Niobrara River – Memorial Day Weekend

This beautiful stretch is one of America’s premier scenic heritage waterways; we’ll see many waterfalls and beautiful hardwood forests.  And the resident buffalo herd at the Niobrara Preserve often has calves this time of year.

This will be an ACA-sanctioned outing/event which requires EITHER ACA membership OR a $5/person insurance fee. 8th annual Niobrara trip. Easy, kids-friendly class 1 river, with campground in the middle of the run. We’ll meet at noon on Saturday at the Cornell Bridge (see note) put-in near Valentine, run on Saturday and Sunday. Car camping at Smith Falls State Park, May 24-25, Return to the Front Range after breakfast on Monday the 26th (about a 7 hour drive).

Niobrara River Trail description.

The campground doesn’t open until the weekend before Memorial Day. Reservations have not been needed in the past, but the campground has become more popular in recent years so calling ahead to reserve is recommended. Individual sites are quite large (can accommodate several cars and tents) and motorized campers are in a separate but adjacent section.   Smith Falls State Park (402) 376-1306), $5/person/night. To sign up or for more information: contact Bill Ashworth at washwort@gmail.com or 720-352-6456.

http://www.backpacker.com/july_2000_destinations_nebraska_niobrara_river/destinations/1020

http://www.backpacker.com/november_08_paddle_nebraskas_niobrara_river/destinations/12650