The best walks and hikes in Walnut Creek Recreation Area
4.9
(6)
145
hikers
18
hikes
Hiking in Walnut Creek Recreation Area offers diverse trails within a 450-acre park centered around a 150-acre lake. The terrain features a mix of paved multi-use pathways and natural singletrack trails, with some areas presenting steep inclines. Approximately 70% of the park is preserved as native Nebraska prairie, providing open landscapes and lakeside vistas. The area provides a blend of natural beauty and varied recreational opportunities for hikers.
Best hiking trails in Walnut Creek Recreation Area
- The most popular hiking route is Walnut Creek Lake loop — Omaha, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 19 minutes to complete. This easy route encircles Walnut Creek Lake, offering picturesque views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Prairie Queen Trail loop — Omaha, an easy 3.9 miles (6.3 km) path. This trail provides views of expansive open fields and connects to the broader Omaha metro trail system.
- Local hikers also love the Keystone Trail — Omaha, a 19.2 miles (30.9 km) trail leading through varied urban and natural landscapes, often completed in about 7 hours 49 minutes.
- Hiking in Walnut Creek Recreation Area is defined by lake views, native prairie landscapes, and a network of paved and singletrack trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Walnut Creek Recreation Area are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 5 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Walnut Creek Recreation Area's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.8
(4)
26
hikers
5.09km
01:19
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
3.11km
00:49
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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32.1km
08:07
50m
50m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
2.82km
00:43
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Walnut Creek Recreation Area
Tips from the Community
Prairie Queen Lake was made in 2015. It's a great place to hop off your bike for a rest!
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The smooth and paved trail surrounding the lake offers the perfect route for cycling enthusiasts to soak in the stunning views. As you pedal along, remember to share the path courteously with fellow users!
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The flat concrete trail around the lake is perfect for cycling and taking in the views. Just take care of other users of the path and be considerate.
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Prairie Queen Lake was created in 2015. The lake stocks largemouth bass for fishing and was designed to encourage boating, hiking, biking, and related activities.
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The trail around the lake is paved concrete and is flat. There is very little shade but the view of the lake and wildlife makes for a nice scenic hike.
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The recreation area is 450 acres, with a 105 acre reservoir. There is a great paved multi-use trail around the lake and a lovely green space next to the lake. Facilities include a parking lot, picnic areas and toilets. There are also various playgrounds, an equestrian trail and a leash-free dog park.
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Beautiful lake right in the residential area, the mix of residential areas and nature for relaxation is always successful here.
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Walnut Creek Lake is a beautiful area stocked with fish and open to all manner of outdoor activities. The lake is a popular spot on weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails can I find in Walnut Creek Recreation Area?
Walnut Creek Recreation Area offers a diverse range of trails. You'll find a prominent 3.1-mile paved multi-use pathway encircling Walnut Creek Lake, perfect for easy walks. Beyond that, there are singletrack natural trails, some with steep inclines and drops for a more rugged experience, as well as grass trails.
Are there any easy hiking routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, the area is very beginner-friendly with 8 easy routes. A great option is the Walnut Creek Lake loop — Omaha, an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) trail that offers picturesque views of the lake. Another easy choice is the Prairie Queen Trail loop — Omaha, which is 3.9 miles (6.3 km) and provides views of expansive open fields.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Walnut Creek Recreation Area?
Yes, Walnut Creek Recreation Area is very dog-friendly. In addition to the trails, the park features a leash-free dog park with fenced areas and pond access, making it a great spot for your canine companions.
What are the most challenging hikes in the area?
While many trails are easy, there is one difficult route available. The Keystone Trail — Omaha is a challenging 19.2-mile (30.9 km) trail that leads through varied urban and natural landscapes, typically taking around 7 hours 49 minutes to complete.
What kind of natural features or landscapes can I expect to see while hiking?
Hikers can enjoy rustic views and good lakeside vistas, particularly around Walnut Creek Lake. Approximately 70% of the park's 450 acres are preserved as native Nebraska prairie, offering a sense of wilderness with expansive open landscapes and diverse flora.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the trails are designed as loops. For example, the popular Walnut Creek Lake loop — Omaha and the Prairie Queen Trail loop — Omaha are both circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
What do other hikers say about Walnut Creek Recreation Area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 5 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, beautiful lake views, and the well-maintained trails suitable for various activity levels.
Is there parking available at Walnut Creek Recreation Area?
Yes, Walnut Creek Recreation Area provides ample parking facilities for visitors accessing the trails and other amenities within the park.
Can I reach Walnut Creek Recreation Area using public transport?
Walnut Creek Recreation Area is located in Papillion, a suburb of Omaha. While specific public transport routes directly into the park might be limited, it connects to the broader Omaha metro trail system, including the West Papio Trail and the 96th Street Trail, which may offer connections to public transport further out.
What other activities are available at Walnut Creek Recreation Area besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the recreation area is popular for mountain biking, fishing (with a handicapped-accessible pier and boat dock), no-wake boating, picnicking, and camping (RV and tent sites available). There's also a pickleball court and the Sumtur Amphitheater hosts community events.
Are there any amenities like cafes or accommodation nearby?
Walnut Creek Recreation Area is located in Papillion, a suburb of Omaha, so there are various amenities including cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options available in the surrounding areas of Papillion and Omaha.
How many hiking trails are there in Walnut Creek Recreation Area?
There are 10 hiking routes available in Walnut Creek Recreation Area, catering to various difficulty levels from easy to difficult.
Most popular routes in Walnut Creek Recreation Area
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