In Nebraska’s Sandhills, a serene retreat has been honored for its quietness. In lieu of visitors, only bird calls among the trees, waterfalls trickling and symphonies of rushing water can be heard.
The Niobrara National Scenic River is 76 miles of free-flowing water with more than 200 waterfalls. It has six ecosystems that overlap one another which creates hybrid plants and animals.
“We’re there to protect all of these species and protect the water quality and quantity,” said Susan Cook, superintendent of Niobrara.
![Niobrara National Scenic River](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=540%2C406 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=640%2C481 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=990%2C744 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C901 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1001 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1109 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/15/0159eb73-4d07-51dd-94a7-0ad0ab15ca78/6684b62f467b0.image.jpg?resize=1651%2C1240 2008w)
In October 2023, Quiet Parks International named the Niobrara National Scenic River in Nebraska the first “Quiet Trail” in the United States.
In October 2023, Quiet Parks International named the Niobrara National Scenic River the first “Quiet Trail” in the United States. Only two other trails have received the designation in the world. Cueifong Lake Circular Trail in Taiwan received the first distinction in 2022 and in May, the Montanas Vacías Bikepacking Trail in Spain was awarded the honor as well.
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Quiet places first have to be nominated and then evaluated by Quiet Parks International Field Recordists. Quiet Parks is a nonprofit, volunteer-ran organization that seeks to find and protect quiet places around the world. For the Niobrara, Cook said there had to be a minimum of 15 minutes without any human-made sounds throughout the four-day flow down the river.
“You almost don’t realize it’s quiet because it’s quietness is actually just hearing nature,” Cook said.
She said the quietness comes from the working ranches that surround the river and prevents further development.
“It is a very rare occurrence that you can go floating down a river and just be one with nature because nature is all around you,” Cook said. “You don’t have cabins and houses and everything on the banks.”
Since earning the designation, Cook said they’ve had more visitors seeking to experience the quietness — including some visitors from around the world.
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A portion of land near the Niobrara National Scenic River. In October 2023, Quiet Parks International named the Niobrara National Scenic River the first “Quiet Trail” in the United States.
Alli Zimmerman of Lincoln traveled to Niobrara earlier this month with a group of friends prior to having any knowledge of the designation. Her friend, Jeanette Greer, had contacts with a nearby Airbnb owner and encouraged the group of friends to venture north.
During their weekend-long trip, the group of five spent six hours tubing down part of the river and explored some of the nearby trails.
“A lot of the trails in Lincoln, even like in the middle of Wilderness Park, you’ll hear cars going, planes and trains, and you just don’t hear anything like that,” Greer said.
The group of women have a plenitude of experience hiking through Lincoln as they all met in a group called Lincoln Girls Who Walk. The group includes a couple thousand members who meet weekly in smaller groups to socialize, exercise and get fresh air. The national scenic river was a completely different escapade for the group.
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Victoria Lahm (from left), Cindy Tonniges, Alli Zimmerman, Jeanette Greer and Becky Parkison float together down the Niobrara National Scenic River.
“It was beautiful,” said Victoria Lahm, a group member. “The countryside is just so different from this end of the state with the hills and it doesn’t really look like the same state.”
Occasionally, the women ran into other groups on the river, but since they went in the morning when it was cooler, fewer people were on the water.
While the river has visitors year round, the busiest times are in July and August as visitors tube, kayak and canoe down the river. Saturdays are also a crazy and loud time to visit, according to Cook who says it becomes party central.
“The rest of the week, you may only see a few other people around you,” Cook said. “You have a lot of opportunities to be out there by yourself.”
Visitors can access the river through public access sites or campgrounds. Cook said it takes about four days to float down the entire river.
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A waterfall seen along a portion of the Niobrara National Scenic River.
“It’s very rejuvenating for the mind, body and soul,” Cook said.
The first half of the river ranges from 2-foot to 3-foot deep allowing easy floating and plenty of waterfalls.
“The first day is beautiful and easygoing, the second day’s a little more adventure,” Cook said. “When you hit the halfway point, it’s very different.”
The third and fourth days of the float have narrow paths and shallow braided channels that sometimes require more effort from visitors. In these areas, the water averages only a foot deep.
Numerous trails nearby weave in and out of the river banks and woods with an abundance of wildlife such as deer, bison, otters and eagles.
“Once you get out on the river or walking along the roads and things like that and away from people, it is very peaceful out there,” Zimmerman said.
It was quite a different experience for Greer, who visited Niobrara 25 years ago with all of her nieces and nephews. This time, she could really take in the serene sounds of nature.
“You can just kind of hear the water dribbling and wind and just the river,” Greer said.
