Best Easy Day Hikes Black Hills Country by Bert & Jane Gildart

Author:Bert & Jane Gildart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FalconGuides, best easy day hikes series, day hikes, hiking, hikes, hiking trails, day hikes, wilderness, national forest, national parks, wildlife, nature
Publisher: GPP
Published: 2013-10-11T04:00:00+00:00

Finding the trailhead: From Peter Norbeck Visitor Center in Custer State Park, take U.S. Highway 16A east for 1 mile. Take the left fork at the sign for Iron Mountain Road and follow that for 2 miles. Take a left onto Iron Mountain Road (US 16A) toward Mount Rushmore for 12.9 miles to the trailhead sign on the left (you’re in the Peter Norbeck Wildlife Preserve). The trail begins at the west end of the parking area of the Iron Mountain picnic area.

The Hike

The Iron Mountain Trail is a hike providing glimpses of many facets of the Black Hills. You’ll see fascinating rock formations within the first mile. You’ll cross Iron Creek several times as the trail meanders through the mountains. You’ll be treated to more rock formations and small wildlife. We caught a glimpse of an elusive mink. If you’re hiking in the fall, the leaf colors intermingle with the dark green of the ponderosa pines, lending even more drama to the igneous rock. The hike is easy to moderate, taking up to four hours, and provides a peaceful, beautiful trek.

Entirely within the Black Elk Wilderness, the trail is open in most parts to horseback riders, but not to bike riders.

The trail begins as a wide dirt trail blazed “#89B.” It heads west for 0.5 mile, then joins the Iron Mountain Trail #16, going south (left). Along here look for a unique rock shaped like a turtle. After 1.7 miles you’ll intersect with an improved gravel road, Forest Road 345, and here you turn right onto the road in a southwest direction. Follow the road for about 1 mile, crossing five bridges over Iron Creek. Take the next trail to your right (northwest); the sign says GRIZZLY BEAR CREEK #7, CENTENNIAL TRAIL #89, AND HARNEY PEAK. After about 0.5 mile, the trail takes a hard right (the sign indicates CENTENNIAL TRAIL #89) and heads north for 0.75 of a mile, where you’ll encounter yet another junction. Take Trail #89B (Centennial Bypass) to the right (northeast) for 1.2 miles, thus completing the loop.

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