The best running trails in Nebraska

Experience a refreshing jog around Zorinsky Lake on this moderate 6.9 miles (11.0 km) loop. You'll enjoy continuous views of the lake as the path winds through a mix of tree-lined sections and open grassy areas. With a gentle elevation gain of 175 feet (53 metres), it's a comfortable route that takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete. The trail offers a peaceful escape, perfect for a steady workout while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Accessing the Zorinsky Lake Trail is straightforward, with ample parking available at multiple points around Zorinsky Lake Park. The route is well-maintained and features clear mile markers to help you track your progress. Water fountains are available seasonally, and the park offers additional amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas, making it suitable for a longer visit. Consider starting your jog around dawn or dusk to witness the beautiful reflections of sunrise or sunset on the lake.

Zorinsky Lake Park is a significant green space, providing a vital habitat for local wildlife. As you jog, keep an eye out for deer and various bird species, particularly during the quieter times of day. The park's design integrates recreational facilities with natural preservation, offering a balanced environment for both human activity and ecological diversity. This trail stands out as a well-loved community asset for outdoor activity.

Start your jogging session on the Holmes Lake Park loop, an easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) route that offers continuous views of Holmes Lake. You will encounter a gentle mix of paved and crushed gravel surfaces as you make your way around the water. The trail includes a mild ascent and descent over the dam embankment, providing a slight challenge to its 35 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain. This pleasant circuit is designed for a quick workout, typically taking about 27 minutes to complete.

Parking is generally accessible at Holmes Lake Park, making it convenient to start your run. You can find restrooms available within the park during certain seasons, so plan accordingly if you need facilities. Be aware that the trail itself offers limited shade, which is something to consider on sunny days. Due to its popularity, you might encounter many other users on the path, so be mindful of shared space.

This loop provides a refreshing escape, acting as a green oasis nestled within the city of Lincoln. As you jog, you will pass over a few bridges and alongside a golf course, adding variety to the scenery. It's a well-maintained urban trail that allows you to enjoy nature without venturing far from the city amenities.

If you're looking for a refreshing jogging route, the Lake Cunningham Trail offers a moderate 6.5 miles (10.5 km) loop around Glenn Cunningham Lake. You'll experience consistent views of the water as you follow the 8-foot-wide concrete path, gaining about 127 feet (39 metres) in elevation. This scenic route is perfect for a workout that takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete. Keep an eye out for the Cunningham Lake Bridge, a notable landmark as you circle the reservoir. The paved surface makes for a smooth and accessible jogging experience.

Accessing the Lake Cunningham Trail is straightforward, with multiple parking areas conveniently located around the lake. You can start your jogging adventure from various points, as the loop is designed to be used in both directions. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day in warmer months to fully enjoy your run. The trail is well-maintained and generally open year-round, making it a reliable option for your fitness routine.

The Lake Cunningham Trail is part of a larger park that underwent significant renovations and reopened in 2021, with further improvements still planned. This ongoing development highlights the area's commitment to providing quality outdoor recreation. The multi-use nature of the path means you'll share it with others enjoying the lake, contributing to a lively atmosphere. It stands out as a popular local spot for its combination of accessibility and natural beauty.

Embark on a moderate jogging route along the Field Club Trail, a 3.8-mile (6.1 km) path that offers a pleasant workout with 111 feet (34 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 37 minutes. You will experience a tree-lined corridor providing ample shade, winding through an older neighborhood with glimpses of the historic Field Club of Omaha golf course. The northern section uniquely sits 30 feet below-grade, creating a secluded atmosphere away from city sounds, before you pass through Harrison Heights Park further south.

This urban trail is a well-regarded community resource, making it easy to access for your daily run. While specific parking details are not provided, its frequent use suggests convenient entry points for joggers. If you are looking to extend your workout, you can easily connect to the South Omaha Trail via a short stretch on 36th Street, offering even more ground to cover.

The Field Club Trail is often considered one of Omaha's hidden gems, known for its quieter atmosphere despite its urban setting. Its unique below-grade section provides a distinct sense of calm, setting it apart from other city routes. The route concludes near old grain silos, adding a touch of industrial history to your journey and providing a memorable endpoint.

