Lincoln’s hiking trails offer more than a dose of fresh air… they’re gateways to forests, wetlands, and prairie views that feel a world away from city streets. Whether you’re chasing solitude, stroller-friendly loops, or a place with room for your dog to roam, the local trail network makes exploring easy for all kinds of hikers.
Let’s get to it.
Jamaica North Trailhead North
At Jamaica North Trailhead North, you’ll find a straightforward trail experience that combines city access with natural scenery. Free parking at J and S 4th is a rare perk in Lincoln. The trail begins with a concrete surface in the north section. As you head south, it shifts to asphalt and crushed limestone. This mix keeps the route interesting but still smooth enough for wheelchairs and strollers. The total elevation gain is under 150 feet, so the focus stays on enjoying the surroundings rather than tackling steep hills.
The landscape shifts from dense forest to open meadows before you cross Salt Creek. Near downtown, skyline views peek through the trees. The trail rarely feels crowded outside peak hours. Dogs on leashes have space to sniff without bumping into joggers or cyclists. You’ll find maps, benches, and a historical marker along the way. Densmore Park adds a restroom and a playground near the route. The trail is open year-round, with occasional winter closures for creek repairs. For an easy to moderate 6.5-mile outing that blends forest, prairie, and urban views, Jamaica North Trailhead North delivers.
Prairie Pines Nature Preserve
Prairie Pines Nature Preserve provides 145 acres of mixed prairie, woodland, and wetlands on Lincoln’s northeast edge. Trails are unpaved but well-trodden, winding through tallgrass prairie stands and clusters of oak and hickory. Most routes remain gentle in grade, so strollers manage reasonably well despite occasional roots and uneven ground. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as surfaces range from grass to compact dirt.
Wildlife sightings include songbirds, rabbits, and curious squirrels. Wide-open prairie views stretch toward the city skyline, creating a sense of space. A Nature Ninja obstacle course offers children a chance to climb, balance, and explore off the main trail. On-site parking at 3100 N 112th Street leads to a modest Welcome Center. Inside, you’ll find restrooms and printed maps, or you can download a trail map in advance. Dogs are not permitted, except during special running events. The preserve operates Friday through Sunday, with best conditions in spring through fall. Prairie Pines blends easy hiking with natural variety for a quick outdoor break.
Pioneers Park Nature Center
Pioneers Park Nature Center offers a variety of trails across 668 acres of prairie, woodland, and wetlands. Over ten miles of routes feature packed gravel, dirt, and paved sections. A popular option is the 2.9-mile Pioneers Park loop, which takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. For a longer adventure, the Prairie Corridor Trail stretches over five miles, winding past wildflowers and open grassland.
Amenities include frequent benches and ADA-accessible restrooms near the main prairie area and Chet Ager building. An accessible Bison Trail uses concrete paving to bring visitors close to roaming bison herds in their natural habitat. Along the way, interpretive signs explain local ecology, and guided hikes are available on weekends. Animal enclosures showcase native species like hawks and turkeys. Although weekends from March through October can draw larger crowds, the park generally feels spacious. Year-round maintenance by Lincoln Parks & Rec keeps trails clear and facilities in good repair. Whether you want a short loop or an all-day trek, Pioneers Park Nature Center balances wildlife viewing with comfortable, well-marked paths.
Holmes Lake Park
Holmes Lake Park shines with its inclusive 2.3-mile loop that welcomes people of all abilities. The trail surface combines paved paths and compact gravel, keeping elevation changes almost unnoticeable. Wheelchairs, strollers, and rollerblades move easily along the route. On weekday mornings, you’re more likely to meet curious geese than crowds. Evenings and weekends see a rise in walkers, runners, and leashed dogs. If pets need off-leash time, Rickman’s Run park is right next door.
Lake views dominate much of the trail, with a broad reservoir framed by wetlands and woodlands. Waterfowl and songbirds are common sightings along the shoreline. Picnic shelters and benches appear at regular intervals, offering spots to rest or enjoy a packed lunch. The parking area stays manageable even on busy days. In autumn, the surrounding trees light up with fall color. The park remains open throughout the year, provided winter snow clearance is on schedule. With clear signage, well-maintained restrooms, and a level surface that anyone can tackle, Holmes Lake Park offers a straightforward outdoor escape in Lincoln.
Lincoln Saline Wetlands Nature Center
Lincoln Saline Wetlands Nature Center sits on a 1.9-mile loop of woodchip paths through wide open salt marshes. The route remains mostly level, so you can focus on wildlife instead of steep climbs. A historic bowstring bridge spans part of the loop, offering a quaint 19th-century landmark among the grasses.
Spring and fall migrations bring flocks of waterfowl, and interpretive panels dot the trail to explain the ecosystem. The path generally handles strollers and wheelchairs when dry, but watch for muddy spots after rain. A small parking lot lies at the south end; there are no restrooms on site but a few benches provide resting points. Leashed dogs are welcome and the space rarely feels overcrowded, especially outside peak migration weeks. In summer the marsh dries and winter can turn the ground icy or slushy. Overall, this nature center provides a low-key but rewarding visit.
