Nebraska National Forest at Chadron

There are two distinct areas of the Nebraska National Forest. This area encompasses the west end of the Nebraska National Forest near Chadron and Crawford and is managed by the Pine Ridge Ranger District. The other distinct area within Nebraska National Forest is located near Halsey [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/recarea/?recid=10604] in central Nebraska.  Special places within the Chadron area include Soldier Creek Wilderness and the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area as well as several developed recreation sites for camping, picnicking, or trailheads for access to miles of trails into the wide open spaces of the Nebraska National Forest. Pine Ridge National Recreation Area [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/recarea/?recid=82881] is a 6,600-acre area is designed to provide a primitive/semi-primitive recreational opportunity in a natural environment and is managed for non-motorized recreation. Approximately 80 miles of marked trails make up the Pine Ridge Trail [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/recarea/?recid=82882] system. The easy-to-follow trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.  Soldier Creek Wilderness Area [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/recarea/?recid=80609] offers a well-developed trail system of 17 miles in and adjacent to the Wilderness which allows hikers and horseback riders a variety of trial loop choices. Overnight camping in developed sites is on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires are allowed unless restrictions are posted. Backcountry or primitive camping (no facilities) is allowed anywhere on the National Forest. Practicing Leave No Trace [http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska/recreation/by_unit/www.lnt.org] principles ensures that the next person to visit will have the same sense of discovery as those who came before.