Enjoy a refreshing jogging experience on the Standing Bear Lake Trail, an easy route that spans 3.0 miles (4.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 80 feet (24 metres). You can complete this scenic loop in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick outing. As you move along the mostly paved path, you will find yourself surrounded by well-vegetated areas and a healthy line of trees, offering pleasant views of Standing Bear Lake.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is generally available at Standing Bear Lake Park. The trail is largely paved and considered accessibility-friendly, welcoming a wide range of visitors. While the main loop is mostly flat, be aware of slight slopes in certain sections.

A notable feature of this route is the unique floating boardwalk that extends over the lake, providing serene panoramic views. This trail offers a peaceful escape within the park, allowing you to connect with nature and perhaps even spot blooming wildflowers during the summer months.

The Flanagan Lake Trail offers a wonderfully calm atmosphere, even though it's situated in a residential area. You'll jog along a smooth, mostly paved path of wide asphalt and concrete, enjoying serene views of Flanagan Lake and its 'big skies' throughout the entire loop. Look out for waterfowl, small mammals, and some charming, creative benches that add character to your journey.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with ample parking, restrooms, and picnic shelters conveniently located around the lake. This trail is suitable for year-round use, but since it's largely exposed with very little shade, you might want to plan your outing for cooler parts of the day during warmer months.

This moderate 5.3-mile (8.5 km) jogging trail, with only 149 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic option for a quick 53-minute workout or a leisurely stroll. Opened in 2018, Flanagan Lake is a man-made reservoir, and the trail stands out as one of the best jogging options in the area due to its consistent, gentle elevation and well-maintained surface.

Embark on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Loop for a refreshing jogging experience that connects two states. This moderate 3.5-mile (5.7 km) route offers expansive views of the Missouri River and the skylines of Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. You will cross the iconic Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which floats 60 feet above the water, providing a unique perspective. With a gentle elevation gain of 77 feet (23 metres), you can expect to complete the loop in about 35 minutes. The trail features a mostly flat, paved surface, making for a smooth and enjoyable run.

Planning your visit to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Loop is straightforward. The route is easily accessible from both the Nebraska and Iowa sides of the river. You will find parking generally available near the start points, including at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park on the Iowa side. The paved surface makes it suitable for all fitness levels, and it is a great option for a quick workout or a leisurely jog any time of day.

This route stands out for its unique connection between two states, offering more than just a physical challenge. On the Nebraska side, you can explore the Omaha Plaza and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center. The Iowa side connects to Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, providing additional green space and city views. The trail is part of an extensive network, ensuring a consistent and pleasant running surface.

The Jamaica North and Wilderness Park Loop offers a refreshing jogging experience through a pleasant forest environment. This moderate route spans 7.5 miles (12.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 55 feet (17 metres), providing a comfortable workout. You will encounter varied terrain, combining sections of crushed limestone and paved surfaces, especially as you pass through the secluded Wilderness Park Hiker Trail. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 21 minutes immersed in the natural surroundings, enjoying a steady pace.

Planning your visit to the Jamaica North and Wilderness Park Loop is quite simple. The trail is a well-defined loop, which makes navigation easy and helps you plan your time efficiently. Parking is typically available near the trailhead, ensuring convenient access to start your jog. This route is generally accessible for most fitness levels, making it a good choice for a relaxed outing any time of day.

This trail stands out for its immersive outdoor feel within Wilderness Park, offering a natural escape close to urban areas. The combination of surfaces keeps the jogging experience interesting, preventing monotony. It's a popular choice for those seeking a consistent workout in a green setting without significant challenges, providing a perfect balance of exercise and nature.

Lace up for a challenging jogging experience on the Keystone Trail, a difficult 11.4-mile (18.4 km) route that promises a good workout. You will cover this distance in about 1 hour and 53 minutes, gaining 171 feet (52 metres) of elevation along the way. As you jog, you can expect varied scenery and a pleasant green space when the route connects to Elmwood Park. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the changing surroundings as you push through this demanding course.

This route is generally accessible, making it easy to start your jogging adventure. You should find parking available conveniently near the trailhead in Douglas County. There are no specific warnings about snow conditions or road closures mentioned for this trail, but it is always wise to check local conditions before you head out. Planning your visit during daylight hours will ensure the best experience on the path.

The Keystone Trail stands out as a significant urban greenway, providing a vital connection within Douglas County. Its design offers a continuous path for active recreation, linking different parts of the community. This route is ideal if you are looking for a substantial workout within an accessible urban setting, offering both distance and a moderate elevation challenge.