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.