Cedar Run Atv Trail

About Cedar Run ATV Trail

Cedar Run ATV Trail is a 470 acre off road riding area at Harlan County Lake, south of Republican City in south central Nebraska. It carries more than nine miles of trail through trees and hilly grassy meadows, it is free to ride, and it was the first trail in Nebraska designed by professional trail builders. ATVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles are all permitted.

Built by Professionals, Not Bulldozed

The trail opened in 2007 through a partnership between the Harlan County Tourism Bureau, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The idea came out of an unusual situation. During an extended drought the lake dropped twenty feet below normal elevation, and riders were using the exposed mud flats. When the Corps started asking what would happen once the water came back, the answer became a purpose built trail system on dry ground.

What sets Cedar Run apart from most riding areas in the region is that it was laid out by a professional trail building crew rather than cut by volunteers with a skid steer. That shows in how the trails flow through the terrain, winding through trees and over rolling meadows with routes suited to a range of skill levels.

The Tot Lot

The feature worth highlighting is the tot lot, a 2.3 acre area completely separated from the general riding area.

It is built for beginning riders on 90cc machines and smaller, with twists, turns and bumps sized for young riders learning throttle and balance. Because it is fenced off from the main trail system, adults can supervise and coach without worrying about a full size quad coming around a corner.

Very few free public riding areas anywhere include a dedicated beginner area like this. For a family teaching a child to ride, it is the single best reason to come here.

Free, With Real Facilities

There is no fee to ride and no permit required. The trail is open sunrise to sunset year round, weather permitting.

The staging area at the north parking lot is well equipped for a free facility, with a picnic shelter, a grill, accessible restrooms and accessible parking alongside the kids riding area.

DOT approved helmets are required for all riders.

Call Before You Haul

This is the rule everyone connected with the trail repeats, and it is worth taking seriously.

Riding a wet trail damages the surface and drives up maintenance costs, so the Corps closes it when conditions are poor. High lake levels after heavy rain have also put sections of the trail underwater in the past. Call 308-799-2105 to check conditions before loading up.

Camping Nearby

Corps campgrounds ring Harlan County Lake with a mix of electric and non electric sites, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and playgrounds. All Corps parks at the lake are pet friendly and sites can be reserved online.

One important restriction: machines must be hauled to and from the staging area, because there is no direct trail access from the campgrounds. Bikes and quads must stay on the trailer in all campgrounds except Patterson Harbor. If you run a toy hauler and need to unload to drop your bunks, plan around that.

Getting There

The trail is south of Republican City and southeast of the Harlan County Dam, in Harlan County in south central Nebraska about seven miles from the Kansas line. Alma and Republican City both offer lodging, food and supplies.

Harlan County Lake is Nebraska’s second largest lake and a major stop on the Central Flyway, with more than 300 bird species recorded, so there is plenty to do on the property beyond riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to ride at Cedar Run?

No. Riding is free and no permit is required.

How much trail is there?

More than nine miles across 470 acres, winding through trees and hilly grassy meadows.

What vehicles are allowed?

ATVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles.

Are helmets required?

Yes. DOT approved helmets are required for all riders.

What are the hours?

Sunrise to sunset, year round, weather permitting.

Is there a beginner area for kids?

Yes. A 2.3 acre tot lot separated from the main riding area is built for beginners on 90cc machines and smaller.

Why do I need to call before coming?

Riding a wet trail damages it, so the Corps closes the trail when conditions are poor, and high lake levels have flooded sections in the past. Call 308-799-2105 to check.

Can I ride from the campground to the trail?

No. There is no direct trail access. Machines must be hauled, and must stay on the trailer in all lake campgrounds except Patterson Harbor.

Where is Cedar Run ATV Trail located?

South of Republican City, Nebraska 68971, southeast of the Harlan County Dam at Harlan County Lake.

More information on Cedar Run ATV Trail; Click here https://visitnebraska.com/republican-city/cedar-run-atv-trail

For ATV and off road venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/atv/

For more motorcycle venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/motorcycle/