Badger Clark Historic Trail 

The Badger Clark Historic Trail is located behind the historic Badger Hole, home of Charles Badger Clark, South Dakota's first Poet Laureate. The country behind his cabin was very special to Badger and became the inspiration for some of his poetry.

The trail winds through a mixed pine and hardwood forest and along rocky hillsides - a portion of the rock-lined trail was built by the poet himself. Interpretive signs along the trail further explain the trail system.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
.5 mile south of US Highway 16A on Badger Clark Road.	1 hour	1 mile	Moderate

South Dakota Centennial Trail

This 111-mile trail spans the length of the Black Hills from Bear Butte State Park in the north to Wind Cave National Park in the South - approximately 22 miles of the trail are located within Custer State Park. This trail offers opportunities to view the natural and cultural resources of the Black Hills.

Three trailheads provide access points to Custer State Park's portion of the trail. The trail is marked with a combination of brown fiberglass posts and gray diamonds fastened to trees. This trail is also used by horse riders and mountain bikers.

Iron Creek Trailhead

The trail leaves the trailhead and leads south, crossing SD Highway 87, and traverses a small hill. It continues to follow the trail markers through this gently rolling section of the park.

There are several small stream crossings. About 6 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses US Highway 16A near the Legion Lake Lodge and campground. Continuing south from the highway (across a small stream) and following the trail markers up the hill to the right, this section of the trail enters an area burned in the 1988 Galena Fire. The trail then continues to the Badger Hole, home of South Dakota's first Poet Laureate, and the Centennial Trail's Badger Hole Trailhead. Throughout this area is evidence of past logging activity.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
North of SD Hwy 87, Needles Hwy on Camp Remington Road (CSP 345)	3-5 hours	7.3 miles to Badger Clark Trailhead.	Moderate

Badger Hole Trailhead

The trail begins at the Badger Hole Trailhead (1 mile off highway 16A on Badger Clark Road) then leads west to the Badger Hole Cabin. The trail later heads south past a cabin 0.3 mi and ties into the Centennial Trail.

Taking the fork to the south (left), you will climb out of the bottom then descend a short rocky slope into Heddy draw, crossing to the south and climbing the divide. From the top of this hill the trail descends into the French Creek Natural Area.

The trail will be very steep and rocky, passing through a muddy area near the bottom. At the bottom of the hill, the trail turns right and follows French Creek, crossing the creek several times before reaching the Centennial Trail's French Creek Trailhead - this is the most strenuous section of the Centennial Trail within Custer State Park.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
1/2 mile south of Us Highway 16A on Badger Clark Road (CSP 9).	4-5 hours	4.2 miles to French Creek Trailhead	Moderate to strenuous

French Creek Trailhead

Follow the trail markers west through Horse Camp and across French Creek. Just before crossing the creek a second time, the trail turns left and goes uphill.

After descending the other side the trail crosses the Wildlife Loop Road and continues to the south - this section of the trail enters the open grasslands and is home to large herds of bison. Bison are dangerous any time of the year, but especially in the spring when there are new calves and in the late summer when the bulls are in rut.

The trail passes through a self-closing gate and continues south to the border of Wind Cave National Park and the Centennial Trail's Highland Creek Trailhead - please ensure that the park gates are closed after passing through the border fence.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
3 miles from Blue Bell Lodge on North Lame Johnny Road (CSP 4)	5-6 hours	10.3 miles	Moderate

Creekside Trail

This paved trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek and offers a variety of scenery. The trail passes by the State Game Lodge, the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center, Coolidge General Store, and the Park Office.

Users may park at any of these locations to access the trail. There are several bridge crossings that are roller blade friendly. The trail is fairly level, except for a walkway near the park office where bikers are asked to walk their bikes. This is a trail the entire family can enjoy. The hard trail surface makes this trail stroller, wheelchair and wagon friendly.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
Parallel to US 16A. Trail may be accessed at various points along Highway 16A.	1 hour	3 miles	Easy

Lovers Leap

This popular trail begins with a steep ascent through a mature ponderosa pine forest, with views of the State Game Lodge and surrounding area. The trail follows the top of a ridgeline, and at its highest point is a rocky outcrop named Lovers Leap. Legend has it that two Native American lovers leaped to their deaths from this point.

