Highlight • Trail
Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Cycling
5.0
(2)
Hiking
5.0
(1)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
The Chalco Hills Recreation Area is a sprawling outdoor destination located in northwestern Sarpy County, Nebraska, just west of downtown Omaha. This significant natural space encompasses 1,186 acres, with 246 acres covered by the artificial Wehrspann Lake. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 336 meters, it serves as a vital area for both flood control and diverse recreational opportunities for the Omaha metropolitan area.
Visitors consistently praise Chalco Hills Recreation Area for its wide array of activities and well-maintained facilities. It's a popular spot for biking, hiking, walking, and fishing, offering something for every outdoor enthusiast. The extensive network of trails, combined with the serene presence of Wehrspann Lake, creates an inviting atmosphere that draws people back throughout the year.
Before heading out, it's helpful to know that the area features over nine miles of paved trails, perfect for jogging and cycling, alongside more than 8.5 miles of nature trails for a quieter experience. Ample parking is available, with the main entrance conveniently located at 154th Street and Giles Road. Whether you're planning a leisurely stroll or a more active outing, comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the varied Chalco Hills trail terrain.
The Chalco Hills Recreation Area is a year-round destination, open from early morning until late evening, allowing for flexible visits. While summer is ideal for boating and fishing on Wehrspann Lake, winter transforms the landscape into a haven for cross-country skiing. The diverse habitats also make it excellent for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer, various bird species, and even bobcats, making it a rewarding experience in any season.
The area's extensive paved trail system includes a popular 5.7-mile loop (Loop A) and a shorter 2.4-mile loop (Loop B), providing options for different fitness levels. These trails wind through an impressive arboretum, showcasing thousands of trees and shrubs, and offer scenic views of Wehrspann Lake. For those seeking a more secluded adventure, the nature trails provide a chance to immerse oneself in the oak-hickory savannah and grassland ecosystems.
Many visitors highlight the family-friendly amenities, including numerous picnic areas and playgrounds like Dom's Park, making it a perfect destination for all ages. The accessible fishing pier on Wehrspann Lake is a favorite for anglers, while the dog-friendly areas ensure furry companions can also enjoy the outdoors. The chance to spot bald eagles or other unique wildlife adds an extra layer of excitement to any visit.
With a variety of routes available, from easy paved paths to more rugged nature trails, planning your adventure is simple. Hikers, cyclists, and trail runners can explore the diverse landscapes, discover hidden viewpoints, and enjoy the natural beauty of this Nebraska gem. You can find numerous routes and plan your visit using komoot, ensuring you make the most of your time at Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
Tips
January 25, 2024
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Chalco Hills Recreation Area
11
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
10
riders
7.09km
00:27
40m
40m
The Chalco Hills Recreation Area – Wehrspann Dam loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding around the expansive Wehrspann Lake. You'll pedal through a mix of restored native prairies and wooded areas, enjoying frequent sightings of wildlife like white-tailed deer and various waterfowl. The paved paths make for a smooth ride, allowing you to soak in the natural features and the beauty of the linear arboretum, which showcases thousands of native Nebraska trees and shrubs.
Planning your visit to this easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) route is straightforward, as the park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. With only 132 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, it's a quick 27-minute ride suitable for all abilities. Parking is ample, and if you need a bike, a Heartland Bike Share station is available on-site, making it easy to get started on this family-friendly cycling trail.
This popular route is a key part of the Omaha Metro Trails System, known for its balance of recreation and environmental preservation. Beyond cycling, Wehrspann Lake is a hub for fishing and boating, and the area is a prime spot for wildlife viewing. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking scenic viewpoints and a relaxed outdoor activity near Chalco.
5
riders
48.6km
02:53
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 340 m
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Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of trails are available at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?
Chalco Hills Recreation Area offers a diverse trail system to suit various preferences. You'll find over nine miles of paved trails, including a popular 5.7-mile loop (Loop A) and a shorter 2.4-mile loop (Loop B), ideal for cycling, jogging, and walking. Additionally, there are over 8.5 miles of nature trails that provide a quieter, more secluded experience through oak-hickory savannah and grassland ecosystems.
Is Chalco Hills Recreation Area suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Chalco Hills is very family-friendly, offering numerous amenities. There are several picnic areas, some equipped with playgrounds, including Dom's Park, which was built in 2021. The paved trails are also excellent for strollers and young cyclists, making it a great destination for all ages.
Are dogs allowed at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?
Yes, Chalco Hills Recreation Area is dog-friendly. The park provides designated areas for both leashed and unleashed dogs, allowing your furry companions to enjoy the outdoors alongside you.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?
The diverse landscape of oak-hickory savannah and grassland supports a rich variety of wildlife. Visitors often spot white-tailed deer, beaver, raccoon, red and gray foxes, coyote, bobcat, and wild turkey. It's also a well-known spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see many species, including bald eagles, and even some rare and endangered plant species.
What are the parking options at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?
Ample parking is available at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. The main entrance is conveniently located at 154th Street and Giles Road, providing easy access to the park's facilities and trailheads. Visitors often praise the area for its clean and spacious parking lots.
Can I rent bikes at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?
Yes, if you don't have your own bike, Heartland Bike Share provides on-site bike rentals, making it easy to explore the extensive paved trail system.
What activities are available on Wehrspann Lake?
Wehrspann Lake is a 245-acre no-wake reservoir, perfect for fishing and boating. It operates under a catch-and-release policy to help preserve fish populations, which include largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye. An accessible fishing pier is also available for anglers.
Is Chalco Hills Recreation Area accessible by public transport?
While the area is easily accessible by car from Interstate 80/Highway 50 and is just minutes from Omaha, direct public transport routes to the main entrance at 154th Street and Giles Road may be limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most current information.
What is the best time of year to visit Chalco Hills Recreation Area for specific activities?
Chalco Hills is a year-round destination. While summer is ideal for boating and fishing on Wehrspann Lake, winter transforms the landscape into a haven for cross-country skiing. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, and the arboretum is particularly beautiful during these seasons. Wildlife viewing is rewarding throughout the year.
Are there any educational facilities at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?
Yes, the Natural Resources Center, overlooking Wehrspann Lake, serves as a hub for educational activities. It features informative conservation exhibits and offers various learning opportunities about the local environment and its management.
What is the general difficulty of the trails at Chalco Hills Recreation Area?
The trails at Chalco Hills Recreation Area cater to a range of abilities. The paved trails (Loop A and Loop B) are generally considered easy, with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for all fitness levels. The nature trails offer a slightly more rugged, yet still accessible, experience through natural terrain.