Dakotas

“I have a brother in Wisconsin who I get together with once a year to do something ( I am in Pennsylvania). He is REALLY interested in backpacking and would like to do something in the Dakota's. Has anyone been hiking out there or have any suggestions. He is has only been day hiking so I am looking for a fairly easy trail with some water and LOTS of granimals to look at!

Thanks
Sparky”

“walkindude, where are you???

He'll have lots to say 'bout the Black Hills in S Dakota.

I've been once and it was absolutely gorgeous there. But, I never had a chance to do any hiking so I can't recommend any good trails. However, I am sure they exist.”

“I've read a little about a trail between the 2 units of the Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park that sounded interesting.

The North Country Trail also goes into N Dakota.

I've not been to either.”

“Look up the Centennial Trail in South Dakota, going from Wind Cave N'tl Park near Hot Springs to Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis. Lots of options for hopping on and off it. You can make a camp on buffalo stomping grounds in the Wind Cave area... it also passes through Custer State Park. Custer has buffalo, the wild burros, antelope, prairie dogs and more. Am not sure where all you can camp there on the trail. Look up there state parks and check Custer.

I hiked to the top of Harney Peak. It's nice, a good climb roughly round 1,000 elevation gain... Make it to the top and you've reached the state's high point, around ,200 feet, I believe.

I've got a book, I think by Hiram Rogers (??) that outlines a lot of hikes in the Black Hills and Badlands”

“Speaking of Custer...

Buddha - Where is General Custard???”

“From this Forum, Sections, Places:
Ackenbach Trail
Centennial Trail ”

“Thanks for the intro Tara! (LOL)

Go to the Black Hills! I recommend the area around & on Harney Peak. Be sure to check out Sylvan Lake. Horsethief Lake, Mt Rushmore. The Grizzley Bear Creek Trail and Cathederal Spires Trail are two of my Favorite. Also be sure to go to the top of Harney Peak. Cathederal Spires trail is the best way up.

Also swing by the Badlands. Just pull up anyplace you can get the car off the road and start walking out there. You'll have a blast! Whtch out you don't step in the buffalo sh1t. If your lucky, you will get to enjoy an electrical storm. The coyote's will also sing you to sleep. It's a very magical place once you get beyond the tourist.”

“Thanks for the information.... I was looking at some of the pictures and I am itching to go. I am looking at either a four day trip or two two day trips. If you have a few minutes, can you recommend some trails and some guides to the area.

Also I hear I may have to haul my water and I can not filter the water around the area.. is this true?

Thanks A LOT!!!!!!!!!!

Sparky”

“I just bought these two books to help me plan out my trip to the black hills in SD. I was wondering if anyone knew where I can get some good up to date topo maps of the area?

1) Hiking South Dakota's Black Hills Country

2) Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands

Thanks,
Sparky”

“Make sure you check Devils Towr in Wyoming as well, the whole area is a must see.

The General is raising his boy, he's pretty busy, although he'll be hiking Isle Royle at the end of this month with a few of our cronies.”