Now that fall is approaching and the leaves will soon start changing colors, it's time to start planning out how you'll go see the prettiest foliage. Last year we sent you on a trip through southern Nebraska; this year let's head north to follow alongside the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers. Click here for an interactive map that will let you change starting points or alter the course.
The Outlaw Scenic Byway, Nebraska Highway 12, stretches from South Sioux City to Valentine.
The road follows the paths of both the Missouri River and Niobrara River for a time.
We'll start off in Ponca State Park in northeastern Nebraska. This heavily wooded park is nestled right up against the Missouri River, Giving it its lush vegetation.
Although it's a truly beautiful place throughout the year, Ponca is especially breathtaking in the fall when the trees all burst into a symphony of bright colors.
From there, you'll take NE Hwy 12 - also known as the Outlaw Scenic Byway - northwest, roughly following the path of the Missouri River. You'll pass through plenty of scenic, robust farmland.
Just keep following Hwy 12; it's an easy drive with exceptional views like this one - just imagine how lovely the landscape is when it's all decked out in fall colors. You'll pass through the area of the state once known as the Devil's Nest. It earned its name because outlaws favored the hilly wooded terrain as a hiding place when on the run from the law.
The drive will take you through the Santee Sioux Reservation (not pictured) which is rich in both culture and natural beauty.
Eventually you'll come upon Niobrara State Park, which is located right where the Missouri and Niobrara rivers converge. This is a great place to get out and go walking around for a while if time allows. The fall foliage and grasses here are an unforgettable sight.
Take a little detour north of Lynch to see Old Baldy, an unusual (for Nebraska, anyway) rock formation that Lewis and Clark visited on their exploration. This is where black-tailed prairie dogs were discovered! Although Old Baldy is on private land, there is an overlook from which you can take in this scenic vista, including a stretch of the Missouri River.
From there you'll continue through gorgeous Sandhills scenery and picturesque little towns.
The final segment of your journey will take you through the edge of Fort Niobrara National Wildlife refuge, a simply spectacular place to enjoy a fall day. The route hugs the Niobrara River; even if you don't get out to explore the refuge, the sights are quite impressive.
Finally, the Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway ends in Valentine. The town itself is lovely and makes for a great place to spend the night before heading back the way you came. There are plenty of recreational opportunities nearby if you don't want the adventure to end: Merritt Reservoir, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, and Smith Falls State Park are just a few.
The entire drive takes around four hours one-way if you drive straight through without stopping. We recommend setting aside a whole weekend if possible to enjoy all of the beautiful sights and historic places along the way.
For the best times to view Nebraska's fall foliage this year, take a look at this article about the 2017 fall foliage predictions.
Have you taken this road trip in the fall? We'd love to see your pictures in the comments!
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