By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The popular Stone Creek Falls Trail at Platte River State Park has reopened to the public following the completion of a renovation project.
Safety, comfort and accessibility were built into the amenities of this project.
Michael Townsend, Venture Parks regional superintendent, says the trail was designed with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements, including firm, stable surfacing, gentler grades with smoother transitions, wider trial width and improved drainage for long-term sustainability.
Townsend said the improvements were added while maintaining the natural surroundings that make Stone Creek Falls Trail something special.
Other project amenities include:
- paved trailhead parking lot, with 25 parking stalls
- new, wider pedestrian bridge over Stone Creek
- wooden observation deck at Stone Creek Falls
- modern year-round restroom
The round-trip distance on the trail to the falls is approximately a half mile.
Enjoying the park, trail and falls will be easier for a variety of guests on the refurbished trail.
"For someone using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller or a grandparent walking with limited balance, this isn’t just a convenience, it’s the difference between hearing about the falls and actually seeing them," Townsend said.
The improvements cost more than $840,000 and were funded with Recreational Trail Program, with a donation from the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run and Nebraska Outdoor Recreational Development Act dollars.
To find out more about Nebraska State Parks, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/parks/.