Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center

Nebraska's National Scenic River Was Named the Quietest Trail in the U.S.

"Designated in October 2023 as the first Quiet Trail in the United States after two years of qualitative and quantitative acoustic monitoring, this nationally protected waterway near Valentine, Nebraska, offers surprisingly quiet river experiences—from calm, early-morning canoeing to tubing with friends. The 76-mile corridor, which runs from Valentine to just north of Newport, sits where six major ecosystems converge and supports about 160 plant and animal species; its geologic features, unusual atmospheric conditions, and abundant wildlife all contributed to meeting Quiet Parks International’s stringent testing, which requires unanimous agreement that natural quiet prevailed. Park staff emphasize the importance of preserving these rare soundscapes—especially given that 97 percent of Americans experience significant noise pollution—and note that quiet places benefit both wildlife and visitors seeking the pure sounds of nature." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines