Riverside Park: Fort Morgan's riverfront walk along the South Platte

Plenty of towns turn their back on the river. Fort Morgan does the opposite. Riverside Park sits at the north edge of downtown, and from there a network of nature trails — Visit Morgan County counts roughly six miles of them — heads out along the South Platte and splits into several routes, so you can pick a short loop or a long one depending on how the afternoon feels.

It is the kind of place people fold into ordinary days: a walk after work, a picnic in the shade, a slow lap with the dog. The trail hugs the river, which means cool air, the sound of moving water, and a steady cast of geese and ducks for company. Bring binoculars in the cold months. The county’s birding guide flags Riverside as a good spot in winter and migration, when Snow, Ross’s, and Greater White-fronted Geese pass through and a Harris’s Sparrow can turn up among the sparrow flocks.

You don’t need a plan or a permit. Park downtown, find the trailhead, and let the river decide your route.

For trail access and current details, check Visit Morgan County’s Riverside Park nature-trails page.