Paddling near Valentine, NE

Valentine sits in Cherry County in the Nebraska Sandhills, and the paddling scene here centers on the Niobrara National Scenic River. Ranked among the top ten rivers to float in the United States, the Niobrara runs slow and calm through a stretch of canyon and woodland that includes Smith Falls, the tallest waterfall in Nebraska. Canoes, kayaks, and tubes are all well-suited to the current, and a dozen-plus local outfitters make it easy to get on the water without hauling your own gear.