Blacktail Trailhead
The Blacktail Trailhead is in Pasture 9 on the Grand River National Grassland. It is the starting point for the 6.84-mile Blacktail Trail, a non-motorized trail that offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities. The trail traverses rolling hills, buttes, and badland outcrops. All motorized vehicles, including E-bikes are prohibited on the trail. A map for the Blacktail Trail and area Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available on our Visitor Maps and Guides page.
Blacktail Trail visitors should follow a few safety rules. Additional grasslands guidance is available on the Safety and Outdoor Ethics page.
Contact the local District Ranger Station for more information.
Blacktail Trail in the Grasslands
Active Alerts
General Information
Open year-round
- Fire Restrictions may be in effect. Visitors are responsible for monitoring current conditions on the Alerts and Fire Danger Status page and NDResponse.gov
- Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
- Pack-it-in, pack-it-out.
- All trails are intended for non-motorized travel only. Therefore, all motorized vehicles, including E-bikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles are prohibited.
None
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed within the area at all times. Please clean up after your animals.
Contact Name: Grand River Ranger District
Contact Phone: 605-374-3592
Address: 1005 5th Ave W. Lemmon, SD 57638
Phone: 605-374-3592
Hours: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Mountain Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Lemmon, South Dakota, travel approximately 16 miles south on Highway 73. Turn east on Forest Road 5626 and travel for one-half mile. Turn north on Forest Road 5740 and travel for one mile.
Parking
It provides accessible facilities and parking for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and trailers.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Accessible vault toilet, picnic tables, and paths.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Mountain Info
The USDA Forest Service considers E-bikes as motorized vehicles, restricted to established and paved roads, and prohibited on trails unless otherwise authorized. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available on the Visitor Maps and Guides page.
Picnicking - SinglePicnicking - Single Info
The Blacktail Trailhead picnic area has picnic tables, covered shelters, and fire rings.
Viewing Scenery Info
Plant enthusiasts and scenic sightseers alike will marvel at the wide diversity found in the area. Before you go, visit the Animals and Plants page to download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands. Also available is the Plants of the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands publication.
Viewing Plants Info
Before you go, visit the Animals and Plants page to download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Before you go, visit the Animals and Plants page to download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands. Birders may find the Bird Status and Distribution on the Cedar River and Grand River National Grasslands 2011 helpful in their explorations.
Important note: Prairie rattlesnakes are common throughout the grasslands. If you are bitten, remain calm and call 911 immediately.
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
Four panels located along the trail provide information about the area's natural history, including plants, animals, and geological features.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The adjacent Blacktail Picnic Area features a small fishing dock and lake stocked with rainbow trout and bass.