Toes flexing inside my sneakers, I sink into my bike pedals as one of the first riders to glide through Omaha on the new Girard Trail Connection. It’s a freshly laid rail trail in Nebraska, a former railway turned into a multi-use trail. I’m here because I’m utterly obsessed with the development of the Great American Rail-Trail, a cross-country trail in development. One day, it will stretch across the entire U.S., primarily laid over former railroad tracks. And Nebraska is a big part of it, hosting an astounding 600 miles of that monumental trail. It will still be a long time until it’s complete, but every new section is a puzzle piece to one of America’s best ideas.
Where This Rail Trail in Nebraska Is and What Makes It Unique
The Girard Trail Connection is a tiny but monumental addition to one of the best trails in Nebraska. It’s phase one of the local Great American Rail-Trail project, which will eventually connect with two other scenic bike trails in Nebraska, the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge Trail (connecting Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa) and the Cowboy Trail. The latter is one of Nebraska’s most famous trails, a crushed gravel rail trail that spans over 300 miles between Norfolk and Valentine. The Girard Trail Connection is one of the first steps in creating a Nebraska trail network that connects them all. It’s only been open for a few weeks, since late April 2026, but the 0.5-mile paved trail is already a community favorite. I hopped on from the trailhead at 72nd Street and Sorenson Parkway in North Omaha. It connects to Girard Street, and you can start from either end.
What You’ll See Along the Girard Trail Connection
One of the main perks of this trail is local connectivity, providing North Omaha neighborhoods a way to safely commute sans car. Locals love this pocket of nature that connects to CHI Health Immanuel, a hospital in North Omaha. Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals clearly love this access trail, as I saw several in uniform pedaling the route. Unlike a traditional bike lane or urban pedestrian path, the Girard Trail Connection is paved through a swath of green that complements the surrounding tree-lined residential areas, historic neighborhoods, green spaces, parks, and markets. There aren’t any small businesses directly on the trail yet, but many of the connected neighborhoods are thriving communities with coffee shops, pizzerias, and boutique retail shops.
Tips for Visiting Nebraska’s Best Rail Trail
Thanks to its short length, accessibility, and paved pathway, the Girard Trail Connection is an easy outdoor trail in Nebraska. The main perk of visiting now is being among the first to enjoy it. The trail may be quiet and hyperlocal now, but one day it’s bound to be quite well-known. It’s the kind of urban trail that anyone can do, and you should expect to see all ages and ability levels. Always be kind, patient, and slow, yielding to others if you’re on wheels, so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
There’s no knocking a great hiking trail, but sometimes the best, quick fix is an urban trail right outside your door. And whether you live, work, or travel in Omaha, this urban rail trail in Nebraska is an iconic addition to the city. Be among the first to step out and make memories in the early days of a trail that’s bound to be renowned in the future…