If you’re looking to add a little fresh air and nature to your routine, Omaha boasts a delightful range of trails suited to every pace and interest. From gentle lakeside loops to restorative prairie paths and shady woodland walks, these nearby options offer the right blend of scenery and accessibility.
Let’s get to it.
Northwest Wehrspann Trail Entrance
Northwest Wehrspann Trail Entrance offers a paved, well-maintained route with standout lake views. The main loop runs just over four miles, and you can extend your walk to a full 7.2 miles around Wehrspann Lake.
Along the way, you’ll pass a native prairie arboretum and benches placed where you need a break. An observation platform overlooks the water, perfect for spotting ducks, geese, or the occasional deer. Parking is plentiful and accessible, with ADA stalls near the trailhead. The universally designed fishing pier and easy lot access make this a stress-free choice for anyone with mobility needs.
On weekday mornings, the trail feels peaceful, though weekends do draw more walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers. Primitive restrooms and plenty of trash cans are available if you decide to linger. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the flat terrain and wide pavement mean you won’t have to worry about tricky footing. For an easy, scenic outing with prairie charm and lake breezes, this trail stands out among Omaha’s options.
Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Chalco Hills Recreation Area balances nature and accessibility from the moment you arrive. The highlight is a 4.5-mile crushed-limestone loop around Chestnut Bluff Lake, offering gentle terrain and open-water views.
Beyond the main loop, single-track and gravel paths wind through rolling prairie and quiet woodlands, giving a touch of adventure without steep climbs. The paved “Discovery Trail” is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs, and boardwalks connect you to scenic overlooks. Parking is ample, restrooms stay clean, and picnic shelters invite a midday break. Water stations and dog-waste stations appear at regular intervals.
Birdwatchers will enjoy year-round waterfowl sightings, with fall colors peaking in late October. Even on busy Saturdays, mornings feel calm. Whether you’re hiking with family, friends, or a leashed dog, Chalco Hills delivers a straightforward, scenic experience just outside Omaha.
OPPD Arboretum
OPPD Arboretum features two linked loops that suit a variety of visitors. One loop is paved and wheelchair-friendly, stretching about three-quarters of a mile. The other is a natural wood-chip path weaving through mature trees and flower beds.
Spring and fall bring bursts of color to pollinator plantings and a two-acre prairie. You’ll find benches near the gazebo overlooking a quiet pond—ideal for catching your breath. Signage is clear, and the level terrain makes the paved loop especially easy to navigate.
Dogs on leash are welcome, and the grounds stay tidy thanks to regular maintenance. After rain, the wood-chip trail can get a bit soft, but you won’t encounter weeds or ruts. If you’re looking for a calm, uncrowded walk with a mix of gardens, prairie, and forest, this arboretum delivers without the need for hiking boots.
Heron Haven Nature Center
At Heron Haven Nature Center, you can enjoy quiet walks without leaving city limits. The flat, elevated boardwalk begins steps from the Education Center and is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Benches line the path, offering views of herons, kingfishers, and turtles in an untouched oxbow wetland. The short Photo Blind Trail leads to covered viewing spots for birdwatching with minimal effort. Native prairie grass plots and a butterfly garden add color in warm months while migrating flocks arrive in spring and fall.
Volunteers keep trails tidy and the Education Center offers clean indoor restrooms. Free parking is available, though you’ll need to carry out any trash. Pets aren’t allowed, but if your priority is a gentle, wildlife-rich stroll on accessible paths, Heron Haven delivers a serene nature fix.
Zorinsky Lake Trail – North Trailhead
Zorinsky Lake Trail’s North Trailhead serves up a smooth, mostly flat path along the water’s edge. You can pick a quick three-mile loop around the smaller lake or tackle the full 7.4-mile circuit for a longer outing.
Benches, restrooms, and mile markers appear at regular intervals so you can set your own pace. Wildlife sightings are common—white-tailed deer graze near the shoreline and busy beavers work in calmer coves. The wide pavement accommodates walkers, cyclists, strollers, and wheelchairs.
Parking is free and plentiful. Dogs are welcome on leash, and trash cans make it easy to keep the trail tidy. Sections of prairie, wooded areas, and open lake views create enough variety that even busier times feel spacious. Open year-round, this trail is a reliable choice for a scenic, accessible hike just west of Omaha.
Standing Bear Lake
If you’re looking for a trail that’s as accessible as it is scenic, Standing Bear Lake fits the bill. The main loop wraps three miles around the water on smooth concrete paths, making it friendly for walkers, wheels, and joggers of all fitness levels. You’ll find a floating boardwalk section that brings you right to the lake’s edge for closer wildlife viewing. Informative plaques along the water highlight local species and habitat information.
Public art installations and shady benches invite spontaneous breaks, while playgrounds and picnic spots turn the trail into an easy family destination. Dogs can stretch their legs in the dedicated off-leash play area, and ample parking plus modern restrooms sit steps from the trailhead.
