Niobrara

My 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.