Niobrara National Scenic River
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Niobrara National Scenic River | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category III (Natural Monument) | |
  |
|
| Location | Cherry, Keya Paha, Brown, and Rock counties, Nebraska, USA |
| Nearest city | Valentine, NE |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 23,074 acres (93 km²) |
| Established | May 24, 1991 |
| Visitors | 54,385 (in 2004) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
The Niobrara National Scenic River is located in north-central Nebraska, United States, approximately 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Omaha. In 1991, Congress set aside 76 miles (120 km) along two stretches of the Niobrara River for preservation under the management of the National Park Service. The river was designated by Backpacker magazine as one of the 10 best rivers for canoeing in the United States.
Along the scenic section of the river are numerous waterfalls that empty into the river from the surrounding canyon walls; the highest one is Smith Falls, which drops 63 feet (19 m) into the river valley. There are short sections of Class I and II rapids on the river itself, and several locations further downstream require a portage around the rapids. The westernmost 26 miles (40 km) of the Scenic River section, from the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (just east of Valentine) to the Rocky Ford portage, offer outstanding canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing opportunities. Around 30,000 visitors canoe the river annually, with the months of April to July being the busiest. Water levels do decline slightly in late summer; however, the river can still be traversed by canoe, kayak, and inner tube. To reach the Scenic River section, drive northeast of Valentine on Nebraska Highway 12 until the sign for the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge put-in.
Considered a superb example of a Great Plains river, the Niobrara is home to over 500 plant species including many not otherwise found within several hundred miles, including birch, ponderosa pine and aspen (both quaking and bigtooth species). Mule deer, beaver, mink, antelope, coyote and even bison can be found as well. Approximately 400 bison and a few dozen elk are protected in the 19,000 acre (77 km²) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, which is located along the river.
[edit] External links
- National Park Service. Niobrara National Scenic River. U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved on 2006-06-29.
- National Park Service. Plan Your Visit. U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved on 2008-05-07.
