Discover Black Hills National Forest
Imagine driving across the wide-open Great Plains when suddenly, an island of dark green mountains rises from the horizon.
Welcome to Black Hills National Forest, one of South Dakota's most beautiful natural treasures.
Stretching across western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, this remarkable forest protects approximately 1.2 million acres of pine-covered mountains, granite formations, clear lakes, and spectacular canyons.
Known as Pahá Sápa in Lakota, meaning "Hills That Are Black," the Black Hills hold profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Lakota and other Indigenous peoples.
Black Elk Peak: Views Above the Plains
At 7,244 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota.
A challenging hike through the Black Elk Wilderness leads visitors past beautiful pine forests and enormous granite formations toward a historic stone fire lookout tower.
From the summit, sweeping views reveal seemingly endless forested ridges and distant plains.
It's a remarkable reward for adventurous hikers and photographers.
Spearfish Canyon: Waterfalls and Wonderful Scenery
Few drives capture the beauty of the northern Black Hills quite like Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
This spectacular route winds between towering limestone cliffs, lush forests, and rushing mountain streams.
Along the way, visitors can discover beautiful waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls.
Autumn is particularly magical, when golden leaves contrast with the surrounding evergreen forests.
Pactola Reservoir: A Mountain Lake Escape
Surrounded by beautiful forested hills, Pactola Reservoir offers a peaceful contrast to the region's rugged mountain scenery.
The largest reservoir in the Black Hills is a popular destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and enjoying beautiful lakeside views.
It's a wonderful place for a relaxing afternoon, a family picnic, or photographs of the surrounding landscape.
The Centennial Trail: A Journey Through the Black Hills
For those who love exploring on foot, the 111-mile Centennial Trail offers a remarkable journey through the region.
Connecting Bear Butte in the north with Wind Cave National Park in the south, the trail passes through forests, grasslands, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Visitors can explore shorter sections without committing to the entire route.
Keep Your Black Hills Memories Close
Whether your favorite memory is a mountain hike, a scenic drive, or a peaceful afternoon beside the water, the Black Hills offer stories worth remembering.
A GTK QR Tile connects a physical keepsake to your existing online photographs and travel memories, or brings them together on your complimentary GTK QR Page.
A little keepsake for memories that reach far beyond the hills.
Get To Know People & What They Know About Black Hills National Forest
GTK® is an independent editorial initiative celebrating individuality, expression, connection, and the things people know.
From historians and conservationists to photographers, outdoor explorers, and Indigenous knowledge holders, the Black Hills are rich with fascinating human knowledge and perspectives.
We believe those stories and experiences deserve to be discovered, shared, and remembered.
Visit GTK.us to discover more about people and what they know.
