I keep looking at the yoyo section of this website and it seems noone wants to go back and forth on this trail. I have hiked and ran this trail for multiple years. Decided it is time for someone to take that first step and get an out and back in.
Cashed water at Elk Creek due to drought. Cashed bear cans of food at Dalton Lake and Iron Creek Horsecamp. Stayed true to trail as much as possible but had issues in the South due to bison encounters in Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. Used the Avenza Maps from the local outfitter in Rapid City.
Disburse camping allowed in National Forest and French Creek Nature Area. Camping only allowed in designated campsites in Bear Butte State Park, Ft. Meade Recreational Area, and Custer State Park: all require fees. Wind Cave National Park requires permit which is free.
Started on top of Bear Butte and went South. Hit the National Forest in 16 miles. Typically thru hikers go North and ran into thru hikers everyday. Hit the small town of Nemo,SD in 45 miles. Friends picked me up and hosted me for the night. Ran into recent and current logging operations between Pactola and Sheridan Lakes. Trail hard to find in areas but not closed to thru hikers. Stopped into the Marina at Sheridan Lake for snacks and drinks. About 75 miles in. In Custer State Park camped in the French Creek Nature Area and hit the Southern Terminus the following day. No bison encounters going South. Anna picked me up and we spent the night in Hot Springs, SD.
Going Northbound had multiple Bison encounters in Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. Phil came out to hike 5 miles with me in this section which required alot of navigation to get around them. Spent the night at the Legion Lake Campground in Custer State Park. Hit the Sheridan Lake Marina. Stayed with friends at Nemo again. Hiked all the way to Alkali Creek Campground where Anna picked me up. Finished the yoyo of the trail the following day.
The trail over all was amazing. Afternoon thunderstorms were common with some hail mixed in there. Both nights in Nemo had extreme storms. These storms did make the trail from Dalton Lake to Pilot Knob Trailheads very slick and muddy. This particular section of trail is ATV accessible making it quite challenging when wet. Water accessibility was great throughout the trail. Campgrounds along trail have potable water, open to hikers. Plenty of creeks along the trail besides the dry stretch in the North where hikers cashe water.