NIOBRARA RIVER AND SMITH FALLS

The Niobrara River is known for its beauty, biological significance, and paleontological resources, and is enjoyed as a superb canoeing river of the northern Great Plains. In 1991, Congress designated 76 miles of the Niobrara east of Valentine, Nebraska, as part of the National Scenic River System - a river that merits special protection and recognition.

The Niobrara River begins in the high plains of eastern Wyoming and flows 535 miles to its confluence with the Missouri River in northeastern Nebraska. Hundreds of springs feed the Niobrara as it flows through the Sandhills region- one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world. The Niobrara River drains 12,600 square miles in Nebraska and cuts through several rock formations including the Ash Hollow, Valentine, Rosebud, and Pierre. These unique geological formations include fossils of many mammalian species including beaver, horse, rhinoceros, and mastodons; as well as fossils of fish, alligators, and turtles.

Waterfalls occur where streams flowing into the Niobrara run over the erosion resistant Rosebud formation. Over 90 waterfalls occur along the westernmost part of the Niobrara, including the state’s highest- Smith Falls, (left) which plunges more than 70 feet from a cliff before flowing several hundred yards into the river. Some drop directly into the river, while others are found on tributary streams hidden within side canyons.

Visitors can float the river by tube, canoe, kayak or raft from mid-April to mid-October. Local outfitters provide boats, tubes and kayaks for rent. Most floaters come on weekends in June, July and August, when summer temperatures can soar from the 90’s to low 100’s.

Visit http://www.nps.gov/niob/index.htm for more information.