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Submission
There are two distinct areas of the Nebraska National Forest. This area encompasses the west end of the Nebraska National Forest near Chadron and Crawford and is managed by the Pine Ridge Ranger District. The other distinct area within Nebraska National Forest is located near Halsey in central Nebraska. Special places within the Chadron area include Soldier Creek Wilderness and the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area as well as several developed recreation sites for camping, picnicking, or trailheads for access to miles of trails into the wide open spaces of the Nebraska National Forest. Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is a 6,600-acre area is designed to provide a primitive/semi-primitive recreational opportunity in a natural environment and is managed for non-motorized recreation. Approximately 80 miles of marked trails make up the Pine Ridge Trail system. The easy-to-follow trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Soldier Creek Wilderness Area offers a well-developed trail system of 17 miles in and adjacent to the Wilderness which allows hikers and horseback riders a variety of trial loop choices. Overnight camping in developed sites is on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires are allowed unless restrictions are posted. Backcountry or primitive camping (no facilities) is allowed anywhere on the National Forest. Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that the next person to visit will have the same sense of discovery as those who came before.
Worth checking out. Lots of good hiking. It's interesting to think this whole area is a man made forest. There is also a tree nursery here too. Wasn't very crowded but we did hear a lot of barking dogs for some reason.
Why would anyone want to visit this desolate "forest". The views are so boring being the middle of the sandhills. What a joke, this so called forest was the worlds largest man-made forest. The abundance of deer, turkey, coyote, bald eagles, prairie dogs are such a nuisance. The trails are terrible, most are designated for 4x4, high-clearance vehicles or utv's, which my Jeep absolutely hates. Please, by all means, do not even think about going to the Nebraska National Forest. Go visit Colorado, they need more people cluttering, polluting, and congesting their mountains. Leave this place to those that only want the seclusion, solitude and retreat that it provides. ;)
A beautiful area right in the middle of the Sandhills! Feels like a Rocky Mountain type area with all the ponderosa pines. A hidden gem for camping and a relaxing get away. Highly recommend visiting during the weekday rather than the weekend. Plenty of trails for hiking, 4-wheeling or drives. Give it a visit!
