Nebraska river named first certified ‘Quiet Trail’ in the U.S.

VALENTINE, Neb. - An area in north-central Nebraska is touting a first-in-the-nation designation. The Niobrara National Scenic River has been awarded the title of a "Quiet Trail."

“I’ve had beavers swim up beside me, and geese try to direct me away from their nest,” Niobrara National Scenic River Superintendent Susan Cook said.

Cook spearheaded an effort to get the river recognized as a Quiet Trail by Quiet Parks International.

“What they told us is this resource is on par with the Amazon River,” Cook said.

The river is only the second area in the world to receive the designation, with the first being in Taiwan. A crew from Seattle with Quiet Parks International analyzed and documented the river for several days.

“They did 24-hour sound recordings," Cook said. "Then they go back and analyze that. They have a team of people connected with universities. They listen to it. What they’re listening for is intrusions of cars and planes and other things that are not nature.” 

Cherry County Tourism Director Regina Osburn said the designation can be used as a marketing tool to draw in more visitors.

“In Nebraska tourism is the third largest industry in the state behind agriculture and manufacturing,” Osburn said.

Tourists like Gerry and Sharon Mattis from Michigan have roadtripped across the country and found themselves captivated by the Niobrara’s natural beauty, crisp air, and peaceful melody.

“It’s soothing," Gerry said. "There are a lot of pines and junipers here, and the wind blowing through them is a pleasant noise.”

Cook said she hopes more people will appreciate thanks to this designation.

“Nature will heal us mind, body and soul. If you’re struggling with something, just go sit by a river, and watch it flow by you. All of a sudden your troubles don’t seem so big,” Cook said.

Here is a map of locations to visit along the Niobrara.