Looking for walking and hiking trails to explore in Omaha? No matter your skill level, there are plenty of easy hiking trails both in and just outside the city with scenic views, potential wildlife visibility, and a mix of terrain. Here are the top 12 outdoor places to hike and walk near you.
How We Chose Omaha’s Best Trails
To compile this list, we looked for the trails that offer the best overall experience. Each location was evaluated for accessibility, upkeep, and enjoyment, using a mix of firsthand experience and community feedback.
We considered:
- Location: A balanced mix of trails across the Omaha metro and nearby areas, from city parks to nature preserves.
- Trail Quality: Highly rated and well-maintained paths with clear signage, minimal litter and overgrowth, and safe conditions.
- Local Reputation: Spots known for steady traffic but not overcrowding—places locals actually enjoy revisiting.
- Variety: A range of difficulty levels, terrain types, and trail lengths to suit both casual walkers and avid hikers.
- Cost: A mix of free and paid destinations, with clear notes on admission fees.
- Scenery & Wildlife: Trails with standout views, wildlife sightings, or seasonal beauty that make the walk memorable.
- Amenities: Extras like bathrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, nearby restaurants, connected trails, and wheelchair or stroller-friendly paths for convenience and comfort.
Any favorite walking or hiking trails you think we missed? Let us know where we need to go next!
Hiking & Nature Trails
From Nebraska State Parks to nature preserves, here are some of the best hiking trails in Omaha.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Located in Ashland, Nebraska, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is about 30 miles from Downtown Omaha. Before entering Mahoney, Nebraska-licensed vehicles must pay a $7 daily permit fee. This Nebraska State Park is better known for its family attractions—horseback riding, water park, and theater—than for rugged hiking, but it still offers pretty walking trails in Omaha that wind through wooded areas along the Platte River.
Wildlife watchers might spot deer, turkeys, and songbirds here, especially near dawn and dusk. In winter, the trails are open for hiking and even sledding. Whatever season you arrive, be prepared for a bit of I-80 noise. If you want a few easy, well-kept walking paths with great views and post-hike snacks from Carl’s at Mahoney, these two-mile trails are for you.
- Address: 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.1-mile loop, 2.3-mile loop
- Terrain: Dirt and paved, mild hills
- Trails: Peter Kiewit Lodge to Observation Tower Loop Trail, Mahoney Short Loop
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes–2 hours
- Cost: $7/vehicle
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly paths and visitor center, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Views: Platte River, train tracks, panoramic river valley from observation tower
Fontenelle Forest
Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue spans more than 1,500 acres and offers one of the most extensive and well-maintained trail systems in the Omaha area. Hikers can explore over 17 miles of trails through diverse habitats—from wetlands to forests to a boardwalk. Wildlife like birds, deer, rabbits, and more are frequently sighted by quiet walkers on these unique hiking trails near Omaha.
Entry is $15—these fees directly support trail upkeep and the forest’s conservation efforts like the Raptor Recovery program. Annual memberships are available if you plan to hike here often, and Omaha Public Library cardholders can check out free day passes.
- Address: 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Bellevue, NE 68005
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 17 miles
- Terrain: 14 dirt trails, one-mile accessible trail on wooden boardwalk
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes–4+ hours
- Cost: $15
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly nature center and boardwalk, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Views: Variety of habitats, wildlife, Missouri River
Hitchcock Nature Center
Just a 25-minute drive northeast of Omaha, Hitchcock Nature Center is located in the Loess Hills, one of the largest remaining prairies in Iowa. The trails at Hitchcock Nature Center range from easy ridgeline walks to difficult climbs, and are great for hawk watching, camping, and even snowshoeing in the winter.
This place to walk around Omaha is ideal for anyone who wants a more challenging hike with significant elevation changes and stunning panoramic views of the Missouri River valley and unique geological features. Hikers appreciate the center’s clean, well-maintained facilities, including modern restrooms and hot showers when you return from the trails.
- Address: 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Distance: 14 miles
- Terrain: Unpaved, moderate to steep hills
- Trails: Fox Run Ridge, Dozer Cut Loop, Badger Ridge
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes–4+ hours
- Cost: $5/vehicle
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly boardwalk, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Views: Loess Hills formations, Missouri River valley
Neale Woods
Neale Woods, owned by Fontenelle Forest, features 560 acres of beautiful forest land. There are quite a few dirt trails, all less than a mile, so you can mix and match to create your own path. These Omaha trails also move through woodlands and prairie reconstruction to floodplains with river views, so every visit can be a unique experience. Locals love the more rugged terrain, less crowded hiking, and untouched natural scenery at Neale Woods. Dogs are now allowed on this nature trail.
