Ride the Ridge on Horse
At both the Bessey Ranger District and the Pine Ridge Ranger District, more visitors than ever before are inquiring about horseback riding opportunities. Some of the best trails in Nebraska are along the 27-mile Pine Ridge Trail, a multiple use trail designed to eventually extend 52 miles connecting Chadron and Crawford. Another Pine Ridge adventure, for those who love being in the saddle, is an annual event known as Ride the Ridge, a two-day ride steeped in Native American history and lore. For more information call Dawes County Extension Office at (308) 432-3373, or Pine Ridge Ranger District at (308) 432-4475.

Paddle a Wild Nebraska River
The Dismal River is Nebraska's wildest river, and it poses a challenge to anyone wishing to tame it. A great two-day excursion on this 80-mile National Wild and Scenic River begins at Seneca Bridge and runs nearly 42 river miles to Whitetail Campground. The Dismal is not a river for the novice canoeist. The current flows at 6 to 8 miles per hour, swirling springs — some as much as 100 feet deep — abound, and heavy dead fall (trees and large branches have fallen into the river) clog certain stretches. Keep your eyes out for deer, beavers, coyotes, prairie rattlesnakes, and wild turkey along the way. Seneca Bridge campground is on the north side of the river about 3 miles east of U.S. 83 bridge.

Ski Nebraska
If you find yourself in central Nebraska during the colder months, try skiing through the first hand-planted pine forest in the country. This area is recommended for the ski-backpacker or the physically fit experienced skier. One popular campsite for overnight trips is the hardwood forest along the Dismal River in the southeast corner of the forest. In the west, the Pine Ridge Region and nearby Chadron and Fort Robinson State Parks afford unlimited ski touring for skiers of all abilities. This section of the panhandle offers the most consistent snowcover in the state and is excellent for day-use ski touring. The best skiing in the area is at Fort Robinson, which has 28 miles of marked trails and unlimited backcountry opportunities. Current snow conditions are available from the park office, (308)-665-2660. A weekly snow conditions report is available from Game and Parks Commission headquarters in Lincoln. Ask for the snowline report at (402)-464-0641.

Wildlife Watching in Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Located about 20 miles south of the South Dakota border in central Nebraska, the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a treat for those who delight in non-human contact. More than 150 species of birds have been identified in the forest, including sharptail grouse and wild turkey. American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and golden eagles can be seen riding thermals high in the sky. Antelope and mule deer bound through the 115,000 acres of land administered by the Nebraska National Forest Supervisor. Keep a keen eye out for some of the smaller mammals that call these parts home as well. Cottontail, fox, badger, porcupine, and even bobcat are known inhabitants.