Future Trails: Coming soon to Columbus, Neb.

Wilderness Park Trail

Columbus Area Recreational Trails (CART) and the City of Columbus are proceeding with the development of the Wilderness Park Trail. When completed in 2003, this 1.5-mile concrete path will offer a safe transportation route for walkers and riders to reach the youth soccer complex on the north edge of the city.  And, the community’s newest hiking and biking trail will also allow easy access to existing recreational trails north of town.

The 10-foot-wide paved path will start at Linden Drive and 38th Street. Children and adults will be able to walk, jog, bike and rollerblade on the trail around the perimeter of the soccer complex. After exiting the park, the trail travels north along 18th Avenue and under the 18th Avenue Bridge. The pavement will end north of a low-water bridge crossing over Lost Creek, where a trailhead will be built.

From the trailhead, cross-country runners and mountain bikers will be able to follow more than 10 miles of existing recreational trails. Travel east along the grass and gravel Lost Creek Drainway Trail to the Columbus Hydro, a park and popular fishing hole. Follow the Loup Canal Trail northwest and eventually reach the Two Lakes Trail. Go around the two lakes and return to the starting point, an estimated 15-mile jaunt.  

Pawnee Park Trail

Several groups are seeking to provide a safe, alternative transportation route to the recreational facilities in Pawnee Park. This major community park is located in the southern part of the city, adjacent to the Loup River. The public park contains many recreational amenities: including a swimming pool, baseball complex, football stadium, tennis courts and playground equipment.

The Pawnee Park Foundation and City of Columbus applied for and received a federal transportation grant to construct a 10-foot wide concrete trail through East Pawnee Park in 2003. The foundation will be asking the grant selection committee for additional funding to complete this trail through West Pawnee Park. The estimated length of the total trail is nearly 2 miles. For more park or foundation information, contact: vlvbdgs@megavision.com

 Around Town Bike/Hike Route

With the development of recreational trails in Columbus, bicycle riders and walkers are asking for a way to get from one trail to the next. CART has drafted a suggested "Around Town Bike/Hike Route" using existing streets and sidewalks. The club is recommending cyclists and walkers follow a series of low-traffic streets, when traveling around the city. Maps of the recommended route will be available at bicycle shops and the Chamber of Commerce.

Please be careful when cycling and walking traffic!