Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Loop

The Komoot route for the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Loop is approximately 5.7 km (3.5 miles) long and takes about 35 minutes to jog at a steady pace. However, the full loop utilizing the extensive network of paved trails on both the Nebraska and Iowa sides can vary, with common routes covering around 4 miles.

Yes, the loop is very suitable for beginners. The trail features a mostly flat, paved surface (concrete and asphalt) with gentle inclines, making it accessible for all fitness levels. The bridge itself has a maximum grade of 4.9%, designed for ADA accessibility.

You can find parking on both the Nebraska and Iowa sides of the bridge. On the Iowa side, Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park offers parking options. On the Nebraska side, parking is available near the Omaha Plaza and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally allowed on the bridge and connecting trails, but they must be kept on a leash. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Loop can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer mornings and evenings are also popular to avoid the midday heat. Even in winter, the paved surfaces are generally well-maintained, making it suitable for cold-weather jogging.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to jog or walk the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Loop. It is a public access trail.

The terrain is predominantly smooth and paved. The bridge itself has a 15-foot-wide precast concrete deck, and the connecting riverfront trails are typically asphalt or concrete. This makes for an easy and even running surface.

The loop offers several notable features. You'll cross the iconic Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which connects Nebraska and Iowa, allowing you to 'bob' with one foot in each state. On the Nebraska side, you can visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center and find OMAR the Troll. On the Iowa side, the trail connects to Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park. You'll also enjoy expansive views of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, the Missouri River, and the skylines of Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Yes, the loop is a crucial link within a larger network of trails. It connects to the Omaha Riverfront Trail and the Iowa Riverfront Trail, and sections of the route also pass through the ADT - Nebraska - M - Seg 1, ADT - Iowa - K - Seg 6, Riverfront/Old Market, and Lewis and Clark Trail, among others.

Public transportation options are available in both Omaha and Council Bluffs that can get you close to the bridge access points. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes that serve the downtown riverfront areas of both cities.

Yes, both the Omaha and Council Bluffs sides of the riverfront offer various facilities. On the Iowa side, Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park provides amenities. The nearby downtown areas of Omaha and Council Bluffs have numerous cafes, restaurants, and restrooms within a short distance of the trail.