![]() ![]() Legend has it that two Native American lovers leaped to their deaths from this point. The trail follows the top of a ridgeline, and at its highest point is a rocky outcrop named 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. Trail may be accessed at various points along Highway 16A. The hard trail surface makes this trail stroller, wheelchair and wagon friendly. ![]() This is a trail the entire family can enjoy. The trail is fairly level, except for a walkway near the park office where bikers are asked to walk their bikes. There are several bridge crossings that are roller blade friendly. Users may park at any of these locations to access the trail. The trail passes by the State Game Lodge, the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center, Coolidge General Store, and the Park Office. This paved trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek and offers a variety of scenery. Locationģ miles from Blue Bell Lodge on North Lame Johnny Road (CSP 4) 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. 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. Just before crossing the creek a second time, the trail turns left and goes uphill.Īfter 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. Locationġ/2 mile south of Us Highway 16A on Badger Clark Road (CSP 9).įollow the trail markers west through Horse Camp and across French Creek. ![]() 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. The trail will be very steep and rocky, passing through a muddy area near the bottom. From the top of this hill the trail descends into the French Creek Natural Area. 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. The trail later heads south past a cabin 0.3 mi and ties into the Centennial Trail. 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. North of SD Hwy 87, Needles Hwy on Camp Remington Road (CSP 345) Throughout this area is evidence of past logging activity. The trail then continues to the Badger Hole, home of South Dakota's first Poet Laureate, and the Centennial Trail's Badger Hole Trailhead. 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. About 6 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses US Highway 16A near the Legion Lake Lodge and campground. There are several small stream crossings. It continues to follow the trail markers through this gently rolling section of the park. The trail leaves the trailhead and leads south, crossing SD Highway 87, and traverses a small hill. This trail is also used by horse riders and mountain bikers. ![]() The trail is marked with a combination of brown fiberglass posts and gray diamonds fastened to trees. Three trailheads provide access points to Custer State Park's portion of the trail. This trail offers opportunities to view the natural and cultural resources of the Black Hills. 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. 5 mile south of US Highway 16A on Badger Clark Road. Interpretive signs along the trail further explain the trail system. 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. The country behind his cabin was very special to Badger and became the inspiration for some of his poetry. The Badger Clark Historic Trail is located behind the historic Badger Hole, home of Charles Badger Clark, South Dakota's first Poet Laureate. ![]()
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