Nebraska's Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway

The Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway stretches 231 miles along Nebraska Highway 12, from just west of South Sioux City to Valentine. This state-designated byway parallels the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers, tracing a path through the state's northern border region. The byway earns its name from the 19th-century outlaws who sought refuge in the area's rugged terrain. The deep canyons and heavy tree cover, particularly in an area known as Devil's Nest, provided an ideal hideout for figures like Jesse James and his gang, as well as the notorious horse thief Doc Middleton. Travelers on the route can find Nebraska's highest waterfall at Smith Falls State Park, located near Valentine. The byway also provides access to Niobrara State Park, which offers scenic overlooks at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers. The landscape of the Outlaw Trail transitions dramatically from east to west. The journey begins with the forested bluffs and lush river valleys of the Missouri River and gradually shifts to the wide-open, grass-stabilized sand dunes of the Nebraska Sandhills, one of the premier cattle ranching areas on the planet. The route passes through the Santee Sioux Reservation, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the tribe. Further west, the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. Beyond its outlaw history, the trail also follows a portion of the route taken by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. Today, travelers can also connect to the Cowboy Trail, a 321-mile rails-to-trails conversion for hiking and biking that is the longest in the nation.