We don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a good hike – it’s just that everyone seems to have a different definition of a “good hike.” For most people, summer through early fall is the only acceptable time frame to hit the trails and go exploring. But Nebraska is remarkably beautiful in the winter, and hiking through a snowy landscape is such a treat. There are endless places to go for a winter hike in Nebraska, but the trails in Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue are ideal because they’re easily accessible and well maintained, and there are options for all fitness levels.
Even before you leave the Nature Center, you can catch a glimpse of how beautiful the forest is all decked out in its winter coat.
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The wheelchair accessible boardwalk is perfect for the entire family, especially for rowdy kids suffering from a nasty case of cabin fever.
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If you plan to go off-boardwalk and venture onto the trails, there are some really lovely treats awaiting you.
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You’ll see plenty of wildlife. Winter birds will watch you closely as you move across the trails. The snow dampens sound, so everything seems hushed and peaceful.
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If you look closely after a fresh snow, you’ll see lots of tracks. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, and fox are some of the friendly animals that frequent the trails. Go down near the marsh or the river and you’re likely to see some water fowl, too.
Fontenelle Forest
The frozen trees and snow-covered ground look just like a dream. Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints so that other explorers can experience the same sense of wonder.
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When the snow is particularly deep, you can rent snowshoes at the Nature Center for a small fee. If you’ve never been snowshoeing, it’s definitely worth the few dollars for the fun experience.
Facebook/Fontenelle Forest These hikers sure do seem to be enjoying their snowshoe hike.
The Forest sometimes offers guided winter hikes; check their website for upcoming events.
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Make your way down to the river and you might get to see a beautiful natural sight like this. No matter where your hike takes you, just slow down and take it all in – this is an unforgettable experience.
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Fontenelle Forest
These hikers sure do seem to be enjoying their snowshoe hike.
The ground is usually always in great shape for a winter hike – and at this time of year, chances are you won’t see another soul out on the trails. You’ll essentially have it all. To. Yourself. Let’s go!
Ready for more hiking? They may not all be appropriate for winter hikes, but these are some of Nebraska’s finest hiking spots.
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Address: Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hikes in Nebraska February 07, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the best trails for cold weather hiking in Nebraska? Cold weather is no reason to cross hiking off your to-do list, if you ask us. In fact, some trails are made better by a layer of fresh snow, or by frozen waterfalls or any other amazing wintery goodness there may be. Nebraska is a great state for winter hikes and shenanigans, and you can find all sorts of awesome places that are even MORE awesome during the coldest months of the year. For example, one of our favorite winter hikes in Nebraska is the Rock Bluff Run Trail, which can be found at Indian Cave State Park. This trail is awesome year-round, but in winter, it takes on special magic with incredible views of the Missouri River covered in snow and ice. Other favorite trails for cold weather hiking in Nebraska include Lake McConnaughy in Oglala, which is home to an amazing frozen shoreline and some of the best birdwatching in the state, and Chadron State Park is a must-do year round but especially when it’s cold out. In fact, most of our state parks have great winter hiking options, so they’re all worth checking out for sure! What is winter in Nebraska like? Winters in Nebraska can be, honestly, pretty brutal. The average low temperature here during the winter months is well below freezing at only about 10 degrees, and the highs usually aren’t a lot more than that, at around 20 degrees during the day. It’s not at all uncommon for temperatures to plunge below zero at times, and intense snow and ice storms have been known to happen. Annual snowfall ranges from about 21 inches in the southern parts of the state to 45 inches in the northernmost bits, and snow days are definitely not unheard of around here. That being said, there’s something oddly enchanting about winter in Nebraska; check out this list of amazing places you HAVE to visit in Nebraska in wintertime.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hikes in Nebraska
February 07, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best trails for cold weather hiking in Nebraska? Cold weather is no reason to cross hiking off your to-do list, if you ask us. In fact, some trails are made better by a layer of fresh snow, or by frozen waterfalls or any other amazing wintery goodness there may be. Nebraska is a great state for winter hikes and shenanigans, and you can find all sorts of awesome places that are even MORE awesome during the coldest months of the year. For example, one of our favorite winter hikes in Nebraska is the Rock Bluff Run Trail, which can be found at Indian Cave State Park. This trail is awesome year-round, but in winter, it takes on special magic with incredible views of the Missouri River covered in snow and ice. Other favorite trails for cold weather hiking in Nebraska include Lake McConnaughy in Oglala, which is home to an amazing frozen shoreline and some of the best birdwatching in the state, and Chadron State Park is a must-do year round but especially when it’s cold out. In fact, most of our state parks have great winter hiking options, so they’re all worth checking out for sure! What is winter in Nebraska like? Winters in Nebraska can be, honestly, pretty brutal. The average low temperature here during the winter months is well below freezing at only about 10 degrees, and the highs usually aren’t a lot more than that, at around 20 degrees during the day. It’s not at all uncommon for temperatures to plunge below zero at times, and intense snow and ice storms have been known to happen. Annual snowfall ranges from about 21 inches in the southern parts of the state to 45 inches in the northernmost bits, and snow days are definitely not unheard of around here. That being said, there’s something oddly enchanting about winter in Nebraska; check out this list of amazing places you HAVE to visit in Nebraska in wintertime.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Cold weather is no reason to cross hiking off your to-do list, if you ask us. In fact, some trails are made better by a layer of fresh snow, or by frozen waterfalls or any other amazing wintery goodness there may be. Nebraska is a great state for winter hikes and shenanigans, and you can find all sorts of awesome places that are even MORE awesome during the coldest months of the year. For example, one of our favorite winter hikes in Nebraska is the Rock Bluff Run Trail, which can be found at Indian Cave State Park. This trail is awesome year-round, but in winter, it takes on special magic with incredible views of the Missouri River covered in snow and ice. Other favorite trails for cold weather hiking in Nebraska include Lake McConnaughy in Oglala, which is home to an amazing frozen shoreline and some of the best birdwatching in the state, and Chadron State Park is a must-do year round but especially when it’s cold out. In fact, most of our state parks have great winter hiking options, so they’re all worth checking out for sure!
What is winter in Nebraska like?
Winters in Nebraska can be, honestly, pretty brutal. The average low temperature here during the winter months is well below freezing at only about 10 degrees, and the highs usually aren’t a lot more than that, at around 20 degrees during the day. It’s not at all uncommon for temperatures to plunge below zero at times, and intense snow and ice storms have been known to happen. Annual snowfall ranges from about 21 inches in the southern parts of the state to 45 inches in the northernmost bits, and snow days are definitely not unheard of around here. That being said, there’s something oddly enchanting about winter in Nebraska; check out this list of amazing places you HAVE to visit in Nebraska in wintertime.
