About Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail System
The Black Hills Motorized Trail System is one of the biggest OHV destinations in the region, with more than 700 miles of designated motorized trails winding through the pine covered Black Hills of western South Dakota. Add in the open forest roads and riders have over 3,600 miles of legal routes to explore between Sturgis, Rapid City, Deadwood, Hill City and Custer, all managed by the US Forest Service.
Riding the Black Hills
The Black Hills Motorized Trail System serves every kind of rider. Single track trails are set aside for dirt bikes, trails limited to 62 inches or less fit ATVs and most side by sides, and forest roads open to all vehicles connect the loops into all day rides. Twenty one motorized trailheads around the forest give riders staging areas with parking for trucks and trailers, and the free Motor Vehicle Use Map is the legal map showing exactly which routes are open.
Black Hills Motorized Trail Permits
Riding the designated trail system requires a Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit, sold online and at vendors around the Hills. Annual and seven day options are available, with the annual permit priced at fifty dollars. The permit covers the South Dakota side of the forest, and the Wyoming portion requires a separate Wyoming ORV permit instead.
The Sturgis Connection
The trail system sits in the backyard of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and every August thousands of riders trade the highway for the dirt, with side by side and adventure bike traffic growing every year. Towns like Deadwood, Lead, Hill City and Custer all have direct or near direct trail access, fuel and lodging, which makes multi day rides easy to plan.
Getting There
The forest covers 1.2 million acres west of Rapid City, South Dakota, reached from Interstate 90 on the north or Highway 16 through the central Hills. The Forest Supervisor's Office at 1019 North 5th Street in Custer and the ranger district offices have maps, permits and current trail conditions.
Know Before You Go
Weather moves fast in the Hills, so pack layers even in summer, and carry a paper map or downloaded GPS tracks since cell service drops in the canyons. Stay on designated routes, pack out what you pack in, and watch for logging trucks and wildlife on shared forest roads. Local rental outfits in Deadwood, Lead and Custer offer side by sides with trail permits included if you are visiting without your own machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles of trails are there?
More than 700 miles of designated OHV trails, plus over 3,600 miles of roads and trails open to motorized travel across the forest.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. A Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit is required on designated trails, with annual and seven day options sold online and at local vendors.
What vehicles are allowed?
Dirt bikes on single track, ATVs and side by sides 62 inches or less on designated trails, and all vehicles on open forest roads.
Where do I start a ride?
Any of the 21 Black Hills Motorized Trail System trailheads around the forest, with popular staging near Sturgis, Deadwood, Hill City and Custer.
Does my permit work in Wyoming?
No. The Wyoming side of the forest requires a separate Wyoming state ORV permit.
What map should I use?
The free Motor Vehicle Use Map from the Forest Service is the official map of legal motorized routes.
Where is the Black Hills Motorized Trail System located?
Throughout the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, west of Rapid City.
Who manages the trail system?
The US Forest Service, with the Supervisor's Office in Custer, South Dakota, phone 605-673-9200.
Phone: 605-673-9200
More information on Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail System; Click here https://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills/recreation/ohv-information
For more venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/atv/