119.1 miles
Distance
15,727 ft
Climb
-16,736 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
Marking the 100th anniversary of statehood, 1889 to 1989, the 111-mile Centennial Trail represents the diversity of South Dakota. The Trail begins in Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs skirting lakes and streams as it climbs into the Black Hills high country, before it crosses the prairie grasslands as it reaches Bear Butte State Park.
Detailed Description
Black Hills Centennial Trail is a 119 mile popular expert route located near Hot springs South Dakota. This hike primary route and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 11 trails. This route climbs 15,727 ft with a max elevation of 5,874 ft then descends -16,736 ft.
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9 Reviews & Comments
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+ 0
fatbottomgirl
(Oct 7, 2022 at 12:07)

Trail Centennial Trail #89
Rode north from parking area by interstate for 7 miles and then rode back. Excellent!
[Reply]
fatbottomgirl
(Oct 7, 2022 at 11:50)

Trail Centennial Trail #89
The climb and descent distances are not correct for this trail. These may be correct for out and back, but not for a one way ride. Distance seems correct for one way.
[Reply]
fatbottomgirl
(Sep 25, 2022 at 19:28)

Trail Centennial Trail #89
Rode from Elk Creek TH south for 9 mi. and then back. Better to start at Elk Creek TH if out and back. Better to start at Dalton Lake if you have a shuttle. Good, fun ride with plenty of climbing, fun descents and nice scenery.
[Reply]
Larrycollins
(Jul 20, 2020 at 10:21)

Trail Centennial Trail #89
Rode this trail yesterday from Dalton Lake TH to Elk Creek TH and back to Dalton Lake TH....great out and back. Highly recommend!!
[Reply]
Larrycollins
(Jul 20, 2020 at 10:19)

Trail Centennial Trail #89
Rode from Elk Creek TH towards Alkali Creek TH but bailed at Rattle Snake Ride and came back to Elk Creek TH via the Dams area trails. IMO riding Elk Creek -> Alkali TH is the best direction.
[Reply]
krankypants
(Jul 1, 2020 at 5:56)

Agree with SeattlePV, not a great MTB route, lots of double track. I would avoid this if you are looking for singletrack.
[Reply]
SeattlePV
(May 31, 2020 at 20:13)

The description of this trail is no longer accurate. It is almost all fire road or logging road now. There was a large fire in one section, and they appear to be taking down beetle-killed trees in others. There is about a 1 mile stretch from the iron creek trailhead that is single track, and that's about it. Generally easy riding now.
[Reply]
Darcielynne
(Oct 5, 2018 at 17:36)

Trail Centennial Trail #89
Highly recommended! Very scenic, fast and flowy with just the right amount of rocky elevation, best trail in the park !
[Reply]
Trails in Route
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7 miles | |||||
7 miles | |||||
4 miles | |||||
2,753 ft | |||||
6 miles | |||||
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8 miles | |||||
12 miles | |||||
11 miles |
Details
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Riding area
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Primary ActivityHike
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Other Activities
- Horse
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Difficulty ratingBlack Diamond
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Route TypePoint to Point
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Physical ratingHard
More Stats for Black Hills Centennial Trail mountain bike route
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Altitude change-1,008 ft
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Altitude min3,180 ft
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Altitude start4,194 ft
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Altitude end3,186 ft
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Grade-0.2%
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Grade max-47.5%
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Grade min80.6%
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Distance climb53 miles
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Distance down56 miles
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Distance flat10 miles
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Trail Conditions
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- Prevalent Mud
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- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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- By chuktA
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- #35361 - 288 views