- Address: 14323 Edith Marie Ave, Omaha, NE 68112
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Distance: 7 miles
- Terrain: Dirt, moderate hills
- Trails: 11 short trails
- Estimated Time: 1-4+ hours
- Cost: $15 (included in Fontenelle Forest membership)
- Accessibility: Accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Views: Missouri River floodplain
Platte River State Park
Platte River State Park is about a 45-minute drive from Omaha and has a $7 daily permit fee. This place to hike near Omaha is an excellent choice for families and people who want a mix of easy and difficult trails. The thick canopy of green trees gives people walking through the park plenty of shade, and the popular Stone Creek Falls are a great place to cool off. After hiking some of Platte River State Park’s trails, climb to the top of two different observation towers for views of the Platte River Basin.
- Address: 14421 346th St, Louisville, NE 68037
- Difficulty: Easy to Hard
- Distance: 0.5–7.6 miles
- Terrain: Dirt, mild to moderate hills
- Trails: Stone Creek Falls, Platte River West Loop, Platte River East Loop, Ruthie’s Backyard Trail
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes–4+ hours
- Cost: $7/vehicle
- Accessibility: Accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Views: Platte River, waterfall
Schramm Park
About a 30-minute drive from Omaha, Schramm Park is a popular place to hike, walk, and bike near you. With two 1.5-mile loops, these well-maintained nature trails in Omaha are heavily forested with mild to moderate hills, making these shaded paths best for beginner and intermediate explorers.
Depending on the time of day and year, you may see deer, bald eagles, herons, and other wildlife throughout the park. Bring bug spray to avoid the mosquitos and biting flies commonly at this scenic Omaha trail. And when you’re done with your hike, you can stop into the renovated Education Center for interactive exhibits on Nebraska’s ecosystems and a tour of the original fish hatchery ponds.
- Address: 21502 NE-31, Gretna, NE 68028
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1.5–3 miles
- Terrain: Unpaved, moderate hills
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes–2+ hours
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Views: Bald eagles, fish hatchery
Walking & Leisure Trails
From peaceful morning walks or family walks, Omaha offers many scenic paths that wind around lakes and parks. Whether you’re looking to take a short or long stroll, you’ll find plenty of walking trails in Omaha.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a fully paved 3,000-foot walkway across the Missouri River that connects Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa. This iconic location that every local should visit unsurprisingly offers one of the best walking trails in Downtown Omaha, with beautiful riverfront and Omaha skyline views. It’s a popular destination for proposals, evening walks, and activities with kids, particularly on the weekends. After the sun goes down, the bridge lights up in multiple colors to create a dazzling nighttime display.
You can expect your urban walk to take around 20 minutes from Tom Hanafan Park to Omar the Troll, but this scenic Omaha hike is connected to the larger Lewis and Clark Trail system if you want to continue exploring. And this walking trail lets you stand in two states at once, with a marked line on the Nebraska-Iowa border, which is the perfect photo opportunity for visitors.
- Address: 705 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3,000 feet, connected to 150 miles of trails
- Terrain: Paved, flat, urban
- Estimated Time: 20 minutes
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller-friendly trail, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Views: Missouri River, Omaha skyline, LED bridge, Nebraska-Iowa border
The RiverFront
The RiverFront is a scenic way to explore Downtown Omaha on paved pathways that connect the Gene Leahy Mall, Lewis and Clark Landing, and the Heartland of America Park. Enjoy fountains, river views, and gardens as you navigate the flat walking trails in Omaha, and extend your stroll into the connected 20 mile Riverfront Trail.
- Address: 900 Farnam St, Suite 100, Omaha, NE
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.5 miles, 20-mile connected trail system
- Terrain: Paved, flat, urban
- Estimated Time: 10 minutes
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Trails are wheelchair and stroller friendly, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Views: Downtown Omaha, Gene Leahy Mall, Missouri River
Standing Bear Lake
In Northwest Omaha, Standing Bear Lake is a local favorite for walking, running, and biking around its 3.3-mile paved trail that circles the scenic 135-acre lake. The mostly flat walking trail in Omaha makes it an easy, accessible path for all ages and fitness levels, with benches and picnic spots scattered along the way.
It’s also a great wildlife-watching spot—you’ll often see geese, ducks, herons, and sometimes deer along the northern edge. The park offers plenty beyond the trail, including fishing, paddle boating, and disc golf, making it a peaceful place to spend a full day outdoors. If you go in summer, bring sunscreen and water—the trail is mostly unshaded—and in winter, the frozen lake draws ice fishers and cross-country skiers.
- Address: 6404 N 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68164
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Terrain: Paved, mostly flat
- Estimated Time: 45 minutes–1.5 hours
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Views: Lake, open meadows, prairie grasses, waterfowl
Biking & Long-Distance Trails
Omaha offers a variety of trails that are not only good for walking but also for biking and long-distance adventures. With paved loops and scenic lakes, here are our top choices for long-distance and biking trails in Omaha.
