When finished, the Cowboy trail will stretch 321 miles across Nebraska, making it the longest rail-to-trail conversion in the nation. The trail will cross 221 bridges and pass through 29 towns.  Today a total of 191 miles of trail have been developed; connecting the cities of Norfolk and Valentine.   The Norfolk end-of-the-trail, doesn't go all the way into town, but the trail can be accessed at the 37th street crossing 1½ miles south of highway 275, or the trail parking lot at the 47th street crossing. To find the 47th street crossing, go 1 mi south  of highway 275 on 37th, then 1 mi west, and then another ¾ mi south.  East of Valentine, the former railroad bridge - a quarter-mile long and 148 feet high - spans the Niobrara River. And, at Long Pine, a bridge 145 feet high stretches 595 feet over Long Pine Creek. The towns are nicely spaced, and the trail surface is exceptional.  When completely finished, the trail will pass through farmland, ranches, and canyons.