There are almost 1,100 acres of wilderness to explore at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, just 10 miles south of Gering, Neb., in the state’s rugged Panhandle.

But it seems the vastness of the Wildcat Hills, buttes and canyons goes on forever, when viewed from the nature trails. At this recreation area, there is a Nature Center, shooting sports complex, overnight camping and the real attraction — a hefty system of hiking trails.

From the observation decks at the Nature Center, and from numerous vistas along the trails, there are spectacular views of the North Platte River valley.

Hit the trail

The Northlook, Bobcat, White Tail and Turkey Run trails all run near the Nature Center, with a separate system of trails such as the Cedar Ridge, Pine Top, Muley and Monument View trails nearby.

As a focal point of the park, the Nature Center is a two-story educational facility built in 1995, hosting naturalist programs and special presentations throughout the year. The lower level includes a diorama of mammals common to the area, along with an aquarium of local fish and a live beehive.

The park also includes two stone picnic shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The extensive shooting sports complex, added in 2016, includes rim fire/small bore range, pistol range, indoor air rifle range, 60-yard archery range, shotgun/trap range and a 100-yard high-power rifle range.

Related:Meet ‘Archie’ at Morrill Hall

Primitive camping and group camping is allowed at the park, and a Nebraska park permit is required for entry.

The actual Wildcat Hills range is an escarpment between the North Platte River and Pumpkin Creek, covering a region in Banner, Morrill and Scotts Bluff counties. It includes high tableland between the waterways that has been eroded by water and wind over time to leave the pine-covered buttes and canyons visible today.

Learn more at outdoornebraska.gov.