The best running trails around Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska, offers an extensive network of trails, providing abundant opportunities for runners. While this guide features three specific routes, the city boasts between 134 and 185 miles of multi-use trails across its parks and natural areas, ensuring a wide variety of running experiences.

Lincoln's running trails offer diverse terrain. You can find everything from paved paths and crushed rock surfaces, like sections of the MoPac Trail and Jamaica North Trail, to dirt trails in areas such as Wilderness Park. Pioneers Park also features a mix of tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands, providing varied surfaces for your run.

While the routes featured in this guide are rated as moderate, Lincoln offers many options for easier jogs. Trails like the 2-mile gravel loop around Holmes Lake are perfect for logging laps with a view. Many of the city's multi-use trails, such as the Billy Wolff Trail, are relatively flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for beginners.

Many of Lincoln's extensive trail systems are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash on multi-use trails. Wilderness Park and Pioneers Park are popular choices for runners with dogs, offering plenty of space to explore.

Yes, Lincoln has several family-friendly running routes. Trails that connect city parks, such as the Billy Wolff Trail, often pass by playgrounds and amenities. The Rock Island Trail, for example, connects to attractions like the Lincoln Children's Zoo and Antelope Park, making it an engaging option for families.

Lincoln is rich in natural beauty. For scenic views, consider trails that follow Antelope Creek or loop around Holmes Lake. Wilderness Park is a 'trail runner's paradise' with trails winding through forests, meadows, and creek beds. Pioneers Park offers beautiful tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands. For a specific route, consider the Running loop from Century High School which offers varied scenery.

Yes, many of Lincoln's trails are designed as loops or can be combined to form circular routes. The 2-mile gravel loop around Holmes Lake is a popular circular option. This guide also features the Running loop from Bismarck, which is a circular route of approximately 7.5 km.

Lincoln's trails often connect to or pass by interesting landmarks. The Rock Island Trail, for instance, goes by the Lincoln Children's Zoo, Sunken Gardens, and Antelope Park. Antelope Park itself features the Veterans Memorial Garden and Hamann Rose Garden. The North Dakota State Capitol loop from Bismarck offers views of the state capitol building.

Yes, parking is generally available at trailheads and parks throughout Lincoln. Larger parks like Wilderness Park and Pioneers Park have dedicated parking areas. Many city trails, such as the Billy Wolff Trail, connect various local parks, offering multiple access points with parking.

The Lincoln area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive and well-maintained trail system, the diverse natural landscapes ranging from tallgrass prairie to woodlands, and the convenience of having such a vast network within an urban setting.

Absolutely. For those seeking longer runs, the MoPac Trail stretches for 26 miles, offering a relatively flat surface. The Jamaica North Trail is another excellent option, providing 6.5 miles of crushed limestone. These trails can be combined with other segments of Lincoln's interconnected system for extended distances.