Niobrara National Scenic River Custom Search This 76-mile reach of the Niobrara River in northcentral Nebraska was added to the nation's Wild and Scenic River System in 1991 to showcase a stellar example of a Great Plains river and preserve a unique ecological crossroads where six distinct ecosystems, some at or beyond their normal geographic limit, mix. The western third of the Scenic River is home to some ninety waterfalls, highest among them being Fort Falls and Smith Falls that topple more than seventy-five feet from a Sand Hills ledge to the valley floor. The Niobrara Valley is also a remarkable cultural landscape dotted with historic resources and small ranches and farms that have been locally owned for generations. The upper reach of the designated river is labeled one of the nation's premier canoeing rivers and is enjoyed by tens of thousands annually. Portions flow through a Federally designated wilderness.     CONTACTS Email - niob_administration@nps.gov Write to Headquarters P.O. Box 591 O'Neill, NE 68763 - or - Niobrara National Scenic River P.O. Box 319 Valentine, NE 69201 Phone Headquarters - (402) 336-3970 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a visitor center at the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge that chiefly showcases Fort Niobrara history and refuge management. Several wayside exhibits addressing Scenic River use and safety are located at the Fort Niobrara landing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission operates a visitor center at Smith Falls State Park that, in part, interprets the natural history of the Niobrara valley. River Access, Trails: The canoeable reach of the Scenic River is chiefly accessed at the Fort Niobrara Refuge, Smith Falls State Park, and the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District's Brewer Bridge landing. Nature trails are developed at the refuge and state park. The Fort Niobrara Refuge features a driving tour through elk, bison, and longhorn cattle pastures. Weather & Climate Summer temperatures vary from the 70s to 90s, with occasional thunderstorms. Canoeing and sightseeing in the spring and fall are popular and pleasant on frequent warm days.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Niobrara National Scenic River.   Campgrounds Near Niobrara National Scenic River: A and C Canoe Svc, Valentine, 1 miles away Valentine Motel and RV Park, Valentine, 2 miles away Valentine KOA, Valentine, 12 miles away Fishberry Campgrounds, Valentine, 12 miles away Merritt Trading Post Resort, Valentine, 12 miles away Riverside RV Park and Campground, Valentine, 12 miles away Berry Bridge Campground, Cherry County, 14 miles away   Hotels Near Niobrara National Scenic River: Comfort Inn Valentine, Valentine , 1 miles away Super 8 Valentine NE, Valentine , 2 miles away Dunes Lodge and Suites, Valentine , 2 miles away Quality Inn Rosebud Casino, Mission , 6 miles away   Trails Near Niobrara National Scenic River: Smith Falls Trails, Cherry County , 18 miles away   Whitewater Near Niobrara National Scenic River: Berry Bridge Creek, Cherry County , 14 miles away, Class III - 0.1 miles long (Berry Falls) Snake River, Cherry County , 22 miles away, Class III - 0.5 miles long (Snake Falls)   Golf Courses Near Niobrara National Scenic River: Valentine Golf Club, Valentine , 12 miles away Prairie Hills Golf Course, Mission , 17 miles away