The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is not just a fantastic drive filled with Wild West lore, towering granite pinnacles, inspiring rock-carved art, and incredible limestone cave formations; it also offers some of the best hiking opportunities in South Dakota. Come spend a day exploring the fabled Black Hills, where bison roam free and the Old West is very much alive.
Located in the southwest corner of South Dakota, the Centennial Trail is the longest trail in the Black Hills. At 111 miles long, it runs north to south along the entire length of the Black Hills. Beginning in the prairie grasslands of Bear Butte State Park, the trail climbs southwest into the high country of the Black Hills, taking you past growths of dark pine forests, rolling hills and several lakes and streams before reaching its end in Wind Cave National Park.
Some of the most breathtaking geographical features and scenery of the Centennial Trail are along the 15-mile portion that runs north to south through the center of the byway. Hike to some of the most prominent geographical features of the West, such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Cathedral Spires, and Harney Peak, via the Centennial Trail and its system of smaller trails, which branch off from the main thoroughfare. Travel the whole Centennial Trail for an epic adventure, or any of these smaller trails along the byway for a leisurely day hike.
Begin your day excursion to the Centennial Trail by parking your vehicle at the Big Pine Trailhead just south of State Highway 244 along the byway. Follow the family-friendly, 2.7-mile Horsethief Lake Trail as it takes you to the Centennial Trail, then loops back to the Big Pine Trailhead. Enjoy the shade of the ponderosa pines and breathe in their fragrant aroma as you stroll along this short and easy trail, one that adults and children of all ages can enjoy. Keep a sharp lookout and you might see a bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, elk or mountain goat grazing along the hillsides. Although horseback riders and mountain bikers are not allowed on the Horsethief Lake Trail, you may encounter them when you cross other trails in the area, such as the Centennial Trail, so use caution.
Make your way down to Custer State Park and hike the more challenging Carson Draw Trails. The Carson Draw Trails are 6.8 miles long altogether and are an exciting way to see the Old West as it once was over 100 years ago. With about 1,500 free-roaming bison, the park has one of the largest bison herds in the world. Look for a herd of these amazing beasts roaming the grasslands along with an occasional pronghorn antelope. Bison and pronghorn antelopes can be dangerous and unpredictable, so be sure to view them from a safe distance.
Be aware that a hiking permit is mandatory for everyone visiting the Horsethief Lake Trail and other trails in the surrounding Black Elk Wilderness area, a specially protected area located within the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway loop. You could face a $100 fine if found without a permit, but you can self-register for free at all the major trailheads along the byway. Parking is free at all designated trailheads, but you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to enter Custer State Park by car.
An oasis of pine-brimmed mountains set amongst the fantastic backdrop of the Great Plains, the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota offer enchantment and wonder around every bend. Whether you’re in search of solitude and wildlife along the Centennial and Horsethief Lake Trails, or excitement and adventure along the Carson Draw Trails, the trails around the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway are ideal destinations for any hiking enthusiast.
