Centennial Trail - Dalton Lake to Elk Creek

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What you need to know:

Length - 12.8 miles

Water - dalton lake at the beginning and then elk creek at the end. elk creek could be flowing but it could also be dried out, depending on how much rain or snow the area has had. So make sure you prepare for it to be dry, just in case.

Water crossings - 5 crossings of elk creek. the crossings had ropes to help for crossings if the water is high.

Camping - dalton lake has a campground otherwise, Black Hills National Forest Camping rules apply. Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. General rule: Camp 100 feet away from any road, stream, or trail and 1/2 mile away from developed sites.

Trail condition - a very nice single track trail that is popular for bikers and is easy to follow.

Notes - Although this is the longest section of the trail, it is one of our favorites. there are some great views of the hills as well as the canyon that elk creek runs through.

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Beginning of the trailhead.

Beginning of the trailhead.

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Nice start to a trail.

Nice start to a trail.

Below Dalton Lake Dam.

Below Dalton Lake Dam.

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Dalton Lake.

Dalton Lake.

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First view of the valley below by Piedmont.

First view of the valley below by Piedmont.

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9 different signs on the trees in one spot letting you know which way to go - overkill, but I love it. Wish more sections of the trail were like this.

9 different signs on the trees in one spot letting you know which way to go - overkill, but I love it. Wish more sections of the trail were like this.

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Coming up on gorgeous views of the valley to the south.

Coming up on gorgeous views of the valley to the south.

This part of the hike on the rim of the cliff - just beautiful.

This part of the hike on the rim of the cliff - just beautiful.

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What a view.

What a view.

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Nice place for a break.

Nice place for a break.

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More awesome views.

More awesome views.

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Another view of a valley on the north side of the trail.

Another view of a valley on the north side of the trail.

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Trees look so majestic.

Trees look so majestic.

First sign of Elk Creek.

First sign of Elk Creek.

Have ropes for assisting with crossing the creek.

Have ropes for assisting with crossing the creek.

Cross the creek a total of 5 times - prepare to get wet.

Cross the creek a total of 5 times - prepare to get wet.

Another creek crossing.

Another creek crossing.

Neat cave.

Neat cave.

Pretty helpful ropes, especially if creek is flowing pretty good.

Pretty helpful ropes, especially if creek is flowing pretty good.

Love to see these signs.

Love to see these signs.

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Gorgeous flowers.

Gorgeous flowers.

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Made it - another section of the trail done.

Made it - another section of the trail done.

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