LINCOLN, Neb. – The Niobrara National Scenic River received an official “Quiet Trail” award Friday, Oct. 20 from Quiet Parks International in recognition of the river corridor’s pristine natural soundscape largely free from man-made noise. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. CT at the Niobrara National Scenic River visitor center in Valentine, Nebraska.
“The Niobrara Council has representatives from all four counties within the scenic designation and we are proud to receive the award for the Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Kalli Kieborz, Executive Director of the Niobrara Council.Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization based in California, studies and recognizes quiet places worldwide, encouraging everyone to safeguard these areas for future enjoyment. Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail, Taipingshan National Forest, Taiwan became the world’s first Quiet Trail in 2022.
Niobrara National Scenic Trail will become the second Quiet Trail in the world and first in North America. The Award culminates a two-year process that included paddling the full length of the designated Niobrara Wild and Scenic River to collect qualitative and quantitative acoustic data.
Gordon Hempton, Co-Founder of Quiet Parks International, shared, “Our testing process is very exact. Beyond collecting standard acoustic data, each team member must agree, unanimously and unhesitatingly, that natural quite prevailed throughout the testing period. The Niobrara River’s splendid geologic landscape, unusual atmospheric conditions, and outstanding wildlife all contributed towards a positive outcome.”
Hundreds of springs and wetlands throughout the Sandhills—one of the largest grass-stabilized dune regions in the world – drain into the Niobrara River, and more than 230 waterfalls are featured in the river’s western stretch. Six major ecosystems converge in the river valley in a unique way, resulting in a special mix of about 160 plant and animal species. This combination of ecological importance, stunning natural beauty and recreational appeal makes the Niobrara National Scenic River a compelling destination.
“Nebraska is filled with unique, even one-of-a-kind opportunities for the curious and adventurous visitor, and adding this Quiet Park award to the list is quite an honor,” said John Ricks, Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director. “From stargazing to serene natural escapes, it highlights experiences that Nebraska is becoming known for that cannot be enjoyed in many other places.”
“Quiet is rare globally, as 97% of the U.S. population faces noise pollution from sources like aviation and highways. Destinations where one can experience the pure sounds of nature are becoming increasingly scarce, so we are thrilled to be able to offer this at Niobrara National Scenic River,” stated Superintendent Susan Cook.Rural states offer an opportunity to showcase quiet, unspoiled areas amidst a noisy world. Today, as people increasingly become inundated with noise, the intentional seeking-out of quiet areas is on the rise and with it, the opportunity to engage new travelers in visiting the beautiful, yet still largely hidden gems of the state of Nebraska.