Niobrara National Scenic River

Niobrara National Scenic River
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)
Niobrara National Scenic River in 2003
Location	Cherry, Keya Paha, Brown, and Rock counties, Nebraska, USA
Nearest city	Valentine, NE
Coordinates	42°53′N 100°19′W / 42.883°N 100.317°W / 42.883; -100.317Coordinates: 42°53′N 100°19′W / 42.883°N 100.317°W / 42.883; -100.317
Area	23,074 acres (93.38 km2)
Established	May 24, 1991
Visitors	54,385 (in 2004)
Governing body	National Park Service
Website	Niobrara National Scenic River

The Niobrara National Scenic River is in north-central Nebraska, United States, approximately 300 miles (480 km) northwest of Omaha. In 1991, Congress set aside 76 miles (120 km) along two stretches of the Niobrara River for preservation under the management of the National Park Service with assistance from the local Niobrara Council. Several "outstandingly remarkable values" have been designated to be protected along the Niobrara National Scenic River, including: Fish and Wildlife, Scenery, Fossil Resources, High Water Quality, and Recreation. The river was designated by Backpacker magazine as one of the 10 best rivers for canoeing in the United States.

Along the National Scenic River are numerous waterfalls that empty into the river from the surrounding cliff and canyon walls; the highest one is Smith Falls, which drops almost 63 feet (19 m) into the river valley. There are short sections of Class I and II rapids on the river, and several locations further downstream require a portage around the rapids. The westernmost 26 miles (40 km) of the Scenic River section, from the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge (just east of Valentine) to the Rocky Ford portage, offer outstanding canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing opportunities. Although the remainder of the river can be paddled, access is limited by private landholder permission. Around 70,000 people visit the river annually, with the months of June through August being the busiest. Water levels decline slightly in late summer, but the river can still be tralled by canoe, kayak, and inner tube. To reach the first public access on the Scenic River section, drive northeast of Valentine on Nebraska Highway 12 until the sign for the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge put-in.