Mount Coolidge, Black Elk Peak and the Cathedral Spires can also be viewed from this point, as well as the area of the Galena Fire of 1988 (to the west of the trail) and the Legion Lake fire in 2017.

The trail continues down the side of the ridge into the Galena Creek Drainage. Once in the creek bottom, the trail crosses the creek many times. Some of the creek crossings are challenging even when the water is low (no bridges are provided). From there a paved footpath leads past the chapel and back to the trailhead.

Poison ivy can be encountered at various points along this trail, especially in years with higher precipitation.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
Across Highway 16A from the Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, behind the schoolhouse	2-3 hours	3 miles	Moderate to Strenuous

Prairie Trail

This trail explores a portion of the park's rolling prairie grasslands. Native plants and grasses of this area make prime habitat for bison, pronghorn and deer. Vantage points from the flat-topped hills offer panoramic views of the vast prairie of the southern Black Hills.

The Prairie Trail hosts one of the most spectacular summer wildflower displays in the area and has a few stream crossings (usually dry in late summer). Near the end, a portion of the trail follows a small stream through stands of mixed hardwoods.

The trail is marked with brown fiberglass posts and rock cairns.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
Along Wildlife Loop Road, 13 miles from the State Game Lodge or 5 miles from the Blue Bell Entrance Station	2-3 hours	3 miles	Moderate

Stockade Lake Trail

Beginning at the trailhead located on the southeast side of Stockade Lake, this trail ascends through a ponderosa pine forest to a ridgeline. This forested area has been actively managed to promote wildlife habitat, increased timber growth, and improved watersheds.

The ridge top offers excellent views of Stockade Lake, Black Elk Peak and the surrounding area. Near the end, this trail crosses over Stockade Lake Drive and follows the gravel road past the boat ramp and back to the trailhead.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
0.3 mile south of US Highway 16A on Stockade Lake Drive	1-2 hours	1.5 miles	Moderate

Barnes Canyon Trail

Follow the well-worn trail of homesteaders, loggers, and miners along Dry Creek, which may experience intermittent seasonal flow. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, bighorn sheep and buffalo.

Length	Difficulty
4.7 miles (one way)	Moderate

Two trailheads within Custer State Park mark trails leading to Black Elk Peak and additional trails within the Black Elk Wilderness. However, there are several trails that explore the granite outcroppings unique to the Sylvan Lake area.

These trails in Custer State Park and enter the Black Hills National Forest and Black Elk Wilderness on their way to the summit. Users are required to register. All three trails are marked with blue diamonds within Custer State Park. There are no blue diamonds in the wilderness area, look for blazes on trees.

Cathedral Spires Trail

This trail features areas unique to the Black Hills area such as the Cathedral Spires/Limber Pine Area, a Registered National Natural Landmark. This is a one-way trail and does not connect to the Black Elk Peak Trail System.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
2.5 miles east of Sylvan Lake on Needles Hwy (Hwy 87)	2 hours	1.5 miles to Cathedral Spires	Strenuous

Sunday Gulch Trail

This trail offers perhaps the most unique scenery of all the park's hiking trails. Descending into Sunday Gulch the trail crosses the stream several times while passing over large boulders and near magnificent granite walls. Sunday Gulch presents a variety of unique plants rarely seen in other areas of the park. Spruce, pine and a mixture of hardwoods line the trail.

Trail is closed November to May or as marked at trailhead.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
The trailhead is reached by following the Sylvan Lake Trail behind the dam to the top of Sunday Gulch.	2-3 hours	2.8 miles	Strenuous

Sylvan Lake Shore Trail

The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail offers passing motorists an opportunity to stretch their legs on a leisurely walk the whole family will enjoy.

