Niobrara River
🏔 Scenic River
Cherry / Keya Paha Co. · 76 mi · Class I–II
911CFS/ 2.92 ft
Optimal↑Rising slowly (+35 cfs/hr)
Water temp: 48°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 300–1500 CFS · USGS #06461500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
National Scenic River (1991)
Nebraska's crown jewel — a National Scenic River carving through the Sandhills with over 200 waterfalls and springs feeding the main stem. Fossil beds dating back 10 million years line the canyon walls. One of the most biodiverse river corridors on the Great Plains.
Trip sections
Cornell Dam to Berry Bridge — 25 mi, waterfalls and fossil beds
Berry Bridge to Rocky Ford — 30 mi, Sandhills canyon
Rocky Ford to Norden — 21 mi, wider valley, Class I
Outfitters
Sunny Brook Camp
Full-service Niobrara outfitter, cabins and camping
Graham Canoe Outfitters
Canoe and kayak rentals, shuttle service
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.