“There’s not a lot of public land access for hiking around here,” said Lisa Burke, executive director of the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau.

After speaking with members of organizations like the Visitors Bureau, the NCORPE team decided to devote approximately 2,000 acres to a trail. Two trails have been mowed into the grass to form an eight-mile loop.

“[The Visitors Bureau] felt there’s a large need in this area for public access hiking, biking and horseback riding,” said Kyle Shepherd, general manager of NCORPE.

One trail will be for just hikers and bikers, while the other will allow hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Two stock tanks have been added to the area to ensure those who do bring horses out have access to water. The trail will remain dirt and grass, Shepherd said.

“Almost everything in North Platte is concrete,” Shepherd said. “People with knee and hip problems sometimes like the soft surfaces a little bit better. It may be a little more challenging, but it’s not as hard on the joints.”

Local bicycle enthusiasts have expressed interest in the trail, because there will be no vehicle traffic. Bill Sellers, NCORPE range manager, said the area will also appeal to photographers who are looking to photograph some of the many species of insects and animals on the land, or those who are looking to have their senior pictures done against a new backdrop.

“I think it’s going to be a good avenue for schools too,” Sellers said. “If they want to do something on their own instead of touring the main facility, they could take a group out there and look at wildlife.”

Volunteers were busy mowing the field on Tuesday, and hanging signs at the head of the trails. NCORPE will oversee the land to make sure regulations are being followed, but most of the maintenance will come from volunteers within the community.

“It’s a great experience for people,” Shepherd said. “People can get out here and experience the outdoors. It’s in the Sandhills, it’s unique to the state of Nebraska. They can come experience the largest grassland restoration in the state of

Nebraska.”

The main trail head is about 13 miles south of North Platte on West Lonestar Road, which can be accessed from Highway 83. The other entrance, which has room for horse trailers, will be on South Somerset Road.

NCORPE aims to open the trails on April 2. Planning are in the works for a fun run to celebrate the trails opening. More information on the run, as well as the trail regulations, will be available at ncorpe.org in the coming weeks.