NORFOLK, Neb.- After 30 years, the Nebraska Cowboy Trail continues to expand.

The Trail is celebrating 30 years since the former Chicago and Northwestern rail line was turned over to Nebraska Game and Parks.

According to the Game and Parks, the trail officially began in 1997, with the Norfolk to Valentine stretch completed by 2007. A new section from Gordon to Rushville opened in 2019.

Today, the trail is open to hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and now e-bikes.

It’s one of the longest rail-trails in the U.S.

According to Nebraska Game and Parks, the Cowboy Trail has grown to over 320 miles, stretching across northern Nebraska.

Game and Parks says flooding in 2019 damaged large sections, but FEMA helped with repairs--including help with a bridge near Norfolk.

With new development near Chadron, the Cowboy Trail continues to expand.