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The Ditch Creek Trail System is approximately 15 miles west of Hill City. It is in the high Limestone Plateau of the Black Hills. This 100 mile trail system has a mix of open meadows, thick aspen, dense spruce and, high mountain streams. Most trails are designed for OHV use, and some may be rocky in places. There is one trailhead for this system. Some trails are open yearlong, others open May 15-December 15 as they are shared with the snowmobile system during winter months.
Just minutes west of Rapid City, this combination of 21 miles of trail and numerous roads provide users with everything from wide two tracks, to narrow windy motorcycle trail. The terrain is typical of the eastern Black Hills, with exposed limestone making the trails more technical and rough in areas. There are two trailheads for parking in this area. These trails are open May 15-December 15.
The Northern Hills Ranger District covers the northern portion of the Black Hills on the South Dakota side. Spearfish has nearby access to over 300 miles of snowmobile trails, groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski trails, a 100 mile long hiking trail (Centennial Trail) and many other trails, a 110 mile long biking, hiking and horseback trail (Mickelson Trail), and 2 downhill ski areas (ski areas are near Deadwood, SD - 15 miles away).
Five trailheads provide access to the Centennial Trail in the northern Black Hills.The five trailheads are the Alkali Creek Trailhead (BLM), Elk Creek Trailhead, Dalton Lake Trailhead, South Boxelder Trailhead, and the Pilot Knob Trailhead. The north portion of the Centennial Trail is approximately 37 miles long, and is open for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 62 inches in width are allowed on the Centennial Trail between the Dalton Lake Trailhead and the Pilot Knob Trailhead.
Bearlodge Ranger District (Northwestern Hills) encompasses the northern portion of the Black Hills on the Wyoming side.In the immediate vicinity is trout fishing, access to over 300 miles of snowmobile trails, hunting, hiking and camping. Forest Service campgrounds near Sundance are Cook Lake, Reuter, and Sundance Trailhead.
The Hell Canyon Ranger District is located in the southern third of the Black Hills National Forest, with offices in both Newcastle, WY and Custer, SD.