Niobrara National Scenic River

The Niobrara National Scenic River enjoys high water quality, diverse life, and fossil-filled sandstone cliffs.

This 76-mile reach of the Niobrara River in northcentral Nebraska preserves an unusual Great Plains river and protects a unique ecological crossroads where six distinct ecosystems and their associated flora and fauna mix. The western third of the Scenic River is home to over 200 waterfalls -- highest is Smith Falls that plunges 63 feet over a sandstone cliff. Many locally-owned ranches are found along the river retaining the valley's rural flavor; yet, much of its wild character is preserved. Teeming with diverse wildlife, beavers, bull snakes, turkeys, coyotes, foxes, and both white-tailed and mule deer are commonly sighted along this river.