National Scenic River · NE

Dogs in Niobrara National Scenic River

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited accessLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Dogs are allowed on the Niobrara River and on the nature trails at Smith Falls State Park and Fort Niobrara, but this is a float-focused park rather than a land-trail network.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the nature trails at Smith Falls State Park and at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, within the Fort Niobrara Wilderness, at Brewer Bridge Landing, and on the river itself.
Photo: NPS Photo · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

Leashed dogs are allowed on the nature trails at Smith Falls State Park and at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, within the Fort Niobrara Wilderness, at Brewer Bridge Landing, and on the river itself.

Where dogs are banned

Check with private river outfitters for their own campground pet rules.

Trail by trail

Dogs OKSmith Falls State Park nature trailsLeashed dogs allowed.
Dogs OKFort Niobrara nature trailsLeashed dogs allowed.
Dogs OKFort Niobrara WildernessAllowed but must be leashed to protect bison, elk, and deer.

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Scenic River

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Niobrara National Scenic River?

Dogs are allowed on the Niobrara River and on the nature trails at Smith Falls State Park and Fort Niobrara, but this is a float-focused park rather than a land-trail network. Leashed dogs are allowed on the nature trails at Smith Falls State Park and at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, within the Fort Niobrara Wilderness, at Brewer Bridge Landing, and on the river itself.

What is the leash rule at Niobrara National Scenic River?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Niobrara National Scenic River?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: Smith Falls State Park nature trails, Fort Niobrara nature trails, Fort Niobrara Wilderness.

Are service animals allowed at Niobrara National Scenic River?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.