Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail
13.2 miles of trail connecting Fort Kearny State Historical Park to the city of Kearney.
The Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail connects one of Nebraska's most significant historic sites — Fort Kearny State Historical Park — with the city of Kearney through the Platte River corridor. The trail follows the route of the historic Oregon Trail and offers access to wetlands, wildlife, and Platte River scenery.
Trail Information
- Length: 13.2 miles
- Location: Fort Kearny State Historical Park to Kearney (Kearney/Buffalo County)
- Surface: Crushed limestone and paved sections
- Uses: Biking, walking, hiking, wildlife viewing
Counties & Towns Along the Trail
Kearney County / Buffalo County
Points of Interest
- Fort Kearny State Historical Park — reconstructed 1848 Army fort on the Oregon Trail
- Platte River wetlands and sandhill crane staging area (spring migration)
- Kearney's trail network connection
- Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary (nearby)
History
Fort Kearny was established in 1848 to protect travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Pioneer trails. It was the first significant landmark emigrants encountered after leaving the Missouri River. The Hike-Bike Trail corridor follows the Platte River bottomlands that millions of westward migrants crossed in the mid-1800s.
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