Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area | Scottsbluff

The Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, located about 10 miles south of Gering, Nebraska, is one of the state’s most dramatic natural landscapes - a rugged haven of rocky canyons, forested ridges, and sweeping overlooks that reveal the wild beauty of the Nebraska Panhandle. Perched above the North Platte River Valley, the park is both a scenic retreat and a playground for outdoor adventure.

Landscape and Atmosphere
The Wildcat Hills form a striking break from the surrounding plains, rising suddenly into steep sandstone bluffs, pine-covered hills, and winding ravines. The area’s elevation and geology create a unique ecosystem where ponderosa pines, junipers, and wild grasses coexist with hardy wildlife. From the higher overlooks, visitors can see miles across the Platte Valley toward Scotts Bluff National Monument, especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset when the cliffs glow in shades of amber and rose.

Recreation and Activities
This state recreation area offers a range of outdoor experiences for nature lovers, hikers, and families:

Hiking and Trails – Miles of scenic trails weave through the hills and canyons, such as the Turkey Run Trail and Overlook Trail, both offering panoramic views and access to rock outcroppings.

Wildlife Viewing – The park is home to bighorn sheep, mule deer, turkeys, and golden eagles. Observation platforms and quiet trails provide excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Camping and Picnicking – Modern campsites and shaded picnic areas allow for extended stays. The park’s peaceful atmosphere and elevated views make it a favorite for weekend getaways.

Rock Climbing and Archery – Select areas are open for climbing, and an outdoor archery range offers a unique recreational option within the rugged setting.

Winter Activities – During colder months, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and wildlife photography, as the snow-dusted bluffs take on an almost otherworldly stillness.

Wildcat Hills Nature Center
At the heart of the park is the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, which provides an educational introduction to the area’s natural and cultural history. Inside, visitors find interactive exhibits, wildlife displays, and interpretive programs that highlight the region’s ecosystems and pioneer heritage. The center’s large observation deck overlooks the hills and valleys - a perfect spot for birdwatching or quiet reflection.

Visitor Experience
The experience of visiting Wildcat Hills is defined by tranquility and vastness. The scent of pine drifts through the air, hawks circle silently overhead, and the wind moves through the canyons with a steady hum. Whether hiking through rocky gullies or watching a sunset from the overlook, visitors often describe a sense of solitude and timelessness - a reminder of how untamed Nebraska’s landscape once was.

Location and Access

Address: About 10 miles south of Gering on Highway 71

Area: Over 1,000 acres of rugged terrain and mixed forest

Facilities: Nature center, restrooms, picnic shelters, campground, archery range

Accessibility: Open year-round; paved access roads and marked trails

Impression
The Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area offers a rare combination of raw natural beauty and peaceful seclusion. It’s a place where Nebraska’s prairie meets its mountain soul - rugged, quiet, and endlessly scenic. Whether you come to hike, camp, or simply stand at the overlook and breathe in the wide western air, the Wildcat Hills leave a lasting impression of wild Nebraska at its most authentic.