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Black Hills National Forest

Discover

Black Hills National Forest

Things to Do in Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest, a national forest spanning 1.2 million acres across western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, presents a unique geological and ecological setting for outdoor activities. This "island in the plains" rises dramatically from the surrounding grasslands, offering a diverse landscape of dense pine forests, granite formations, and varied topography. The elevation changes and distinct ecosystems support several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more.

Things to Do in Black Hills National Forest

The Black…

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Phone number

122

Routes

4.6

(85)

Average rating

1578

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Hiking in Black Hills National ForestSee all
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5.0

(3)

46

hikers

Sylvan Lake Shore Trail

1.68km

00:26

10m

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy
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5.0

(1)

16

hikers

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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4.0

(1)

11

hikers

9.31km

02:42

280m

130m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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6

hikers

21.4km

06:34

760m

760m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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9

runners

8.36km

01:09

210m

200m

Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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2.0

(1)

8

runners

6.29km

00:44

200m

200m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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3

runners

28.2km

03:26

210m

210m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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18

riders

41.8km

03:55

300m

300m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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5.0

(1)

7

riders

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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4

riders

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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12

riders

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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9

riders

77.0km

04:09

1,380m

1,380m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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7

riders

42.3km

02:19

720m

720m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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2

riders

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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6

riders

70.6km

06:24

880m

880m

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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3.0

(1)

4

riders

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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4

riders

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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1

riders

8.36km

01:00

200m

210m

Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
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4.0

(1)

19

riders

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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5.0

(1)

13

riders

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Top attractions in the region

Jewel Cave National Monument

Cave

Explore the region

Hiking in Black Hills National Forest

Most popular attractions in Black Hills National Forest

Places to see

Collections

George S. Mickelson Trail — rail to trail through Black Hills gold country

Hiking Collection by

oliviakellis

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Hill City

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in Black Hills National Forest?

Black Hills National Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel biking. The forest features over 450 miles of marked hiking trails and hundreds of miles of cycling routes. It provides varied terrain suitable for all skill levels.

How many routes are available on komoot for Black Hills National Forest?

Komoot lists 170 routes in Black Hills National Forest. These routes cover various sports such as hiking, jogging, and multiple forms of cycling. The routes have an average rating of 4.78 out of 5 stars from more than 600 ratings.

What are the best hiking trails in Black Hills National Forest?

Black Hills National Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities, from leisurely walks to challenging backcountry routes. The Hiking in Black Hills National Forest guide provides detailed information on various trails. Black Elk Peak is a notable destination for hikers seeking challenging routes and rewarding views.

Are there easy hiking trails in Black Hills National Forest?

Yes, Black Hills National Forest includes many easy hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. The Easy hikes in Black Hills National Forest guide offers specific recommendations. These trails often provide accessible ways to experience the forest's natural beauty.

What mountain biking trails are available in Black Hills National Forest?

Mountain bikers can find a variety of trails, from gentle rail trails to technical single-track. Notable options include the 11.6-mile Storm Mountain Trail and sections of the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail. More information is available in the MTB Trails in Black Hills National Forest guide.

Are there cycling routes for touring or road bikes in Black Hills National Forest?

Yes, the Black Hills National Forest features hundreds of miles of trails and roads suitable for touring and road cycling. Scenic byways like the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offer picturesque rides. Guides such as Cycling in Black Hills National Forest and Road Cycling Routes in Black Hills National Forest provide further details.

What is Black Elk Peak?

Black Elk Peak, standing at 7,244 feet (2,208 meters), is the highest point in Black Hills National Forest. It is also the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. The peak offers challenging hikes and expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

What are some notable natural features in Black Hills National Forest?

The forest is known for its diverse geology, including the granite spires of The Needles and the limestone formations of Spearfish Canyon. Other features include a limestone plateau with natural bridges and sinkholes, and 11 reservoirs and 1,300 miles of streams. The forest's elevation ranges from 3,000 to 7,244 feet (914 to 2,208 meters).

What types of komoot guides are available for Black Hills National Forest?

Komoot offers several guides for Black Hills National Forest, covering various sports and interests. These include guides for Hiking, Easy Hikes, Running Trails, MTB Trails, and Gravel Biking. There are also guides for Cycling and Waterfall Hikes.

How can I contact Black Hills National Forest for more information?

For official information, the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor's Office can be reached by phone at +1-605-673-9200. Additional resources and details are available on their official website. The official website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.

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