Homestead Conservation and Trails Association

Homestead Conservation and Trails Association (HCTA) was founded in October 2000 to advocate and support a network of trails in Gage County, NE and is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation.

The HCTA is the trail manager and operator through an agreement signed on July 26, 2015 with the Nebraska Trails Foundation, Inc. and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska of a 19.3 mile section of the Chief Standing Bear Trail in Nebraska beginning just east of Beatrice and ending at the Kansas state line. This portion of the trail includes trailheads at Holmesville, Blue Springs, and Barneston. Amenities such as restrooms, bike repair stations, drinking water, and picnic shelters are available for trail users there. The HCTA board is comprised of volunteers; our funding comes from daily trail passes, donations, real estate leases, and trail events. 100% of funds raised are used to maintain and improve the trail.