Nebraska National Forest

Nebraska National Forest spans a total area of 141,864 acres of land that is situated in tracts of northwest and central Nebraska. The protected forest land was established on July 1, 1908, and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. To access the forest, you can use several routes some of which include US 20, US 83, US 385, and NE 2. 

Several cities or towns surround the forest some of which include Dunning, Chadron, and Thedford. When visitors get to the park, they can expect to be awed by the several fascinating features in the forest some of which include Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area and the Merritt Reservoir which is ranked as among the best fishing lakes in the whole of Nebraska. 

Most of the features in the forest can be enjoyed through several trails one of which is a15-mile loop trail that passes through the memorable Soldier Creek Wilderness area. Furthermore, the forest is also memorable to a lot of visitors because it memorializes the 1876 conflict between the U.S. Army's 5th Calvary and Cheyenne people. The monuments to commemorate this event are the Warbonnet and Yellow Hair monuments. 

Besides these attractions, Nebraska National Forest is also popular for several other recreational activities some of which include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, rock hounding, swimming, wildlife watching, bird watching, and OHV riding. 

Amenities available to facilitate these activities include nine campgrounds, visitor centers, picnic areas, softball diamond, swimming pool, picnic sites, trails (100+ miles), lookout tower, and archeological sites. Bringing your dog into Nebraska National Forest is permitted, but you will have to adhere by the strict forest rules. 

Some of the basic rules about dog’s and dog owners include the following. First, you must ensure that your dog is always under your strict supervision at all times. This includes ensuring that your dog is always on a leash or in a secure enclosure. Additionally, you must be aware of the areas of the forest where you are allowed and not allowed to venture with your dog.