This trail makes a complete loop around Sylvan Lake, and is among the easiest trails in Custer State Park. Enormous granite formations line portions of the lake making it one of the most picturesque in the Black Hills.

While most of this trail is relatively flat, a portion contains steps and crosses exposed rocky areas. Sections of the trail are not suitable for strollers.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
Sylvan Lake, the trail may be started at various points along the lakeshore	1 hour	1 mile	Easy

Trail 4 - Spur Trail to Little Devil's Tower

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
1 mile east of Sylvan Lake on SD Hwy. 87 (Needles Hwy)	2-3 hours	3 miles round trip	Moderate to strenuous

Two trailheads within Custer State Park mark trails leading to Black Elk Peak and into the Black Elk Range Trail System.

These trails begin in Custer State Park and enter the Black Hills National Forest and Black Elk Wilderness on their way to the summit. Users are required to register. All three trails are marked with blue diamonds within Custer State Park. Once you enter the wilderness area, look for blazes on trees. Trail maps may be obtained at the Visitor Center, Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, Wildlife Station Visitor Center, or any Resort Lodges as well as US Forest Service offices. While most people travel these trails to get to Black Elk Peak, the entire system offers many more hiking opportunities for those seeking solitude.

Trail 9

This is the most traveled and easiest route to Black Elk Peak. The trail is marked with blue diamonds within Custer State Park, which turn into blazes on trees in the wilderness area.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
Sylvan Lake Day Use Area north of SD Hwy. 87. Trail 9 begins just across the footbridge leading to the swimming beach.	4-5 hours	7 miles round trip	Moderate

Trail 4

The trail starts at the Sylvan Lake Day Use Area and goes to the Little Devils Tower trailhead, or on toward Black Elk Peak. The trail is marked with blue diamonds within Custer State Park, which turn into blazes on trees in the wilderness area. To go to Black Elk Peak, follow Trail 4 until it ends at Trail 3. Follow Trail 3 until the intersection with Trail 9, which will take hikers to Black Elk Peak. Trail 4 will also take you past a spur trail to Little Devils Tower. Watch for the trail intersections, as they are easy to miss, especially on the return trip.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
Sylvan Lake Day Use Area north of SD Hwy. 87. Trail 4 begins at the furthest southeast corner of the day use parking area.	4-5 hours	6.5 miles round trip	Moderate

There are two designated natural areas in Custer State Park, French Creek and the Grace Coolidge Walk-in Fishing Area. These are areas set aside with the goals of providing scientific, educational and recreational opportunities in a setting that is as pristine as possible.

French Creek Natural Area

French Creek gently meanders through Custer State Park and into the French Creek gorge. The stream flows beneath sheer canyon walls, past mixed stands of pine and hardwood forest and lush native vegetation. Because of the uniqueness and diversity of this area, 2,200 acres surrounding the gorge have been set aside as the French Creek Natural Area.

Although there is no marked trail through the natural area, hikers make their own way along the creek or follow paths of previous hikers. Hikers must cross the creek many times and wet feet are almost assured. During the drier months, the first mile of creek from the east trailhead flows underground leaving a dry streambed.

The area is known for its excellent bird watching opportunities and an abundance of wildflowers. Adventuresome folks will find outstanding trout fishing along the creek.

• Overnight camping is only allowed within the canyon bottom.
• Campsites must be at least 50 feet from the stream.
• Open fires are strictly prohibited.
• Campers must self-register and pay camping fee at the East Trailhead or West Trailhead camping self-fee station.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
West end: 3 miles from Blue Bell Lodge on North Lame Johnny Road (CSP 4); East end: 4 miles south of the State Game Lodge on Wildlife Loop Road	10-12 hours	12 miles	Moderate

Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Area

This gently sloping trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek - the trail crosses the creek many times as it meanders through the valley. Crossings may be difficult (at any time of the year) and wet feet are almost assured.

