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ForestMatters, LLC

Great Plains

1 forest, 8 trails

National Forests

Black Hills National Forest

South Dakota1,250,000 acres

Complete guide to Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. Black Elk Peak, Cathedral Spires, granite formations near Mount Rushmore, trail recommendations, campgrounds, and trip planning.

9 min read

Trails

moderateout-and-back

Black Elk Peak Trail

7 mi1,100 ft gain
May through October

Guide to the Black Elk Peak Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. A 7-mile out-and-back to the highest point east of the Rockies at 7,242 feet, with a historic stone fire lookout and five-state views.

5 min read

moderateout-and-back

Cathedral Spires Trail

2 mi900 ft gain
May through October

Guide to the Cathedral Spires Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. A steep 2-mile out-and-back to the base of the granite spires that define the Needles Highway landscape near Custer.

4 min read

moderatepoint-to-point

Centennial Trail: Iron Creek to Alkali Creek Section

8 mi800 ft gain
May through October

Guide to the Iron Creek to Alkali Creek section of the Centennial Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. An 8-mile point-to-point through varied terrain near Pactola Reservoir.

4 min read

moderatepoint-to-point

Flume Trail

12 mi500 ft gain
May through October

Guide to the Flume Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. A 12-mile point-to-point along a historic gold-era water flume route near Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake, one of the best mountain bike trails in South Dakota.

5 min read

moderateout-and-back

Little Devils Tower Trail

4 mi800 ft gain
May through October

Guide to the Little Devils Tower Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. A 4-mile out-and-back to a granite spire summit scramble near Hill City with Harney Range views and rock climbing access.

4 min read

moderateloop

Lover's Leap Trail

3.5 mi450 ft gain
April through October

Guide to the Lover's Leap Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. A 3.5-mile loop near Hot Springs with ridgeline views toward Wind Cave National Park, ponderosa pine forest, and prairie transition zone wildflowers.

4 min read

moderateloop

Sunday Gulch Trail

3.5 mi600 ft gain
May through October

Guide to the Sunday Gulch Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. A 3.5-mile loop descending into a narrow granite canyon with log ladders and rock scrambling, one of the most unique trail experiences in the Black Hills.

4 min read

easyloop

Sylvan Lake Shore Trail

1 mi50 ft gain
April through October

Guide to the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. A 1-mile loop around a scenic granite-boulder lake in Custer State Park, one of the most photographed spots in the Black Hills.

4 min read