The Black Hills Travel Blog

National Trails Day

By Heather • May 26th, 2009 • Category: Events

National Trails Day

For anyone visiting the Black Hills, I always recommend hiking. I especially recommend it on June 6, National Trails Day.

If you’ve never heard of National Trails Day, it’s a day designated to enjoy America’s trails and appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that has gone into their preservation and all of the benefits we gain from their use. The Black Hills, an area filled with great trails for hiking, running, biking and horseback riding, is great place to celebrate National Trails Day.

So which trails should you head to on June 6? Here’s a brief list:

Hiking Through Hell Canyon: This is a three mile ranger-guided hike sponsored by the National Park Service. Hikers will pass through the Black Hills National Forest and will then go through the wildland firescar in Hell Canyon from the Jasper fire in 2000. The Trail is about 13 miles west of Custer on Highway 16 and ends near the entrance of Jewel Cave.

Ron’s Memorial Ride: This hike begins a little over a mile east of Custer French Creek Ranch Bed and Breakfast. Participants can either walk or take their horses on the path through the forest. A chuckwagon supper and music will be provided.

Mickelson Trail: Participants can either hike for 5 miles or bike for 8 on Mickelson Trail.  The Hike begins at the Lead-Deadwood High School cafeteria. Participants can enjoy provided trail mix, juice, water and coffee. There will also be a number of health-focused activities and programs. For more info, take a look at www.leadmethere.org.

For more detailed info on time, location, additional trails, etc, take a look at the American Hiking Society.  Hopefully, if you’re in the area you get the chance to go out and enjoy the trails on June 6.

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About the Author

Heather is originally from De Smet, South Dakota, where she spent her time giving Laura Ingalls Wilder tours until she moved across the state to the Black Hills area to attend college. She is a recent graduate of Black Hills University, where she received a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in Public Relations and Spanish. On two different occasions Heather has fed her love of travel as an exchange student: a summer in Japan at age 17, and semester in Mexico in spring of 2008. Traveling and sightseeing are things she plans to keep on her agenda, and she's currently working on applying to graduate school. Heather has loved living in the area the past five years. When not working, she is usually spending time with her friends or reading.
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