Here in the Black Hills we’re at that time of year when the seasons are in transition. Today, for example, is  gloomy and damp with rain coming and going. Driving outside of Deadwood, I even noticed a few stray snowflakes this morning.

The change in seasons has got me thinking  about the change in recreation activities and how easily the Black Hills lends itself to those changes. Throughout the Black Hills and Badlands there are more than 75 different trail systems and many of them are designated as “multiple use.”

Multiple use trail systems are those that can be used for all purposes from hiking to biking, skiing to horseback riding and others. Generally with multiple use trails, as long as it is not motorized, it is allowed.

One of my favorite multi-use areas here in the Black Hills is the Eagle Cliff trail system, located southwest of Deadwood. The Eagle Cliff system is a series of connected loops that was created in the 1980’s by local cross country ski enthusiasts and is now maintained cooperatively by the forest service and the Northern Hills Nordic Ski Club.

Before the weather recently started to change, I spent some time hiking and mountain biking up at Eagle Cliff. It’s a beautiful trail system designed for all skill levels – there are easy half mile sections all the way up to difficult 3 to 4 mile options. The trails will take you through a mixture of ponderosa pine, birch trees and aspen stands.

Parts of the Eagle Cliff system run through private land where some friendly cattle graze, so don’t be surprised if you happen upon them during your time there.

With the weather quickly changing, I’m going to have to park the bike soon and pull out the snowshoes instead. That’s one of the best advantages of the multi-use trails in the Black Hills – no matter the season, outdoor enthusiasts can continue to use the same areas for different types of recreation year round.