Wilderness Park

When you look at the state of Nebraska, you'll see plenty of open fields and grassy prairies, with plenty of space to walk and explore. The Wilderness Park Trail offers even more though and allows hikers to enjoy a distinct landscape with plenty to offer. The trail itself is only 3 feet wide, but is made from concrete, limestone, and packed grass and dirt in multiple places. 

The 13-mile trail wanders around Wilderness Park, a preserve that centers itself around Salt Creek. The area is densely wooded, with areas of the open field and high grass and over 1,472 acres to its name. It's the largest park in the city and has a gravel parking lot on the east side that is a perfect place to stop before hiking out. The trailhead has picnic tables, benches, and trash bins to be used before hiking.

The natural brush of the land hides plenty of natural wildlife like foxes, deer, raccoons, opossums, frogs, hawks, owls, songbirds, and squirrels. Wildlife observation spots are available near clearings and benches along the trail and even includes small beaches and holes for fishing activities. There are even a couple of bridges that pass over the creek a couple times, including an orange metal suspension bridge.

After viewing the beauty of Salt Creek from the park's main bridge, or stopping for a picnic in one of the open fields along the way, you and Fido can continue the loop until it reaches around from the northern side of the park back to the parking area. The parking lot is pretty bare despite the picnic tables and you will need to bring water and clean-up bags along the way.

The walk is peaceful, with an easy incline and chances to see wildlife and vegetation. It doesn't matter if you're looking for some wildlife action or just trying to get out and walk with Fido, the Wilderness Park Trail will provide all that you and your pup desire in a nature walk.