Alkali Creek Trailhead

Alkali Creek Trailhead for the Centennial Trail in South Dakota’s Black Hills is easy to find.  It is just off exit 34 on Interstate 90, head north into Fort Meade Recreation Area and you’ll find the trailhead in the campground (about 1/2 mile off the interstate).

If you want a short hike, the Alkali Creek Nature Trail begins at this trailhead.  The trail is just over 1/2 mile, perfect for families with small children.

If you travel north 12 miles through the rolling prairie and stands of timber you’ll arrive at Bear Butte State Park.  The Fort Meade Trailhead will be about the half-way point, there you’ll cross the highway and continue on the trail through the north unit of the Fort Meade Recreation Area.

Traveling south will take you into the Black Hills National Forest. The Elk Creek Trailhead is 11.5 miles down the trail.

The 111-mile Centennial Trail is great for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.  I would encourage you to have a Black Hills – Northeast, South Dakota Trails Illustrated Map #751 along.  This map has the trail and heads well marked – from Bear Butte down to the Samelius Trailhead south of Sheridan Lake.

View Enjoy the Black Hills in a larger map