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Big Elk Lake Recreation Area

Discover

Big Elk Lake Recreation Area

Things to Do in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area

Big Elk Lake Recreation Area is a recreation area in Papillion, Nebraska, spanning 46 acres of park land and featuring a 13-acre lake. The area's generally flat terrain, including a paved trail system and over 30 acres of native grassland, provides accessible environments for outdoor activities. This recreation area offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The lake itself is a notable feature, serving as a regional detention basin and supporting aquatic habitats.

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Average rating

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Hiking in Big Elk Lake Recreation AreaSee all
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11

hikers

Wehrspann Lake Loop

13.7km

03:32

70m

80m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate
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11

hikers

4.47km

01:09

30m

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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1

hikers

3.11km

00:49

30m

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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32.1km

08:07

50m

50m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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19

riders

31.1km

01:49

160m

160m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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2

riders

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
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Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Explore the region

Hiking in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Papillion

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

Big Elk Lake Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling. The area also features a 13-acre lake suitable for non-motorized boating like paddleboards and kayaks. Visitors can explore various routes and guides for these activities.

Are there hiking trails at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, Big Elk Lake Recreation Area features a 1.1-mile (1.8 km) paved hiking and biking trail that loops around the lake. This trail connects to a broader paved network within the Papillion Creek corridor, offering extended walking and jogging options. Find more details in the Hiking in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area guide.

What cycling options are available at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

The recreation area's paved trails are suitable for both touring and road cycling. The 1.1-mile (1.8 km) lake loop is a starting point, with connections to the larger Papillion Creek trail system for longer rides. Explore routes in the Cycling in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area guide.

Are there easy or family-friendly trails at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

The 1.1-mile (1.8 km) paved loop around Big Elk Lake features relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for easy hikes and walks for all fitness levels. The area is considered family-friendly, with ADA accessible fishing piers and a convenient kayak launch. Consult the Family-friendly hikes in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area guide for more information.

What natural features can be found at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

Big Elk Lake Recreation Area spans 46 acres and includes a 13-acre lake and over 30 acres of native grassland. The lake serves as a regional detention basin for stormwater and supports an aquatic habitat. A large water quality basin helps manage sediment and nutrients.

What amenities are available for visitors at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

The recreation area provides picnic shelters and restrooms for visitors. It also features ADA accessible fishing piers and a convenient kayak launch, making it inclusive for various mobility levels. The lake is designated for non-motorized boating.

How popular is Big Elk Lake Recreation Area on komoot?

Big Elk Lake Recreation Area has received an average rating of 4.73 out of 5 stars from more than 1,600 visitors on komoot. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users who have explored the area's routes and activities.

Are there specific guides for running trails in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, komoot offers a dedicated guide for running enthusiasts. The paved trails, including the 1.1-mile (1.8 km) loop and connections to the broader Papillion Creek network, are ideal for jogging. Find detailed routes in the Running Trails in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area guide.

What is the length of the main trail at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

The main paved trail at Big Elk Lake Recreation Area is a 1.1-mile (1.8 km) loop around the 13-acre lake. This trail also connects to a larger paved network, allowing for longer excursions beyond the immediate recreation area.

Where can I find official information about Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

Official information about Big Elk Lake Recreation Area is available through the City of Papillion, Nebraska. The relevant details can be found on the City of Papillion's Facilities page. For general inquiries, the Papillion City Hall can be reached at 402-597-2000.

Are there traffic-free cycling routes in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, the paved trail system within Big Elk Lake Recreation Area and its connections to the Papillion Creek trail network offer traffic-free cycling opportunities. These routes are suitable for both touring and road cycling. Consult the Traffic-free bike rides in Big Elk Lake Recreation Area guide for more details.

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