Caves and Nature

The 109-mile-long Mickelson Trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line. South Dakota's first rails to trails project. Enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders the trail features 14 trailheads, over 100 converted railroad bridges, four hard rock tunnels, and numerous services along the trail. Gentle slopes and easy access from 15 trailheads.

Marking the 100th anniversary of statehood, 1889 - 1989, the 111-mile Centennial Trail represents the diversity of South Dakota.  The Trail crosses prairie grasslands near Bear Butte State Park and climbs into the Black Hills, high country, skirting lakes and streams until it reaches Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs.  The Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks have combined their efforts to develop this Trail for you to enjoy.

Approximately 22 miles of the trail are located within Custer State Park. This trail offers opportunities to view the natural and cultural resources of the Black Hills.

Three trailheads provide access points to Custer State Park's portion of the trail. The trail is marked with a combination of brown fiberglass posts and gray diamonds fastened to trees. This trail is also used by horse riders and mountain bikers.

The Centennial Trail was officially opened in June 1989, in commemoration of the South Dakota centennial.

There’s no shortage of hiking and backpacking destinations in the Black Hills and Badlands, with 1.2 million acres of Black Hills National Forest, nearly a quarter of a million acres of Badlands National Park and hundreds of miles of marked trails within those areas. In the Black Hills National Forest alone, there are 450 miles of marked trails.

You should pack the essentials, including lots of drinking water, clothing to layer, rain gear, hiking boots, a tent, sleeping bag, food, a cooking stove for areas where fires are prohibited, and whatever other necessities you can carry such as bug spray, sunscreen and limited toiletries. If there’s room, bring a camera and lots of film to capture the rugged backcountry beauty and wildlife most people never get to explore.

Let someone know where you’re headed and your proposed itinerary and estimated arrival and departure times. Travel with a buddy and take along a cell phone for emergencies.

Backpacking is an endurance sport and does require a level of fitness, so check the trail or area difficulty before you head out. Trails range in intensity from easy to difficult, and completion times vary from 30 minutes to several days, depending on your abilities and itinerary.

Detailed trail maps are available for a fee at area rest stops and local Forest Service offices.

One of the most popular and isolated backpacking areas is the 9,826-acre Black Elk Wilderness which includes 7,242-foot Black Elk Peak, America’s highest point east of the Rockies.

For an otherworldly cross-country experience, try the 64,250-acre Sage Creek Wilderness in Badlands National Park. Many shorter trails throughout the Badlands offer their own challenges.

The challenging 111-mile Centennial Trail climbs through the Black Hills near Bear Butte State Park to Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs.

Other popular backpacking destinations include Hell Canyon near Custer; miles of trails within Custer State Park; Sundance Trails near Sundance, Wyoming; Deerfield Trail in the central Hills; and Flume Trail near Sheridan Lake.

The best and safest times to backpack are spring and fall, when the temperatures aren’t as extreme. Summertime is fine as long as you’re prepared for warmer temperatures. Plan ahead for unexpected weather year-round just in case.

Explore and discover the third longest cave in the world with an amazing underground wilderness showcasing an array of cave formations. Elevators take visitors 234 feet beneath the surface. Scenic Tours & Discovery Tours year-round.

Wind Cave is the sixth-longest cave in the world with 150 miles of passageways filled with boxwork, frostwork & popcorn crystals. There is a fee for the Ranger-led tour. Explore the 28,000-acre wildlife park above ground. Visitor center & park open year-round.