Rules and Regulations

Tips & Advice

Welcome to the Niobrara National Scenic River Valley. The following are some rules & regulations to help make your trip safe and enjoyable. Once you turn off of HWY 12 at Sparks you will be on graveled county roads. Please drive slow and safe. These roads are considered open range, watch for cattle, horses, deer or other wild animals crossing the roads, as well as people.

We ask all groups to check in at our office (Graham Canoe Outfitters -GCO) in Valentine 30 minutes prior to your departure time. We are located on the corner of Highway 20/83 and Government St. on the east side of

Valentine.

1. Cornell Bridge Launch Site on Fort Niobrara Nat’l Wildlife Refuge

Some trips begin at Cornell Bridge in Launch Site #3., on Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, 3 miles east of Valentine. Vessels are hauled to your starting point and picked up at your destination by Graham Canoe Outfitters.

Regulation Summary for Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge:

A $1 user fee per person is required (included in rental price). Each person is required to wear a wristband while floating through the Refuge. Wristbands can be purchased at the iron ranger or the Refuge Headquarters for people with private vessels.
Maximum 5 tubes may be tied together, including tubes used for hauling coolers.
Possession of the following items are prohibited:

Alcohol
Firearms (hunting is prohibited)
High Volume radios (boom boxes)
Any device capable of shooting or directing a projectile or liquid at a person, including, but not limited to, water balloons, high pressure water cannons, paint ball guns, potato guns, and sling shots.

Leave what you find, where you find it. Do not remove plants, rocks, objects, or artifacts. Federal Law protects these items. It is unlawful to search for or remove them from the Refuge.
Poison Ivy is very common in the wilderness. “Leaves of three, leave them be”.
Travel on stable surfaces if you leave the water. If there is a trail, stay on it.
Do not climb on cliffs
Let the sounds of nature prevail. Keep noise to a minimum.
Do not disturb the wildlife or birds.

2. Buffalo Bridge: No road access.

*Fort Niobrara Wilderness Trail Access. Please check in at the headquarters if you plan to hike in the Wilderness area.

3. Berry Bridge Concession/Campground:

This public restroom can be accessed either from the river or county road and was provided by the Niobrara Council.

4. Allen Bridge: No Access for GCO vessels.

5. Smith Falls State Park: 402-376-1306

Smith Falls is approximately 70 feet tall, the highest waterfall in Nebraska. To view the falls you will have a 200-yard hike. All vehicles driven into the park are required to have a State Park Permit:
Day Pass ......................................$4
Annual permit..........................…..$20
*Camping fees.........................…..$4/adult
Reservations are recommended for camping.
No RV Hook-ups but areas for parking
Coin operated showers available.
Two Shelters (one with kitchen and one without kitchen). Check at Park Office for Fee.

*No open alcohol containers!

6. Brewer Bridge & NRD Public Day Use Area for Landing, Launching & Picnicking:

Restrooms are provided by the Niobrara Council and can be accessed from the river and the road.
Please keep the ramp free of vessels
Do not litter * No fires *No camping * No alcohol * Day Use Only

7. Graham’s Camp 402-376-3708: Located just below Brewer Bridge.

Camping & landing by Reservation Only!
Camping fee.................................$6/adult
Kids under 10 free
Landing fees for private vessels...$2 ea.

8. County Line Bridge: No access

9. Sunny Brook Camp: No vessels go beyond Sunny Brook Camp! SBC is an alcohol free campground and landing.

Private vessel landing fee................$2/vessel
RV hook-ups available

HC-13 Box 16A, Valentine, NE 69201 :: 402-376-3708 or 1-800-322-3708