Weekday visits stay pleasantly quiet, though weekend mornings draw a few more people. Spring and fall deliver colorful foliage and frequent turtle or heron sightings, while summer mornings reward you with calm water reflections. For a well-kept, inclusive path that balances gentle exercise with genuine natural charm, Standing Bear Lake remains hard to beat.
Neale Woods Nature Reserve
For a quiet escape from the city noise, head to Neale Woods Nature Reserve. This 560-acre preserve offers about seven miles of well-marked trails winding through oak-hickory woodlands, hilltop prairie grasses, and occasional rocky outcrops. Well-maintained footbridges cross small creeks, offering varied perspectives of the landscape.
On the hilltop overlooks, you can admire distant Missouri River views while listening to songbirds or spotting deer and wild turkey. Near the trailhead, a seasonal butterfly garden bursts with color, and the nature center (open spring through fall) provides maps, exhibits, and restrooms. Benches at key points give plenty of spots to pause and enjoy your surroundings.
Parking is plentiful, and the paths beyond the entry zone aren’t suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Pets are not allowed, preserving delicate ecosystems and ensuring minimal disturbance. Vibrant fall foliage transforms the hillsides into a tapestry of reds and yellows if you visit in October. If you treasure solitude, birdwatching, and gentle elevation changes, Neale Woods delivers a serene outing.
Flanagan Lake Park
When you want wide-open lake views without the crowds, Flanagan Lake Park delivers. The 5.2-mile paved loop circles a large reservoir, offering unobstructed sky and water panoramas. The trail remains smooth and wide throughout, making it easy for walkers, runners, wheelchair users, and strollers.
Look up and you might spot a bald eagle drifting overhead. Along the way, benches and picnic tables appear at regular intervals, while public restrooms and convenient parking sit near each entrance. An ADA kayak launch invites paddlers to explore the water, and interpretive signs share details about local wildlife and lake ecology. Dog waste stations are placed along the trail, keeping the loop tidy for everyone.
Though mostly flat, a handful of gentle inclines add a bit of challenge. Shade is limited, so bring sun protection on summer afternoons. Early mornings and weekdays are ideal if you prefer peace and quiet. Flanagan Lake Park stays well-maintained year-round, making it a reliable spot for solo strolls, family outings, or a gentle jog.
Pacific Preserve
Pacific Preserve offers a short, restorative nature walk just west of Omaha. Under a mile of crushed-rock trails guides you through native wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and stands of Nebraska woodland. Benches at intervals invite quiet pauses for birdwatching or reading interpretive signage about local ecology and restoration efforts.
Wildlife sightings include red-tailed hawks soaring overhead, deer grazing near the tree line, and wild turkeys slipping between the oaks. Since dogs aren’t permitted, the reserve stays calm and focused on habitat protection. Free street parking and easy dawn entry mean you can start your walk without fuss.
Facilities are minimal—there’s no water fountain or restroom on site, and paths beyond the main loop aren’t stroller or wheelchair friendly. That simplicity enhances the sense of solitude. Wildflowers bloom from late spring through summer, drawing butterflies to the meadows. For a brief escape that feels removed from the city, Pacific Preserve checks all the boxes.
Fontenelle Forest
Fontenelle Forest showcases Nebraska’s natural beauty in a convenient, accessible setting. With over 20 miles of trails weaving through oak and hickory woodlands, this forest offers loop options from a gentle 1.5-mile stroll to ridge-top routes that span five miles. Most paths are well-packed dirt, while a raised boardwalk near the Visitor Center welcomes wheelchairs and strollers.
Along the trails, you’ll see spring wildflowers carpeting the forest floor and, come fall, brilliant leaf color lighting up the canopy. Deer and woodpeckers are common sightings, and interpretive kiosks provide information about regional flora and fauna. Free parking, modern restrooms, and picnic tables are located near multiple trailheads.
Dogs on leash are welcome, with water stations and waste bag dispensers for convenience. Weekdays and winter months offer the quietest conditions, while weekends in peak season bring families and birdwatchers. Whether you’re seeking a casual walk or a more strenuous hike, Fontenelle Forest delivers clear signage, varied terrain, and ever-changing seasonal views.
Glacier Creek Preserve
For a calm taste of Nebraska’s tallgrass prairie, head to Glacier Creek Preserve. Its well-kept 1.5-mile loop circles Allwine Prairie and offers an easy, mostly flat walk.
Along the way, a side path dotted with interpretive guideposts highlights native plants and wildlife. Spring brings a show of wildflowers, and the scenic crossing over Glacier Creek adds a pleasant change of pace. A small overlook provides a quiet spot to rest and take in the view.
The trail surface alternates between grassy and dirt sections, all regularly mowed and clear of major hazards. You’ll find yourself in near-solitude on most days, unless you time your visit during a scheduled event.
The Barn makes for an ideal spot to spread out a picnic once you finish your hike. Free parking, accessible restrooms, and a midday water refill station are all on site. Since the paths are unpaved, sturdy footwear is a good idea. Leave pets at home to protect sensitive grassland habitats. For straightforward hiking and a firsthand look at native prairie, Glacier Creek Preserve delivers every time.
