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Cowboy Trail under Hwy 81
4.4 ★★★★☆ 13 Google reviews · Running trail in Norfolk, Nebraska · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cowboy Trail under Hwy 81's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cowboy Trail under Hwy 81
“Me and my son went for a walk underneath the bridge it was a beautiful day I'll never forget it's part of my memories when that I will never forget”
Eastern terminus of the Cowboy Trail. I pedaled west. Pleasant trail. I am glad I rode it. The surface is ok. I tried to stay on dirt and gravel as much as possible going cross country. The only problem I had was the trail was that further west the trail is not used much.
Awesome trail, nice and quite, beautiful scenery, great place for a walk or bike ride. Saw a bald eagle and a deer while out walking the trail. After 2 miles the trail turns to gravel. Another 4 miles out there is an awesome bridge that overlooks the river, really beautiful country
Nice relaxing time in nature. Good for the family. Bring bug spray in the warm months. Enjoyed. I biked this trail for about 20 miles out then back in from Norfolk, Ne. I believe this is the longest bike trail in the USA
Me and my son went for a walk underneath the bridge it was a beautiful day I'll never forget it's part of my memories when that I will never forget
Trail conditions & character
“Me and my son went for a walk underneath the bridge it was a beautiful day I'll never forget it's part of my memories when that I will never forget”
“I tried to stay on dirt and gravel as much as possible going cross country.”
Plan your run at Cowboy Trail under Hwy 81
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Norfolk
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ta-Ha-Zouka Park
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Johnson Park
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Park with a walking path and a playground, plus picnic tables and a shaded area.
City of Norfolk
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Fishing & non-motorized boating are allowed on the lake in this massive park, dedicated in 1971.
Castner's Crossing
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Sunset Park - Lake Esther
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