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Black Hills National Forest spans over 1 million acres in South Dakota and Wyoming, protecting natural resources from fire and logging. Native Americans settled in the area 10,000 years ago, and visitors can explore 353 miles of trails, campsites, and picnic areas. Hunting, fishing, and water sports are popular, and visitors can see a variety of flora and fauna. The forest is also a source of natural resources, with permits available for firewood, pine cones, and slate.
The Black Hills National Forest in the United States covers 1,071,741 acres in western South Dakota and another 175,391 acres in Wyoming. It spans a total of seven counties between the two states. On February 22, 1897, the Black Hills Forest Preserve was commissioned by President Grover Cleveland to protect natural resources from fire and irresponsible logging practices. In 1905, responsibility for the forest was assumed by the United States Forest Service, which was then a new agency within the United States Department of Agriculture. It was renamed Black Hills National Forest in 1907.
Native Americans such as the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Lakota were familiar with the Black Hills, and archaeologists believe the region may have been settled 10,000 years ago. The Lakota called the area Paha Sapa, which means “black hills.” The name “Black Hills” comes from this translation.
From a distance, ponderosa pines and spruces make the hills look like a black island in the prairie. The Black Hills cover an expanse measuring 125 miles by 65 miles. Within the range are streams, lakes, reservoirs, gorges, canyons, grasslands, caves and, of course, woodlands.
Visitors to the Black Hills National Forest can explore 353 miles of trails on foot, horseback or bicycle. The Centennial Trail is the longest, at 111 miles, taking explorers through different types of terrain: meadows, forests and canyons. Two secondary roads are available for guided tours. When it’s time to rest, visitors can take advantage of the 31 campsites and 32 picnic areas.
Hikers can choose from a huge selection of trails and wilderness areas. Challenging peaks and canyons are available for climbers, and there are caves to explore. Boating and water sports are available on area lakes.
Hunting and fishing are popular pastimes in the Black Hills National Forest. Anglers can try their luck in the streams and lakes for catching fish such as perch or trout. Hunters can find duck, turkey, deer and elk. The Forest Service does not require a permit to hunt or fish, but both South Dakota and Wyoming do, and a state license is required for these activities.
Explorers will have the chance to see some of the fauna and flora found in the Black Hills National Forest. Plants native to the Great Plains can be seen side by side with plants native to the Rocky Mountains. Bighorn sheep, elk, bison, mountain lions, mule deer and white tailed deer can be seen along the trails.
In addition to being a popular vacation destination, the Black Hills National Forest is also a source of natural resources. Permits from the Forestry Department for firewood, transplants, pine cones, berries and Christmas trees. Slate is also available for collection with a permit. Larger logging and mining contracts are tightly regulated by the Forest Service.