Epworth Arches – Wilderness Park
Epworth Arches – Wilderness Park stands out as Lincoln’s neighborly green space. You’ll spot historic stone arches at the trailhead near First Street and West Calvert. A gravel parking lot sits right next to the kiosk, complete with ADA parking and newly updated accessible picnic spots. Restrooms are on the way but not yet open.
The trail network features easy, green-rated loops under half a mile each, ideal for a casual walk, a quick ride, or a slow-motion dog chase. Elevation changes are minimal, with only a couple of gentle inclines to keep calves engaged. Along Salt Creek’s shoreline you’ll pass old bridge footings and some pleasant creekside views. Dogs must stay leashed and crowds stay modest even in warm weather. Mud and spring ticks can be factors after rain, so plan accordingly. In all, this park delivers a neat blend of history, accessibility, and simple trails.
Frank Shoemaker Marsh
Tucked away just north of Lincoln, Frank Shoemaker Marsh offers a calm escape right outside city limits. The main trail runs just over two miles out and back with only about 36 feet of elevation gain. Unless you jog, you’re unlikely to build up a sweat. The path mixes paved sections, dirt tracks, and boardwalk segments. You’ll cross one or two simple bridges over Little Salt Creek, and you rarely encounter large crowds even at sunrise or after dinner.
An accessible observation deck stands above the salt marsh, giving you one of the best spots in Nebraska for shorebird watching. Endangered tiger beetles and saltwort plants inhabit this protected area. Interpretive signs provide background on why this habitat matters. Amenities include a small parking lot, a rest shelter, and clearly marked trails in good condition. Dogs on a leash are welcome, and spring brings a reminder to check for ticks. Overall, it’s a well-maintained site that feels refreshingly cared for.
Wilderness Park
Wilderness Park feels like a small town of trails nestled just outside Lincoln. Covering 1,472 acres, it offers more than 31 miles of paths that pass through forests, meadows, and creek beds. Trail difficulty ranges from easy flat stretches to a main loop featuring a 229-foot climb that rewards hikers with scenic overlooks. The routes are marked in red, green, and yellow blazes, and intersections carry clear signs. Trail maps are posted at each of the eight main access points.
Along the way, boardwalks and wooden bridges cross Salt Creek. Oak groves and colorful wildflowers line many segments. Wildlife sightings can include deer and wild turkeys. Dogs are welcome on leash, and benches appear at intervals for quick breaks. Restrooms and trash cans sit at several trailheads, but you need to carry water and supplies for longer outings. Trails open at sunrise and close at sunset, and spring rains can leave some sections muddy. In winter, snow sometimes turns paths into informal cross-country ski routes. With solid maintenance by Lincoln Parks & Rec, Wilderness Park offers endless exploration for hikers, runners, and cyclists alike.
Union Plaza
Right in downtown Lincoln, Union Plaza delivers an urban retreat with smooth, flat paths perfect for all users. You can loop a short three-block circuit or connect to the Billy Wolff/Antelope Valley Trail for longer workouts. The park is fully wheelchair and stroller friendly, and dogs on leashes are welcome.
The setting includes streams lined with lily pad clusters, public sculptures, pollinator gardens, and various water features. Fountains and a scenic overlook add visual interest when the weather cooperates. Amenities include an outdoor amphitheater, benches, picnic tables, and a clean restroom at the Jayne Snyder Trails Center. In summer the plaza buzzes with farmers markets, concerts, and families, while winter visits offer a quieter stroll among dry fountains and crisp air. City maintenance keeps everything in good shape year-round, making it a reliable option in any season.
Mopac Trail McAdams Park Rest Stop
At Mopac Trail McAdams Park Rest Stop, you’ll find a well-designed break area. It sits under a canopy of trees that provides steady shade on hot Nebraska days. The paved trail beside it is flat and smooth for miles, evoking a converted railroad corridor. A painted centerline divides the path, guiding runners, cyclists, and walkers. Benches line the rest area, offering a place to sit and watch dogs on leashes or parents pushing strollers along the trail.
A reliable water fountain stands ready for refills, and trash cans are emptied regularly. Close by, a playground keeps children busy with swings and slides. Local wildlife such as birds and squirrels dart through the branches overhead, adding a sense of quiet activity.
Accessibility features include gentle slopes and marked parking spots for visitors with limited mobility. Between March and November, the weather often favors outdoor excursions here. Although the park rarely gets crowded, you never feel isolated. It’s a simple, functional spot that fulfills its purpose as a rest stop.
Van Dorn Park
In southwest Lincoln, Van Dorn Park packs a variety of outdoor options into one site. A one-way mountain bike trail runs 1.6 to 2 miles of singletrack with about 125 feet of climbing. Berms, rollers, and small jumps keep things interesting without becoming overly technical.
For walkers or leashed dogs, a short unpaved loop winds under a tree canopy and passes creekside glimpses. A small tunnel carries the trail beneath Van Dorn Street. This path isn’t stroller or wheelchair friendly due to roots and uneven ground, but it feels delightfully natural. Families can head to the playground area, swings, and picnic tables shaded by trees. The reservable shelter includes heating, air conditioning, and a bathroom—an upgrade over typical park restrooms. The park sees light traffic except during after-work hours and weekends, and trails dry out quickly after rain. It’s a compact spot that balances biking thrills with simple strolling.
