The Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway isn’t just a highway—it’s your launching pad to some of the most unforgettable adventures in Nebraska. Winding along the northern border of the state, this historic route once traveled by real-life outlaws now serves as a gateway to epic trails, hidden gems, and wild outdoor escapes.
Whether you’re craving waterfalls, fossils, or untamed river views, these 3 trails that start on the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway will make your trip legendary.
1. Smith Falls Trail – The Most Photogenic Hike in Nebraska
- Near Valentine, NE
- Distance: ~1 mile (round trip)
- Trail Type: Easy, family-friendly
The most iconic trail off the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway? That would be the path to Smith Falls, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall. Starting from a scenic parking area just off Highway 12, you’ll cross a gently swaying suspension bridge over the Niobrara River (cue the adventure vibes) and stroll through cottonwood groves until the roar of falling water greets you.
Why it’s epic: You end your hike standing in the spray of a 70-foot waterfall. Enough said.
2. Ashfall Fossil Beds Trail – A Walk Through Prehistoric Nebraska
- Near Royal, NE
- Distance: Varies (exploration paths & guided digs)
- Trail Type: Educational walking paths with optional digs
Who knew a volcano from 12 million years ago could make for one of the coolest trails in the Midwest? Just a short detour from the Outlaw Trail, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park lets you explore preserved skeletons of rhinos, camels, and horses buried in volcanic ash. There’s a trail loop around the fossil bed site with signs explaining the science—and yes, you’re walking where actual dinosaurs roamed.
Why it’s epic: You can literally see fossils in the ground, untouched and preserved.
3. Niobrara River Trails – Float, Hike, and Get Wild
- Niobrara State Park & Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge
- Distance: Multiple options (1 to 7 miles hiking / 5+ miles floating)
- Trail Type: Hiking & river trails
Craving a choose-your-own-adventure? The Niobrara River area offers endless options. Start from the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway and head into Niobrara State Park or Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge, where you can hike through bluff trails, float down peaceful river bends, and spot wildlife like deer, eagles, or even buffalo.
Why it’s epic: You can hike in the morning and float with your feet in the water by afternoon.
Final Thoughts
The Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway is more than a beautiful drive—it’s your first step into wild adventures and epic trails that tell Nebraska’s story like no guidebook ever could.
So whether you’re chasing waterfalls, fossils, or riverside sunsets, start your journey on the Outlaw Route—and let the trails take you where maps can’t.