The beauty doesn’t end when the sun goes down, either. In addition to the lack of human-made noises, Cook said the minimal development causes a lack of light intrusion.
“It’s just absolutely breathtaking to see the stars,” Cook said. “I had a couple of people this spring that said they really didn’t realize how well you could see the Milky Way.”
Family travel 5: Ultimate hiking adventures
Natchez Trace
![Natchez Trace](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C889 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/bf/3bf6c6b5-b667-5328-beaa-33882b3fc83a/6684b66ed944a.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1176 2008w)
Explore wetlands, swamps and hardwood forest, and steep yourselves in history as you hike a section of this National Scenic Trail. The foot trails, totaling more than 60 miles, are divided into five sections, making it easy for families to choose a comfortable distance. The trail runs roughly parallel to the Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road, designated one of America's National Scenic Byways and one of only 31 All-American Roads. The historic trail dates back to the early 1700s when sections were Indian footpaths and animal trails. In the late 1700s through the early 1820s, traders from the Middle Tennessee and Kentucky areas floated their goods down the Cumberland, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Natchez and then walked or rode horses up the Trace to return home. Today, travelers explore the National Park in their personal vehicles, take time to hike, ride horses and camp along the way. During the fall, visitors enjoy the changing colors of maple, hickory, oak and other hardwood trees, milder temperatures and overnight accommodations in small towns along the historic travel corridor stretching from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee.
For more: https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.html
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
![Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=150%2C72 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=200%2C96 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=225%2C108 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=300%2C144 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=400%2C192 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=540%2C259 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=640%2C307 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=750%2C359 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=990%2C474 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C496 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C575 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C639 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/13/8133b49f-fca7-5fe6-9ffb-96715da22d3e/6684b6715ccb5.image.jpg?resize=1440%2C690 1476w)
Visit this unique botanical garden — the only one in the world to focus solely on desert plants — to wander the trails where sometimes spiky and colorful plants provide a home for roadrunners, rabbits, lizards and hummingbirds. With 55 of the Garden’s 140 acres hosting 485 rare and endangered plant species, as well as nearly 1000 others, there is plenty to see and learn during an active visit. Plan your nature walk to include multiple discovery trails. Be sure to include the butterfly pavilion, where you’ll learn about the winged creature’s life cycle as well as how they care for and protect the desert environment.
For more: www.DBG.org
Babcock State Park, Cliftop, West Virginia
![Babcock State Park, Cliftop, West Virginia](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=150%2C84 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=200%2C113 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=225%2C127 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=300%2C169 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=400%2C225 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=540%2C304 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=640%2C360 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=750%2C422 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=990%2C557 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C582 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C675 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C750 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C830 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/5b/35bb0cc5-15b6-5665-af87-091258eaa119/6684b672da49b.image.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080 2008w)
Choose from more than 20 miles of hiking trails as you explore this scenic stretch of West Virginia along the New River Gorge. Expect easy and level loop trails as well as more challenging terrain. Located on 4,127 wooded acres, the park is best known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a re-creation of the original 1890 Cooper’s Mill that once ground grain in the same location. Today, hikers can journey back in time to the days when grinding grain by a rushing stream was typical. The current mill grinds cornmeal that is intermittently available to visitors.
The Kekekabic, Ely, Minnesota
![The Kekekabic, Ely, Minnesota](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/cb/8cb5c41e-455f-5f10-a590-2455b9bde4f5/6684b67551195.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The full length of the Kekekabic Trail, or the Kek as it is known to local hikers, winds almost 40 miles from Snowbank Road, east of Ely, through the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, to the famed Gunflint Trail, west of Grand Marais. Take on a family-sized slice of this wild trail to experience rocky outcroppings, pristine lakes, scenic bluffs and eagles soaring overhead. Listen for the rich yodeling of resident loons in the distance.
For more: www.Kek.org; www.ExploreMinnesota.com.
Sioux Charley Lake, Nye, Montana
![Sioux Charley Lake, Nye, Montana](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C776 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/bismarcktribune.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2e/62e37bda-9e73-5b5c-bb5e-dd50726df96f/6684b677169ff.image.jpg?resize=1600%2C1200 2008w)
This 6-mile round-trip hike provides a visual feast of nature's bounty. The initial views include tumbling waterfalls through a canyon-walled section of the Stillwater River known locally as "the washtubs." The river braids and the canyon widens as hikers move toward the Beartooth Mountain peaks, ambling through forest and meadows dotted with wildflowers of the changing colors of the season. The lake area or intermittent rock outcroppings provide the perfect setting for a family picnic.
For more: www.visitmt.com; www.MTHikes.com.