Merriman, NE Connector Link

Sumitted By:
Name: Tim Ryschon
email: ryschon@ibm.net
Route Type: Connector Link

Starting Point: Merriman, NE
Starting cross-streets: few streets; many country roads

Ending Point: Norfolk, NE
Destination cross-streets: same

Miles Estimated: 250 Difficulty (Approx.): 2 Rating Explanation: Rail-to-Trail conversion on rail-bed; flat, very flat.

Cities along route:

Merriman, Cody, Nenzel, Kilgore, Crookston, Valentine, Wood Lake, Johnstown, Ainsworth, Long Pine, Bassett, Stuart, Atkinson, Emmett, O'Neill, Neleigh, Norfolk, NE

Misc. helpful tips: All on the Cowboy Trail.

Hill Profile: Easy
Best Times: 9-12noon
Hill Work: Valentine,NE: the only significant rail-bed grade (1-2%??)
Construction: some surfacing and bridge decking in progress
Excess Traffic: none
Bad Roads: Trail-ready conditions mostly, some areas with rail-bed ballast
Bike Lanes: Bikes are the only significant users currently

Sights to See: Niobrara River Tressel bridge at Valentine, NE
Camping locations: Merriman, Valentine, Ainsworth, Long Pine, Bassett, O'Neill, Neleigh, Norfolk
Lodging locations: Merriman, Valentine, Ainsworth, O'Neill, Neleigh, Norfolk
Shower locations: Valentine, Ainsworth, O'Neill, Norfolk.
Drinking water locations: All towns.
Food concessions: All towns.

Bicycle type: Moutain bike - front suspension
Last time taken: 11/1/96
How often taken: 2-3x/month

Thoughts or comments:

Numerous trailheads are under development along this new, longest RTC project. The trail passes through a unique region, the Sandhills of the Great Plains region. Especially scenic around Valentine, NE