Big Papio

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The Big Papio trail is one of several trails that follow the various tributaries of the Papillion Creek. It currently begins in the middle of a field at Hefflinger Park just south of W. Maple Road. However it eventually will extend northwest ending approximately 8 miles to its true point of origin, the Bennington Lake trail. The new segment is not yet planned but will connect to the Tranquility Park and Standing Bear Lake along the way.

The trail varies from the east to the west side of the creek as it traverses to the southeast approximately 10 miles to its connection with the Keystone trail. The trail passes through or near a total of six parks and varies from scenic settings to wide open areas as it winds its way to its terminus in Seymour Smith Park.

TRAILBLAZING:
The trail connects to the Keystone and Blondo Street trails. Future construction will tie it into Bennington Lake trail, Standing Bear, and Military.

TRAIL STATISTICS: Length: 9.88 miles Surface: Paved Difficulty: Easy ACTIVITIES: CLICK HERE for a printable map.

Downsides:

• Most of the bridge crossings across the Papio are narrow
• Some tight turns with low visibility
• The trail abuts industrial areas along some portions

Upsides:

• No at-grade crossings
• Connection to Keystone provides another 11 miles of trail
• Ample parking locations along the trail
• Restrooms available at some of the parks
• Disc golf, trap shooting, softball, soccer at Seymour Smith
• No water available but convenience stores dot the route