Wildcat Hills Nebraska State Recreation Area

This is a beautiful overlook at the end of one of the trails (Monument trail?) in the Wildcat Hills Nebraska State Recreation Area. There are several miles of trails on the sides of the bluffs, winding back and forth. Bikes can be ridden on the trails, and they can be challenging in parts. Steep drop-offs, tight corners, in some sections the trail in a sort of mini-gulley which makes pedaling difficult. It was an enjoyable ride, which gave several excellent views like this. However, parts of the trail are not well maintained, with drainage ruts and overgrowth prevalent. Elevations are over 4500 feet. Scotts Bluff is just a short drive to the north.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Wildcat Hills
• Nebraska
• State Recreation Area
• Scotts Bluff
• Nebraska panhandle
• scenic overlook
• bluffs
• Sony Cybershot DSC-W290
• W290

[willard229]

Many thanks for the panoramic view. Am planning on hiking there in a few weeks. Does the visitor center have maps of the trailheads?

[stillmanroad]

@willard229 - When I visited, I got a hand-sketched copy of the trails in the park. For the most part, it gave me a basic idea where I was when out on the trails., but wasn't completely accurate At the time there were a lot of washouts and overgrowth, which occasionally made navigation (with a bike) difficult. The trails mostly run back and forth along the bluffs, so it isn't too hard to figure where you are. Enjoy the hike! Watch out for rattlesnakes - I saw one on a trail.

[willard229]

@stillmanroad Thanks for the help, and the forewarnings about the washouts and rattlers. With the heavy rains and now the heat, I imagine both will be present for next month's hike. Thanks again for the view.

[stillmanroad]

@KlanOGITH - Yeah, a lower-end 4xxx series that is 7-8 years old now. I like it.