Float the Niobrara River
Niobrara National Scenic River
Experience the beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River up close and personal by floating the gentle waters through six ecosystems, past waterfalls, and under historic bridges. A gem in the Sandhills of the Great Plains.
Many of our summer visitors come to float the river for the day. Take your pick of canoe, kayak, or tube! Floating times vary depending on which landings you put in and take out at. The most common route is from the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge's launch site to Brewer's Bridge. Both are Public Access landings. Along this route, you will see the Fort Falls, Berry Falls, and Smith Falls, just three of our over 200 waterfalls on the Niobrara River! If you have your own equipment, we can help you find the best put in and take out points, and if you do not have equipment, we have many local River Outfitters who operate shuttles and rent equipment.
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1-8 Hours
Float duration varies based on which landings you plan to get in and out on. Floats can be as short as 20 minutes and up to 8:00 hours in a day, or you could float all 76 protected miles of river over 3 days! For this example, from Fort Niobrara's Launch to Brewer Bridge, the float time is about four hours (4:00).
Public Access Launch/Land Locations: A $1.00 fee is charged at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Launch Site. A parking pass or Nebraska State Parks day/annual pass is required at Smith Falls State Park, to access the launch and landing sites. (If Smith Falls is just a pit-stop while you float and you are not pulling out there, just stopping to see the falls, then a pass is not required because you are not accessing the parking areas by vehicle.) Other public access launch/landing sites along the Niobrara National Scenic River do not require fees. Private Launch/Landing Locations: There are many privately owned launch and landing sites on the Niobrara NSR managed by those who own the land along the river. These can be accessed by working with our local River Outfitters to arrange launch and landing access, shuttles, equipment rentals, and pick-ups. Fees vary by ownership for these sites.
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Spring, Summer, Fall
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Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge has one handicap accessible canoe, kayak, or tube launch. It is located on the North side of the Cornell Bridge on the way to the Burr Oak Picnic Area. It has its own parking lot. We recommend contacting the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge for more information about this launch site. NOTE: There are no other designated handicap accessible canoe, kayak, or tube landings/launches further down river.
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All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian. By Nebraska State law, all children 12 years old and younger must WEAR a USCG approved life jacket to float the Niobrara River. Anyone over 12 years old must HAVE a life jacket in case of emergencies. If you are renting equipment, your outfitter will provide them.
Niobrara National Scenic River - Fort Niobrara Launch Site
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