The best running trails around Lincoln

Lincoln boasts an extensive trail system with over 134 miles of multi-use paths. You'll find a variety of surfaces, including hard-surface paved trails, crushed rock paths, and even rugged dirt trails, especially in areas like Wilderness Park. This diversity allows for different running experiences, from urban jogs to more secluded natural settings.

Yes, for those looking for longer runs, the MoPac Trail is an excellent option. This popular trail stretches for 26 miles, following a former railroad corridor from Lincoln to Wabash, NE, offering scenic views along the way. Another great choice is the Idaho Falls Veterans Memorial – Idaho Falls loop from Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, which covers 8.8 miles (14.1 km) and features moderate elevation changes.

Wilderness Park is a trail runner's paradise, offering over 17 miles of dirt trails winding through forests, meadows, and creek beds. Pioneers Park Nature Center, within Pioneers Park, features over ten miles of trails through tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands, and is home to bison and elk. The Lincoln Saline Wetlands Nature Center also provides a unique woodchip trail to explore saline wetlands frequented by waterfowl.

Absolutely. The Idaho Falls – Idaho Falls Pier loop from Idaho Falls is an easy 3.0-mile (4.9 km) trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The Antelope Creek Trail is another scenic 2.3-mile loop suitable for beginners or a casual jog. Many of Lincoln's trails are relatively flat, making them accessible for all fitness levels.

For runs with picturesque views, Holmes Lake Park offers an approximately 2-mile gravel loop that circles the lake. The Billy Wolff Trail is also very scenic, as it's a paved route passing through a string of local parks and natural areas, including Antelope Park and Holmes Lake Park.

Yes, many of Lincoln's trails are designed as loops or can be combined to form circular routes. For example, Holmes Lake Park features an approximately 2-mile gravel loop. The Idaho Falls waterfalls – Idaho Falls loop from Idaho Falls is a popular 3.4-mile (5.5 km) circular route with gentle elevation gain.

The running routes in Lincoln are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. More than 160 runners have used komoot to explore Lincoln's varied terrain, often praising the extensive multi-use trails and diverse park systems.

The Rock Island Trail is a great choice for this, as it's a paved trail that passes by significant landmarks such as the Capitol Greenbelt Trail, the Lincoln Children's Zoo, Antelope Park, and the University of Nebraska's City Campus. The Idaho Falls – Idaho Falls waterfalls loop from Curtiss-Wright Corporation also offers views of the Idaho Falls.

Lincoln's jogging routes are generally characterized by relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, which is typical for the region. You'll find a mix of hard-surface and crushed rock paths, with some dirt trails in larger parks like Wilderness Park, offering varied surfaces without significant climbs.

There are over 15 jogging routes available around Lincoln, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels to suit different preferences and fitness levels. These routes are part of the city's extensive trail network.

Yes, the Billy Wolff Trail is an excellent example, as it's a paved route that seamlessly connects a string of local parks, including Pansing Park, Roose Park, Antelope Park, and Holmes Lake Park. This allows for longer, continuous runs through diverse green spaces.