Black Hills National Forest Programs and Activities
Programs
Interpretive programs are offered at the Black Hills National Forest Visitor Center.
Once a month during the summer, forest visitors can enjoy a natural history program and hike under a full moon. For more information, pick up a Moonwalk brochure from any Forest Service office or visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills
Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding
Visitors can get away on more than 600 plus miles of trails, including the 111-mile Centennial Trail running the length of the Hills between Bear Butte and Wind Cave and the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail from Lead to and the popular. Distances between trailheads average six miles. Trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, horses and cross-country skiing. Other trails include the historic Flume Trail, the Deerfield Trail and several shorter trails near Spearfish and Spearfish Canyon. More than 50 miles of the trail system can be found in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, which includes Black Elk Wilderness Harney Peak hiking and riding area. Harney Peak is the highest point in the United States east of the Rockies, at 7,242 feet above sea level. Climb to the historic lookout tower for a breathtaking view. Mountain bikes are prohibited in the Black Elk Wilderness where only foot and horse travel is allowed.
Scenic Cruising
Within the Black Hills there are numerous scenic drives including the Black Hills Parkway (US Hwy. 385), Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US Hwy. 14a) and the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway.
Wildlife Watching
Watchable wildlife in the Forest include whitetail and mule deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk, coyotes, bighorn sheep and birds.
Off-Road Adventures
In the Black Hills National Forest there are hundreds of miles of primitive roads that are ideal for ATV or ORV riding. It is a good idea to keep in mind, however, that you’ll be sharing these roads with other traffic. Generally, you can ride anywhere in the BHNF, guided by the “open-unless-closed” principle. That means areas where you should not ride will be posted or gated. Keep in mind that hundreds of acres of private property are intertwined among the Forest Service land. Additional information and maps are available by calling (605)-343-1567 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills
Water Fun
There are 11 Reservoirs on the Forest that offer a variety of boating opportunities. Deerfield, Horsethief and Bismarck Lakes allow small-motor (trolling) boats but “no wake” rules are enforced. Others like Pactola and Sheridan are popular for waterskiing. Swim beaches are available at Pactola Reservoir, Sheridan Lake and Roubaix Lake.
Hunting & Fishing
The Black Hills is home to an abundance of wildlife, including big game, small game, birds and game fish. A South Dakota or Wyoming license to hunt or fish in the Black Hills National Forest is required. www.state.sd.us/gfp/ or http://gf.state.wy.us.
Winter Sports
Some areas of the Black Hills National Forest receive 180 inches of snow each winter. Two downhill ski areas operate near Lead. There are more than 70 miles of developed cross-country ski trails in the Forest, and a world class 350-mile groomed snowmobile trail system. Ice fishing on area lakes is another popular winter activity.
Rock Hounding & Gold Panning
Small rocks and mineral specimens can be collected in the Forest for personal use without a permit. Gold panning is allowed in some places. Metal detectors are allowed but be sure you don’t disturb or remove historic artifacts. General information is available at Forest Service offices.
