Black Hills

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~John Muir Trail #9 from Sylvan Lake to Black Elk Peak is heavily used from May 1 through September 30. If you are looking for solitude, please consider one of our less traveled trails. The Norbeck Wildlife Preserve was established in 1920 for the "protection of game animals and birds and to be a breeding place therefor." Elk, deer, mountain goats, turkeys, and mountain lions make their home amid the rugged granite peaks and small streams. This area has a rich mining history, and you may encounter old cabin remains or mine workings. One gold deposit supported two stamp mills ($5 million value of gold at today's prices). Never enter an aboandoned mine - they are often very unsafe. The Black Elk Wilderness lies in the center of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, and in the heart of the Black Hills. Named for Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota holy man, the area is characterized by massive granite outcroppings, pungent pine, and scenic vistas across the hills. Originally established by Congress in 1980, it was increased in size to its current 13,426 acres in 2002. Black Elk Peak was named after Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota holy man, in 2016. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed a stone tower in 1938 that served as a fire lookout until 1967. In 1982, the tower, dam, and pump house were placed on the National Register of Historic Places because of their historic significance. Nearly everyone has a special place somewhere in the outdoors. Many have found it in the central Black Hills, within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and the Black Elk Wilderness. Special Places in the Heart of the Black Hills National Forest What To Know Before You Go Only primitive, non-mechanized methods of transportation are allowed in the Black Elk Wilderness. Items such as bicycles, strollers, chainsaws, handcarts, and hang gliders are prohibited. To reduce conflicts with wildlife and other visitors, pets must be leashed or under strict voice control. 1/4 mile from Black Elk Peak and Trail #9. To minimize congestion and enhance wilderness solitude, goup size is limited to 25 people and stock combined. Horses must use certified weed and seed-free hay and pellets. Scatter manure before you leave. Use highlines or hobbles to tie up stock, at least 100 feet from water. Leave No Trace When visitors leave evidence of their journeys, the next visitor loses the sense of solitude and undisturbed wildness. Skilled wilderness users take responsibility for leaving no trace of their visit. To keep our water pure, do not camp or dispose of human waste within 100 feet of streams or other water sources. 100 feet from water Camping is allowed anywhere EXCEPT within 1/4 mile from Black Elk Peak and Trail #9. Black Elk Wilderness Self Registration " Walk softly. Earth receives foot and paw, hoof and claw with equal grace. But it is the way of the wild not to overstep the bounds of hospitality. This is a wild place. Follow me; walk softly and Open leave no trace that rain and fires are snow cannot erase." prohibited. Bring a camp ~Elise Maclay stove. Visitors to the Black Elk Wilderness must fill out a Use Registration Form, available at any of the major trailhead portals into the Wilderness. The Registration Form provides the Black Hills National Forest with important visitor use information. In addition, the form asks for the visitor's commitment to abide by the wilderness regulations, ensuring that visitors "leave no trace" of their visit. General Information Thank you for being a responsible user of your national forest! Location Map To Lead-Deadwood 385 Trail Ethics Cutting switchbacks causes erosion. Please stay to the designated trail. Sheridan Lake To Rapid City 16 Hill City Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Black Elk Wilderness and Norbeck Wildlife Preserve 16A Trail System Keystone 244 Extreme Weather Clear sunny days can quickly turn into afternoon thunderstorms. Carry extra warm clothes, and be prepared for snow or hail! 87 Black Elk Wilderness 385 16 16A 87 Norbeck Wildlife Preserve 89 16A Water Streams in the forest may look safe to drink, but usually it is not. Carry at least one quart of water per hiker. Fires Open fires are prohibited throughout the forest at all times. Bicycles and Motors Unless otherwise noted, the trails shown in this brochure are open for hikers and stock users only. Expect and respect other trail users. 16 36 16A To Hermosa Custer Custer State Park 87 To Hot Springs To Newcastle More Information: Supervisor’s Office and Hell Canyon Ranger District 1019 N. 5th St., Custer, SD 57730 (605) 673-9200 www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/blackhills/ recreation Black Hills USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 2016