NPS PHoto
Running Fritz's Island Class II rapids in Spring conditions.
Most visitors come to the Niobrara to float the river by canoe, tube, kayak or raft. Many camp overnight in various private campgrounds operated by individual outfitters, or at the campground in Smith Falls State Park.
While floating the Niobrara is a popular summer activity, spring and fall are also great times to enjoy the river by canoe or kayak.
The National Park Service does not endorse or promote specific private businesses. The following links are provided for your trip planning convenience:
Local Outfitters
River Flow and Conditions
River Guides - Downloadable PDF files:
You will need to open these files. Acrobat is free, and you can download it here.
Paddler's Chart - Brief descriptions of 6 stretches of the river.
River Guide 1 - Borman Bridge to Ft. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
River Guide 2 - Ft. Niobrara NWR to Berry Bridge
River Guide 3 - Berry Bridge to Brewer Bridge
River Guide 4 - Brewer Bridge to Rocky Ford
River Guide 5 - Rocky Ford to Norden Bridge
River Guide 6 - Norden Bridge to Meadville
Surge Flow - A unique hydrological feature of the Niobrara
