south-central Nebraska’s most beautiful country—where wildlife are abundant and people are not. The Republican River is affected by seasonal flows, making July and August optimal times to visit due to water releases common during those months. Contact a local outfitter serving the Republican River or the Corps of Engineers at Republican City to verify water release levels during your planned vacation times. This will help ensure your family has a great paddling experience on the river.
Tips for paddling in Nebraska
You may encounter some obstacles that require portage, including low bridges, fences and low water levels. When encountering a bridge or fence crossing, it is typically best to stop, plan your passage and, if necessary, get out of your canoe to walk it under the fence or portage it around the fence. It is critical that fences and bridges are not disturbed, as they are essential to ranch and farm operation and are private property.
Only the water in the rivers is public property. The riverbeds and all adjacent lands are private property, so always respect the property and rights of landowners. Nebraska statute gives paddlers permission to portage around fences and other obstructions; however, you are responsible for any damage to the property. Any picnicking or camping on private property should only be done with landowner permission.
In Nebraska, each occupant of a canoe or kayak must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or IV life preserver on board. Occupants under 13 years of age must wear an approved life preserver of suitable size at all times.
Nebraska’s canoe trails offer a unique opportunity for paddlers to experience some of the best, most scenic segments of the state’s premier rivers. So pack up your family and load the canoe. It’s time to hit the water!
Resources
Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism (Visit this site for excellent information on canoeing outfitters, destinations and more.)
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (For the “Nebraska Canoe Trails Guide,” select the Boating tab and click on Canoe Guides in the left-hand navigation.)
National Park Service, Niobrara National Scenic River
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