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Cottonwood Pond Trail

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, Nebraska · 3 min read

Distance
3 mi
Elevation Gain
20 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through October
Est. Time
1.5-2 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Natural Sandhills pond formed by groundwater table intersecting the dune landscape
  • Mature cottonwood trees framing the pond, providing nesting habitat for great horned owl and red-tailed hawk
  • Outstanding waterfowl habitat: breeding ducks, herons, egrets, and shorebirds in migration
  • Flat trail suitable for all experience levels, with the pond always in view
  • Remote setting with minimal visitor traffic and genuinely quiet conditions
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Overview

The Cottonwood Pond Trail circles a natural Sandhills pond in the quietest part of Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, in the northeast portion of the forest away from Merritt Reservoir. Natural Sandhills ponds are formed by groundwater, not rainfall, which means they remain filled year-round regardless of summer drought. This particular pond is fringed by mature cottonwood trees and bordered by native grassland, creating an outstanding mix of wetland and grassland habitats.

The 3-mile loop is flat and easy. The birding here is among the best in the forest, particularly during spring and fall shorebird migration when the pond's exposed margins attract numerous species. This trail is the primary reason to visit Cottonwood Campground.

No permit is required. Vault toilet at the campground.

The Route

The full loop (3 miles). The loop begins at the campground trailhead and heads counterclockwise around the pond. The trail stays within 30 to 100 feet of the water throughout, with varying degrees of vegetation between the path and the shoreline.

The north shore is the most heavily vegetated, with cattail and sedge marsh where yellow-headed blackbirds and marsh wrens breed. The east shore is more open with exposed mud that attracts shorebirds in April-May and August-September. The south shore has the densest cottonwood canopy, where great horned owls nest and hunting hawks often perch.

The west shore is the most open, with grassland meeting the water's edge and wide views across the pond to the cottonwoods on the far shore. This is the best photography angle in morning light.

When to Hike

April and May: Peak spring migration. Shorebirds concentrate on exposed mud. Breeding waterfowl are actively displaying. Great egrets begin appearing at the pond in late April.

June and July: Nesting season. Yellow-headed blackbirds are conspicuous and vocal. Fledgling ducks and herons are visible from late June onward.

August and September: Fall shorebird migration peaks, with the highest diversity of species during August after the first adult shorebirds begin moving south.

October and November: Waterfowl migration brings large groups of diving ducks to the pond. The cottonwood leaves turn gold in October.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. No water is available at the pond or on the trail. Binoculars are strongly recommended; this trail's appeal is primarily birding and wildlife watching. Insect repellent is useful from May through July.

Trailhead Access

From Merritt Reservoir, take FR-513 northeast about 7 miles to Cottonwood Campground. Gravel road, standard vehicles adequate.

Nearby

The Niobrara Headwaters Trail is in the same part of the forest, about 4 miles south. Together they make a full day of birding and grassland hiking in the eastern McKelvie unit. See the full Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles around the pond, particularly avoiding disturbing nesting birds in spring.

Trailhead Parking

Cottonwood Campground trailhead, northeast portion of the forest off FR-513. Primitive gravel parking. No fee. Vault toilet at campground.

← Back to Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are natural Sandhills ponds formed?
Sandhills ponds form where the water table of the Ogallala Aquifer intersects the surface in low interdune areas. The groundwater table beneath the Sandhills is remarkably close to the surface in many areas, and where it reaches the surface, ponds and wetlands form naturally. These groundwater-fed ponds do not depend on rainfall and remain filled even in drought years.
What birds should I look for at Cottonwood Pond?
In spring and summer, expect great blue heron, great egret, Canada goose, mallard, and various diving ducks. Yellow-headed blackbirds and marsh wrens breed in the cattail margin. In fall migration, shorebirds concentrate on exposed mud around the pond edges, including Wilson's phalarope, semipalmated sandpiper, and dowitchers.
Is camping at Cottonwood Campground appropriate for primitive camping?
Cottonwood Campground has 12 sites with vault toilets but no hookups or water. It is a primitive developed campground suitable for tent campers and self-contained RVs comfortable without water or electrical access. The remote location and near-complete darkness at night make it excellent for stargazing.