Hiking trails around Omaha
While Omaha is not Denver, Colorado, with their well known love of all things outdoors we are not too far off in my opinion.
Being the nurse that I am, lets get some of the safety suggestions out of the way first. There are many things to consider when it comes to hiking. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Plan your route: It's important to know where you're going and how long it will take you to get there. Make sure to check the weather forecast and bring a map or GPS device to help you navigate.
Pack wisely: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and other supplies you might need, such as a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a compass.
Wear the right gear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must, as well as clothes that are appropriate for the weather. Consider bringing layers, as the weather can change unexpectedly.
Stay on the trail: It's important to protect the environment and avoid damaging plants and wildlife.
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be prepared for potential hazards, such as wildlife, steep drop-offs, and unstable terrain.
Follow Leave No Trace principles: These guidelines help to minimize the impact of hikers on the environment. This includes leaving no litter, respecting wildlife, and staying on established trails.
Know your limits: It's important to challenge yourself, but it's also important to know your own abilities and limits. Take breaks as needed, and don't be afraid to turn back if you need to.
Now that we have how-to's and what to look out for on lock, let's get into the fun stuff. Lace your sneakers, pack your bag and hit one of these trails for some old-fashioned hiking and definitely more.
Photo by Timmy Wesley on Unsplash
EUGENE T. MAHONEY STATE PARK.
If you are looking for the perfect all year-round family escape spot, this is for you. Apart from hiking and bike trails, they also have tree top ropes courses, indoor rock climbing, sledding and ice skating. The park also offers art and craft classes, an array of cabins, golf, fishing, theatre and even camping opportunities. On site is the Peter Kiewit Lodge and from most of the balconies you have an absolutely beautiful view of the Platte River Valley. These here are just but a fraction of what the park offers, so I challenge you, come on down and experience the fullness.
FONTENELLE FOREST.
This is one of the largest privately-operated nature centers in the nation and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The Forest is home to rare wildflowers, premier birding sites, a wide range of ecosystems, more than 600 different species of animals and plant life and vast outdoor adventures. It also includes a mile long ADA-accessible boardwalk for wheelchairs and basically any device on wheels. Fontenelle Forest offers a variety of themed guided hikes all through the year. All this is just talk, come through and enjoy the scenic view and sheer adventure. Most importantly, enjoy your hike!
HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER.
Home to some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa and rare plants and animals, the Hitchcock Nature Center is located across the Missouri River and is in the heart of Loess Hills is twenty minutes from downtown Omaha. If you are in the search of some guided night hikes, some camping, picnicking, bird watching, snowshoeing, star gazing, and simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world, this is the place for you. Bonus; it runs all year round. Pun intended.
NEALE WOODS NATURE RESERVE.
Home to abundant plants and wildlife, Neale Woods offers a hiking experience that is truly unique to any other in the greater Omaha metro area. In a single afternoon, you can encounter a range of vastly different ecosystems, from deciduous forest to oak savannah, floodplain, and prairie. Neale woods is a conservation area that is owned and operated by Fontenelle Forest, a privately funded non-profit organization. Throughout the seasons, enjoy special events like winter stargazing. While you’re there, see if you can spot Omaha’s skyline in the distance and definitely don’t forget to enjoy your day outside.
HUMMEL PARK.
Located south of Neale Woods Nature Reserve, this historic park is covered in hiking trails, including the Omaha Riverfront Trail North. There are also horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, a summer day camp, a disc golf course and a Missouri River outlook. The outlook is located above the popular “Devil’s Slide”, a natural cliff. To wrap this baby up with a bow is the year-round nature-centered fun for families including its popular Fall Fest.
MOUNT VERNON GARDENS.
Fun fact, Mount Vernon Gardens was created as a memorial to George Washington, designed to depict his Virginia estate. This hidden gem features 16 rose beds and 25 flowerbeds, and a nearby trail offers an eye-catching glimpse of the Missouri River. Plus, the Google reviews collaborate on its beauty. It is an ideal place for pictures to boost your already aesthetic Instagram for sure.
DESOTO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.
Bordering both Iowa and Nebraska, the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is located along the banks of the Missouri River and is home to around 30 mammal species and many bird species. The refuge is also a major stopover on the Central Flyway bird migration route. Several miles of nature trails provide access to various landscapes of the refuge and bonus, dogs are also allowed, however, on a leash. In case you also happen to be a fan of the water; the lake also offers recreational boating and fishing. Enjoy!
WILDLIFE SAFARI PARK.
There are over two miles of hiking trails throughout Wildlife Safari Park. Hike through Wolf Canyon or head over to the lake, visitors are sure to find a trail for all levels of hikers to enjoy. Come through and embark on your next outdoor adventure.
These are but a few of the greatness offered in our town in relation to hiking trails. Be sure to keep note of the need to knows and please, enjoy all the scenic outdoor adventures Omaha has to offer. Thanks for reading CenterPoint Short term stays magazine! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
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