Hackberry Lake is a 680-acre natural Sandhills lake located within the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Cherry County, Nebraska. Part of the refuge's approximately 30 water bodies, Hackberry offers a remote paddling experience in the heart of Nebraska's distinctive prairie landscape.

Access to Hackberry Lake requires planning, as the refuge's isolated character means reaching the lake involves navigating primitive roads that may require 4WD vehicles depending on conditions. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Motorized boats are restricted to electric motors only on Hackberry Lake, making it particularly well-suited for canoes and kayaks. A concrete boat ramp provides launch access.

The lake experienced a winterkill event in 2023, which temporarily impacted the fishery. However, the refuge continues to offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Multiple bird species inhabit the area, and paddlers may encounter waterfowl, wading birds, and other indigenous creatures typical of Sandhills wetland habitats. The rolling hills of Nebraska prairie provide a distinctive backdrop, creating a sense of vast isolation.

Special fishing regulations apply within the refuge. Possession of baitfish is prohibited, though dead smelt are allowed. Northern pike are managed with a protective slot limit (24-34 inches protected), with a daily bag limit of three fish and no more than one over 34 inches. Any fish possessed must have been taken from refuge waters only.

The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge's remote character is both an attraction and a consideration. The area's isolation means paddlers should be self-sufficient and prepared for limited services. The refuge's multiple lakes offer opportunities for extended exploration, though access difficulty varies between water bodies. Hackberry Lake provides a genuine Sandhills wilderness paddling experience for those willing to navigate the challenges of reaching these pristine waters.