Black Elk Wilderness Area

The core of the Black Hills National Forest's 53 miles of hiking and horseback trails lies within the 35,000-acre Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and the 9,824-acre Black Elk Wilderness Area, adjacent to the Mt. Rushmore Memorial. It is commonly referred to as the Harney Peak Trail System, because most trails lead to Harney Peak, the highest point in the Black Hills.

The area provides a wealth of nonmotorized recreational opportunities, including wildlife viewing and mountaintop panoramic views of pine forests, spectacular geologic formations, and cool canyons. Horseback riders and hikers are the primary users of the trail system, but mountain biking has become increasingly popular in recent years. Although biking is permitted in the Norbeck Preserve, it is not authorized within the Black Elk Wilderness.

Location: RR 2, Box 200, Forest Supervisor, BHNF, Custer South Dakota 57730 Telephone 605-673-2251

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