West Papio - North

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The north section of the West Papio trail offers some of the quietest and most scenic sections in the metro trail system. From the time you enter the trail a block south of Maple Street along 156th Street, till you reach Pacific Street, you are passing through park-like settings that buffer between the residential neighborhoods and the Papio creek.  Despite crossing under the West Dodge Expressway, you see very little traffic and it creates a secluded atmosphere.

The "moderate" rating for the trail is due to the fact that the first few blocks of the trail are a long downhill which is great as you head south, but can be a challenge, especially for cyclists, when heading north.  There is also a steeper grade at Pacific Street as the trail climbs to street level to utilize the bridge to cross over the railroad tracks.

Once past Pacific Street, the trail passes you through a mix of parks, residential and some very light commercial areas.  Once south of West Center Road, there is a connector trail to Lake Zorinsky.  The connector is just south of Skutt High School.

TRAIL STATISTICS: Length: Surface: Paved Difficulty: Moderate ACTIVITIES: CLICK HERE for a printable PDF map.

Downsides:

• Large hill at start of north end of the trail.
• Can be crowded in some areas.

Upsides:

• The first few miles of the trail are quiet and semi-secluded.
• Lots of shaded sections of the trail.
• Connects to 114th Street trail and Lake Zorinsky
• Rest areas with benches in many sections of the trail