Berry Falls is one of over 200 waterfalls that visitors may see along the Niobrara National Scenic River's bluffs.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
With a little something for everyone, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a destination for crossing adventures off your bucket list. Most popular for river recreation, you can float the Niobrara River on a canoe, tube, or kayak as a beginner and have a blast. Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching keep our visitors busy. Oh! And we haven't even told you about the waterfalls yet.
Activities
AstronomyStargazingBikingCampingFishingGuided ToursHikingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingJunior Ranger ProgramTubingRiver TubingWildlife Watching
Directions
Most visitors start their trip in the city of Valentine, Nebraska. Valentine is 76 miles south of I-90 (Murdo, SD Exit) on Hwy 83; or 130 miles north of I-80 (North Platte, NE Exit) on Hwy 83. The nearest major airports are in Rapid City, SD (220 miles); Denver, CO (391 miles); and Omaha, NE (300 miles)
Get directions →Weather
Summer (June-August): highs - low 80s to low 100s; lows - 50s to 60s, with occasional thunderstorms and associated strong winds. Moderate dry winds are common in the summer. 8.3" is average summer rainfall. Winter (November-April): Average highs 20-30s, average lows 0-10s with 5.5"/month average snowfall. Spring (April/May) and Fall (September/October) have cooler temperatures: average highs 60-70s, average lows 30-40s with 7.3" average rain/snowfall.
News
Sep 16, 2026
Niobrara River Fall Clean-Up Day Volunteer Opportunity
Niobrara National Scenic River, in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Outdoor Adventures Program, invites volunteers to celebrate National Public Lands Day by participating in a river clean-up float on Sept. 26, 2026. Participants will paddle the scenic stretch of river from Smith Falls State Park to Rocky Ford, collecting trash and helping preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the Niobrara River.
Aug 26, 2026
Niobrara National Scenic River Welcomes New Superintendent
The National Park Service has selected Chris Mather as the next superintendent of Niobrara National Scenic River. He will assume the role in mid-September 2026.