Niobrara
Cornell Bridge to near Norden Bridge (30.4 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 30.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 7 fpm |
| Gauge | Niobrara River Near Sparks, Nebr. |
| Flow Rate as of 34 minutes | 553 cfslow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | August 14, 2008 |
River Description
Niobrara is Sioux for 'running water.' From Valentine, Nebraska to the Fort Spencer Dam, 76 miles of this stream are protected as a National Scenic River. However, the upper 30 miles provide the best canoing experience. Fast water and a rocky bottom make for an interesting trip. A multitude of waterfalls drop into the Niobrara, including Smith Falls, a 75-footer.
Put-in at Burr Oak Picnic Area, adjacent to Cornell Bridge within Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, just east of Valentine, Nebraska.
Almost immediately you will encounter a Class II- rapids. About 3/4 of a mile from the put-in, a small creek enters the river. A short hike up a path leads to 70' tall Fort Falls, the second tallest falls in Nebraska.
Downstream, the river is flanked by limestone, sandstone, and chalk cliffs, with countless seeps contributing groundwater to the stream. Berry Falls drops into the Niobrara in this area.
Three miles further lies Smith Falls State Park (primitive camping, toilets, showers, and picnic areas). A one-mile hike leads to 75-foot tall Smith Falls.
Three miles further brings you to another bridge (and another public access area). From this point on the Niobrara become more challenging. Two miles beyond the bridge you will encounter Class II+ Conner's Rapids. A mile more brings you to Fritz's Island. The right channel has a rock ledge that can create a challenging hydraulic at high water. (Left of the island is a tamer route.)
A mile past Fritz's Island is Fritz's Chute (Class II, run right down the middle), followed by Rocky Ford, which novice paddlers may find difficult to navigate. Scout and/or portage river-left, north bank. Next up will be Franklin's Rapids, which tends to develop a large hole at the center of the river. Again, scout and/or portage on river-left/north-bank.
At Egelhoff's Narrows the river accelerates as it is squeezed by low cliffs. Beyond the Narrows the river becomes wide and shallow. One last nam
...River Features
Fort Niobrara Launch Put In
Fort Niobrara Launch upstream of the Cornell Bridge on river left within Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.
Nichols Landing, Smith Falls State Park
Access in Smith Falls State Park towards the downstream end of the park.
Brewer Bridge Landing
Popular take-out location for a day trip with a good access and larger parking area on river left below the bridge.
Conner Rapids
Fritzs Island
Ledge in the river right channel that can be avoided by staying river left.
Fritzs Narrows (The Chute)
Rocky Ford
Egelhoffs Narrows
Kuhres Rapid
Norden Chute
The biggest rapid on the river just upstream of the Norden Bridge.
Norden Bridge Take Out
A take-out at the Norden Bridge for those with the skills to navigate this section safely. The land surrounding the bridge is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportMy brief visit included only a hike-n-huck at Berry Bridge Creek where a land owner wanted $20 for the right to access the drop. Since bike shuttle wasn't feasible in the available time for the main Niobrara, I made a second hike-n-huck at the Norden Chute. And finally a hiking only visit to Snake Falls, which is hemmed in by a box canyon and would be tricky to run given the private land in the area.
Here is a brief movie: Niobrara and Berry Creek
short hike from Smith River State Park
This dam on the Niobrara River and an associated hydropower plant was constructed around 1915 and operated through 1985. In 1986 the dam was turned over to the federal government along with land that became part of the the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Currently serving no function, the dam should be removed to restore this section of the river.
Put-in on river left just downstream of Cornell Dam and upstream of the Cornell Bridge.
Summer tubing on the river is a popular activity.
The island offers a choice between an easy channel around the left or this ledge drop on the right.
Outfitters don't allow rental boats through this rapid but there is an easy portage route on river left. Experienced whitewater paddlers with their own boats will enjoy the run.
The river goes over this shelf and then flows through a bedrock chute as it passes under the Norden Bridge.
Looking downstream to the end of the Norden Chute. Portage and take-out available on river left.
The first few miles of the Niobrara pass through the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.
Bridges along the Niobrara Wild and Scenic River are signed for paddlers including the river mile so paddlers can easily track progress downstream.