Hiking
The Forest has approx. 450 miles of hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty. Check out the Forest's trail brochures and/or obtain copies at the nearest Forest Service office to help you choose which area to explore.
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Carson Draw Trail System Trailhead (Trail #87)
Off the Beaten PathThe Carson Draw Trail System, just outside of Sundance, WY, is a four-season, non-motorized system of trails that wind through Carson Draw. From spring to fall, the trails are busy…
Centennial Trailheads (Trail #89) - Central Hills
Seven trailheads provide access to the Centennial Trail in the central Black Hills. The seven trailheads are Brush Creek Trailhead, Calumet Trailhead, Dakota Point Trailhead, Deer Creek Trailhead,…
Centennial Trailheads (Trail #89) - Northern Hills
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…
Centennial Trailheads (Trail #89) - Southern Hills
Several trailheads provide access to the Centennial Trail in the southern Black Hills including Big Pine Trailhead, Willow Creek Trailhead, Iron Creek East Trailhead (Trail #15) by Lakota Lake,…
Cliff Swallow Trailhead (Trail #91)
The Cliff Swallow Trail is a 3.7 mile loop trail.Cliff swallows nest in the limestone bluffs above Beaver Creek. Look for gourd-shaped mud nests in the rock out-croppings below the ridge. Other…
Cook Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
Recreation and RelaxationCook Lake Recreation Area is perhaps one of the best kept secrets of the Black Hills National Forest. It offers picnic sites, camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and other…
Cook Lake Trailhead (Trail #88)
Note: A segment of the Cook Lake Trail (#88) is currently closed. See Special Order & Map for more information. The Cook Lake Trailhead provides access to Trail 88. Cook Lake Trail is a 1.0 mile…
Coon Hollow Trailhead
From Rapid City, travel south on Mt. Rushmore Road (turns into Highway 16) for 12 miles. At the town of Rockerville, exit onto Silver Mountain Road southwest (right). Travel 0.2 miles to the…
Crow Peak Trailhead (Trail #64)
A 3.2 mile trail to Crow Peak Summit, with a 0.5 mile spur trail to Beaver Ridge.Crow Peak is a dominant landmark because of its geological makeup. Billions of years ago, this area was covered by an…
Custer Trail Campground
Site Open
The Custer Trail Campground is located on the north side of Deerfield Reservoir. The campground has a boat launch and a trailhead for the Deerfield Trail. Reservations are not available for Custer…