Chalco Hills Recreation Area
One of the top spots for walking and hiking in West Omaha, Chalco Hills Recreation Area surrounds Wehrspann Lake and offer nature trails for every kind of hiker. Take the six-mile Full Loop or the four-mile North Loop for lake views, a mix of paved and gravel trails, birdwatching, and dozens of deer grazing just off the path. This walking trail in Omaha welcomes dogs on leashes, or there’s a large off-leash dog park within the property for your pet to run. In the summer, these paths offer little shade and ticks are common, so bring sunscreen, water, and long socks or pants.
- Address: 8901 S 154th St, Omaha, NE 68138
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: Six miles or four miles
- Terrain: Paved and gravel, mild hills
- Estimated Time: 1.5–3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Visitor center and a majority of the trails are wheelchair and stroller friendly, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, fall
- Views: Lake, deer, birds
Walnut Creek Recreation Area
Walnut Creek Recreation Area spans 450 acres, with a 105-acre reservoir surrounded by open prairie and tree-lined sections in Papillion, Nebraska. The 3.1-mile paved trail for beginners loops the Walnut Creek Lake and connects walkers to the city trail system, making it a popular place for walkers and cyclists. The area is known for its well-kept facilities and peaceful setting, often less crowded than Omaha’s larger parks.
Expect to see kayakers and paddleboarders on the lake, anglers along the shore, and the occasional blue heron or red-tailed hawk overhead. Early mornings here are especially beautiful, with mist rising off the water and a good chance of spotting deer near the south side of the lake. Picnic shelters, a dog park, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and a boating dock round out this family-friendly location.
- Address: 11601 S 96th St, Papillion, NE 68046
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Terrain: Paved, flat
- Estimated Time: 45 minutes–1.5 hours
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: A majority of the trails are wheelchair and stroller friendly, accessible parking spaces, accessible fishing pier
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, fall
- Views: Reservoir, lake sunsets, prairie grasses, wildlife
Zorinsky Lake Park
Located in West O, Zorinsky Lake Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in the city, reaching nearly 1,000 acres with a 255-acre reservoir at its center. The paved 7-mile Omaha biking and walking trail loops the lake, offering wide-open views of the water and wooded stretches. If you’re short on time, visitors can walk or bike only half the lake—the east side is four miles, the west side is three.
The park is especially lively at sunrise and sunset, when you’ll spot white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and the occasional fox along the quieter sections of the trail. On the east side, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing docks, while the west side has baseball fields and is quieter and more natural.
With easy access points along 156th and 168th Streets, Zorinsky is as much a community gathering space as a walking trail. In winter, locals use the open areas for cross-country skiing and winter walks, making it a year-round favorite.
- Address: 3808 S 156th St, Omaha, NE 68144
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: Seven miles
- Terrain: Paved, flat
- Estimated Time: 2–3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: A majority of the trails are wheelchair and stroller friendly, accessible parking spaces
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Views: Lake, woods, wildlife
Discover more outdoor activities and locations around Omaha for your next adventure in the Omaha Places’ podcast episode, Coffee Passport Recap, Kayaking Spots, Scenic Outdoor Spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Omaha trails are best for early morning walks?
Zorinsky Lake, Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Walnut Creek, and Chalco Hills are some of the trails that offer quiet paths perfect for a sunrise walk.
Which trails in Omaha are best for scenic views?
Neale Woods, Fontenelle Forest, Schramm Park, Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, and Platte River State Park have some of the best trails for scenic views, from woodlands to lakes and river valleys.
Which trails around Omaha are best for fall?
Fontenelle Forest, Platte River State Park, and Schramm Park are among the best places to experience fall foliage.
Which hiking and walking trails near me are the best for winter?
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, The RiverFront, and Zorinsky offer paved, flat paths accessible during the winter months, or for snowshoeing on hiking trails in the winter, try Mahoney, Hitchcock, and Standing Bear.
Which Omaha walking and hiking trails are the best for spring?
Zorinsky and Walnut Creek offer flat trails, perfect for springtime walks.
Which walking and hiking trails in Omaha are the best for summer?
For shaded trails that make summer hikes and walks easier, check out Zorinsky Lake, Fontenelle Forest, and Schramm Park.
Which trails are best for biking in Omaha?
The Papio and Keystone trail systems are the longest and best paved pathways for bicyclists in Omaha. The Wabash Trace is a another popular long dirt biking trail in Council Bluffs, Iowa. And Tranquility Park, Swanson Park, Walnut Creek, Jewell Park, Schramm Park, and Lewis and Clark Monument are the best mountain biking trails in and around Omaha.
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