Flowing gently from the spillway of Center Lake the creek contains six ponds where water is held back by six lowhead dams. The ponds and creeksides offer excellent trout fishing and add to the variety of plants and wildlife found in this unique area. In the spring and summer, wildflowers abound.

The creek was named in honor of First Lady Grace Coolidge, wife of President Calvin Coolidge.

Location	Time	Length	Difficulty
South end: Parking area along highway 16A, across from Grace Coolidge Campground; North end: Adjacent to swimming beach at Center Lake	2-3 hours	3 miles	Easy to Moderate

There are three horse trail trailheads within the park; Fisherman Flats Trailhead, Badger Hole Trailhead, and Horse Camp Trailhead. Custer State Park trails are marked with brown fiberglass posts and blue diamond while Centennial Trail is marked with fiberglass posts and gray diamonds.

Trails to the south include Big Tree Draw, Robber’s Roost, and Lame Johnny Trails. Trails to the east include French Creek Trail and Rimrock Trails. Trails to the north include Heddy Draw, Calkins Draw, Galena Trail and Coolidge Tower Trails.

Marked trails are intended to be a primer for our first time visitors; however, we encourage guests to obtain a topographical map from any of the visitor centers or Blue Bell Resort.

Please note that some trails follow near or on well-traveled roads.

All out-of-state horses are required to have a valid, clean health certificate within the last 30 days, and a negative Coggins or ELISA EIA test within the last 12 months.  SDCL 40-14-2. All documents must be on person. 

Centennial Trail 

The Centennial Trail is 22 miles as it passes through the park. It is not a loop trail but bisects the park from North to South. Three trailheads are located along the trail. Iron Creek Trailhead on the northern boundary, Badger Hole near Legion Lake and the French Creek Trailhead near Horse Camp.

The Centennial Trail is marked with brown fiberglass posts and gray diamonds. 

Trail 1: French Creek and Mount Coolidge 

Directions

Riding Time

Ride out of French Creek Horse Camp (northeast) following French Creek downstream past the Centennial Trail. Approximately 4 miles out, watch for the Calkins Draw sign pointing left out of the canyon. The trail climbs from French Creek and intersects an old logging road. Follow the logging road to Barne's Canyon Road then turn left riding the road to Heddy Draw. Ride Heddy Draw (west) and after climbing a steep hill you will intersect Hwy 87 on the side of Mount Coolidge. To ride to Mount Coolidge, cross the highway, turn right (north) and ride through the trees until the trail intersects the graveled Mount Coolidge road. Ride the road up to the lookout tower and return on the same route. Instead of riding down the steep hill you came up, take the right hand logging road along the ridge and continue south into Sawmill Draw. When you reach Sawmill Draw and French Creek follow the creek downstream to North Lame Johnny Road and the curved bridge. Turn left (east) and follow North Lame Johnny Road back to Horse Camp.

9 hours

Alternative Trail to ride up Calkins Draw:

Directions	Riding Time
Continue down French Creek to the trail leading south out of French Creek to Fisherman's Flat. Once out of the canyon take the road Fisherman Flats Road past the green gate back to North Lame Johnny Road. Turn right on North Lame Johnny Road and head back to French Creek Horse Camp.	9 hours

Trail 2: Big Tree and Robber's Roost Draw

Directions

Riding Time

Ride out of French Creek Horse Camp to the south and follow the Centennial Trail to the Wildlife Loop Road. Turn left (east) and follow the road for about 2 miles until you reach a sign pointing left (north) up a draw. Follow the fire trail up this draw about 1/4 mile to the Big Tree. Continue to follow the trail markers north to an intersection where the trail turns right (east) and climbs a rocky hill. At the top of the hill turn right again (south) and follow the ridge to the next intersection. Ride the left fork (to the east) and down Robber's Roost draw. Follow the draw south to Oak Draw Road. Ride left (northeast) on 3 until the road intersects North Lame Johnny Road. Turn left (northwest) and ride 4 back to the horse camp.

4 hours

Trail 3: Parker Canyon