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Whether you’re a longtime Casper resident or spending a weekend exploring the heart of Wyoming, the Platte River Trails system offers a unique opportunity to see what Casper’s community has to offer. From pub crawls on the trails to blue-ribbon fishing along the North Platte River, this is everything you need to know about trails in Casper, Wyoming.  What is Platte River Trails Trust? Platte River Trails Trust is a citizen-led nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a multi-use trail system for non-motorized transportation and outdoor recreation throughout Casper, Wyoming, while preserving the natural environment. Along with staff and an all-volunteer board of directors, PRTT manages more than 24 miles of community trails, providing safe, accessible outdoor recreation opportunities and connecting neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses, and the North Platte River. How are the trails funded? Platte River Trails Trust is funded through a combination of private donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events like Riverfest. Trail projects are made possible through the support of community members, businesses, foundations, like-minded organizations such as the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Central Wyoming Trails Alliance, and partners such as the City of Casper, which help fund and facilitate trail maintenance, improvements, and future expansions. What are the best trails in Casper, Wyoming? Some of the best trails in Casper include the River Trail (11+ miles), Casper Rail Trail (9 miles), and the Casper Mountain Road Trail (3.5 miles). These multi-use trails offer scenic river and mountain views, access to parks and open spaces, non-motorized transportation, and opportunities for walking, running, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and endless free outdoor recreation throughout Casper. The trails also offer access to Casper’s unique downtown, shopping, dining, and more. Where can I bike in Casper? The Platte River Trails system is one of the best places to bike in Casper, Wyoming. With more than 24 miles of connected pathways, cyclists can ride along the North Platte River, travel through downtown Casper, access parks and neighborhoods, and explore trail connections across the community. Most trails are suitable for riders of all skill levels, and a few bike repair stations are located along the trails for maintenance. Is the Platte River Trails system paved? Much of the Platte River Trails system is paved, making it ideal for walking, biking, running, strollers, and accessible recreation. Some newer trail extensions, such as the 3-mile Casper Rail Trail extension, utilize crusher fines or other trail surfaces designed to blend with the surrounding environment while providing a comfortable riding and walking experience. Are dogs allowed on the Platte River Trails? Yes! Dogs are welcome throughout the entire Platte River Trails system and are one of the largest trail-user groups. Dogs must be kept on a leash unless otherwise posted, like in Morad Park, which is an off-leash dog park. You can also access two dog parks via the trail system: Dylan’s Dog Park near the Tate Pumphouse and Lake McKenzie Dog Park by the North Casper Soccer Complex. Please respect the trails and other trail users and always scoop the poop. Where can I park to access the Platte River Trails? There are numerous trail access points and parking areas throughout Casper, including:
What wildlife can I see along the North Platte River? The North Platte River corridor is home to a diverse ecosystem of Wyoming wildlife. Along the Platte River Trails, you may spot bald eagles, rising trout, mule deer, great horned owls, Canada geese, pronghorn, desert cottontails, and the occasional prairie dog! The trail system provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, including hawks and osprey, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. What are the best outdoor activities in Casper? Some of the best outdoor activities in Casper can be found along the trails. You can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, including walking and running on the Platte River Trails system, biking along the North Platte River, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, birdwatching, and attending outdoor community events like Riverfest. What are the best things to do in Casper, Wyoming? Some of the most popular things to do in Casper include exploring the Platte River Trails, visiting one of the many museums, fishing the North Platte River, hiking and biking local trails, attending brewfests such as Riverfest, and enjoying Casper's many parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you're a visitor or a local, Casper's trail system offers an easy and scenic way to explore all the community has to offer. Where can I find a Platte River Trails map? You can find a digital Platte River Trails trail map on the PRTT website, or physical copies are located inside the Tate Pumphouse, at the Natrona County Library, and at Visit Casper. The map includes trail routes, access points, parks, and trail amenities. What is the Casper Rail Trail? The Casper Rail Trail a section of the Great American Rail Trail. It’s a pathway that follows the historic railroad corridor through Casper and serves as an important connection within the Platte River Trails system. The trail links neighborhoods, parks, and recreational destinations while preserving a piece of Casper's history. Recent trail extensions are helping connect the Rail Trail farther east toward Edness K. Wilkins State Park as part of a larger vision for community access and future trail development. Can I fish along the North Platte River Trail? Absolutely! The North Platte River is one of Wyoming's premier blue-ribbon fisheries and offers excellent fishing opportunities along many sections of the Platte River Trails. Anglers can access the river from various trail locations and boat ramps to fish for rainbow and brown trout while enjoying the scenery of Casper Mountain and the entire river corridor. Please remember to follow all Wyoming fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate fishing license before casting a line. How do I support Platte River Trails? There are many ways to support Platte River Trails Trust and help preserve and expand Casper's trail system. You can:
Every donation, volunteer hour, and trail user helps ensure the Platte River Trails remain a valuable community asset for generations to come. Your support helps fund trail maintenance, new trail development, accessibility improvements, and nature preservation. Donate today at https://www.platterivertrails.com/donate. Now that you know a bit more about the trails, it’s time to get out and experience them for yourself. Be sure to follow Platte River Trails on Facebook and Instagram for timely updates, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay in the loop on trail happenings. Don’t forget to tag Platte River Trails in your trail photos! 
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