Pilot Knob Trailhead is about 50 miles south of Bear Butte, the start of the Centennial Trail. From here is 3.8 miles south to the Deer Creek Trailhead or 7.6 miles north to the South Boxelder Creek Trailhead near Nemo.
A vault toilet is the only service at this trailhead. Be sure you always carry plenty of water when you are using the Centennial Trail, as most Trailheads do not have water. This portion of the trail has lots of exposed slate making this area different than other parts of the trail.
View Enjoy the Black Hills in a larger map
Pilot Knob is a great access point for day hikes or mountain bike rides. It is only about 1 mile off Highway 385 on Forest Service Road 208. And, it is just about a mile away from the Sugar Shack. After a long hike or ride you can enjoy burgers at the Sugar Shack. A well deserved treat for a hard day on the trail.
If you plan on hiking the Centennial Trail or any other trails in the Black Hills, I encourage you to pick up a copy of Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands: A Guide for Hikers, Cross-Country Skiers, & Mountain Bikers
. It has 40 pages just about the Centennial Trail, covers many other trails in the Black Hills and includes good maps. Also Black Hills – Northeast, South Dakota Trails Illustrated Map #751
has the trail and trailheads marked very clearly.
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The Lead Trailhead gives you access to the Mickelson Trail. This is a 0.8 mile spur on the trail that will take you across Highway 85 and connect you with the trail half way between the Kirk and Sugarloaf Trailheads. The will save you the trip to the Deadwood Trailhead.
Finding the trailhead is pretty simple, there are signs. Just turn on to Hearst Ave from South Main St and you’ll be there.
The Mickelson Trail is a 109 miles long and stretches across much of the Black Hills. The trail goes from Edgemont to Deadwood. The trail was converted from an abandoned rail line through the rails-to-trails program. On the trail you will see over 100 bridges and 4 rock tunnels.
Use of the trail does require a Mickelson Trail Pass for all users over age 12. You can purchase the pass at the trailhead or online. The exception to this would be when you are using the trail within city limits.
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Pure Hoppiness, is right. This IPA from Crow Peak Brewery does have lots of hop aroma and flavor. If you want to try a Black Hills Hand-crafted beer, go for the 11th Hour IPA, named after the 11th Hour Gulch in Spearfish Canyon. This beer can be found at stores throughout the Black Hills and at the brewery. I found it at Pack Horse Liquor in Deadwood.
This IPA is a tasty beverage, however, I prefer their Pile O’Dirt Porter. I’ve been know to buy Pile O’Dirt by the growler.
Not a beer drinker? You won’t go thirsty in the Black Hills. There are great wineries throughout the area. In Deadwood, visit Belle Joli and Schade tasting rooms. In the Hill City area take a taste at Stone Faces and Prairie Berry.
What is your favorite beverage from the Black Hills?
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