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Home > Nebraska > Dismal River Trail

Dismal River Trail

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Bessey Ranger District, Nebraska National Forest, Halsey Trails, Niobrara River, Whitetail Campground, Natick Campground, Pole Line Trail, Fence Line Trail, Poison Ivy Trail

Last Known StatusOpen

This area offers about 36 miles of smooth and fast sandy trails and a couple open play areas.

Bessey Family Campground offers direct trail access, electric hookups, picnic facilities, water pump (May through September), hot showers and river access. Whitetail Campground also provides direct trail access and is located next to the Dismal River but is a primitive facility so come prepared.

Nearby is the Scott Lookout Tower which offers excellent panoramic views of the forest.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit RequiredNo
Dates OpenOpen year-round except during deer hunting season.
Other ATV Stickers AcceptedUnknown
Spark ArrestorYesA spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise LimitYes
Whip FlagsNot Required
Maximum Vehicle WidthYes (64 inches)has entrance gate or posts
Allow Dirt Bikes, Trail Bikes and Motorcycles Motorcycles & Dirt BikesPermitted
Allow All Terrain Vehicles / Quads / Four Wheelers ATVsPermitted
Allow Utility Terrain Vehicles, Side by Sides (SXS), RZR UTV & SXSPermitted(maximum width 64 inches)
Allow 4x4 Jeeps, SUVs and 4 x 4 Trucks with License Plates SUVs & Jeeps (registered)Some Areaspermitted on designated roads
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail
4x4 (unregistered)		Prohibited
2 Stroke EnginesNo Restriction
MX Helmet RequiredYes
Camping / Overnight RV Parking CampingSome Areas(camp in developed sites only)
permitted alongside trails within 300 feet
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresSome Areas(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night RidingUnknown
Trail BlazingProhibitedno trailblazing
Rule Enforcement
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TERRAIN

Approx Size141,864 acres (222 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail36
Climate TypeForest
Elevation2750 to 2800 ft.
Trail MaintenanceMarked, Not Rated, Heavily Maintained
Loose DirtThis trail has little loose dirt.Little
Hard PackThe trail has little hard pack terrain.Little
SandThis trail has mostly sandy areas.Mostly
MudThe trail has little mud after it rains.Little
DustThe trail has no dust on typical days.None
RocksThis trail has no rocks.None
TreesThe trail has many trees.Many
Steep HillsThis trail has few steep hills.Few
Small JumpsThis trail has some small jumps.Some
Large JumpsThis trail has no large jumps.None
BermsThe trail has some berms.Some
Sand/Gravel PitsThis national forest has some sand or gravel pits.Some
Single TrackThis national forest has no single track trails.None
RoadsThis national forest has few roads.Few
ShadeThis national forest has some shaded areas.Some
HazardsThis trail has few hazards.Few(hazards assumed marked but use caution)
Easy Terrain NoviceThis trail has some beginner terrain.Some
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis trail has mostly intermediate level terrain.Mostly
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis trail has little expert terrain.Little

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails
LandNational Forest

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline5-20 Miles (NW)Hodges Conoco Station (308) 645-2249
Diesel Diesel5-20 Miles (NW)Hodges Conoco Station (308) 645-2249
Potable Water WaterOn SiteBessey Family Campground (308) 533-2257
RV Hookups RV HookupOn SiteBessey Family Campground (308) 533-2257
RV Dump Station RV Disposal5-20 Miles (NW)Roadside Inn (308) 645-2284 or (800) 373-1648
Primitive Camping CampgroundOn SiteBessey Family Campground (308) 533-2257
Convenience Store Conv StoreHalsey, NE

FEES & PASSES

ParkingYes ($5.00)
cash or check only
Entry(None)
Riding(None)
CampingYes
Tent: $15.00
RV: $20.00
Addtl. Vehicle: $5.00
Bessey Family Campground Fee

RATINGS

Our RatingRatingGood
Recommended StayFull Day
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityHalsey, NE
Go Back To Nebraska List
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Halsey, NE
1) Take SR 2 west 2 miles
2) Turn left (south) on SR-86 B, continue about .5 miles
3) Stage at Bessey Family Campground or continue west on SR-86B 2.6 miles
4) Veer left (east) on Circle Road, continue about 3 miles
5) Trailhead is on the left (east).

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact InfoNebraska National Forest - Bessey Ranger District
P.O. Box 39
Halsey, NE 69142
(308) 533-2257
mailroom_r2_nebraska@fs.fed.us
www.fs.usda.gov
Contact InfoRecreation.gov
(877) 444-6777
www.recreation.gov
CommentCampground Reservations

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 10/3/2012 (Thanks!)

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 5/11/2015 (Thanks!)

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 2/15/2019 (Thanks!)

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 2/15/2019 (Thanks!)

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 2/15/2019 (Thanks!)

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 4/9/2016 (Thanks!)

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 2/15/2019 (Thanks!)

Dismal River Trail Photo

Dismal River Trail

Photo Submitted 2/15/2019 (Thanks!)

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