Centennial Trail - Iron Creek to Big Pine
What you need to know:
Length - The Map says 9.2 but may be a little longer
Water - Several small creeks. water is also available at mt. rushmore or horsethief lake.
Water crossings - depending on the season there could be a lot of small streams
Camping - this section of the trial is almost entirely in the black elk wilderness area so 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 - most of The trail is a well traveled horse trail and easy to follow. mountain biking is not allowed in the black elk wilderness area.
Notes - there is a steep 1 mile side trail up to mt. rushmore. entrance to the memorial is free for people who do not need to pay for parking.
we have hiked the section from Mt. Rushmore several times with very different experiences. when we hiked it in july, it was wet, muddy, hot, buggy, and was almost overgrown with vegetation. but when we hiked it in the late fall it was very beautiful and much more enjoyable.
Inviting way to start. Nice and pretty open trail.
Pick which way you are going - north or south.
Pass by the summer challenge for Custer State Park.
Shortly in you leave Custer State Park area.
Very pretty flowers along the way.
Entering Black Elk Wilderness. Make sure you have a pen to register, since there is not one always available on site.
First river crossing.
Very pretty section with lots of rocks.
Fantastic views.
When you hit a path/trail - take the one that goes to the left. It is not really marked.
Other signs. Once on the trail, take a right to stay on the Centennial Trail.
Have a great view of Mount Rushmore, but you need to climb a small rocky area to see it. Also a great place for a break or snack.
Another sign not to miss.
Mount Rushmore to the right.
Selfie - having fun - not too tired yet.
Another river crossing.
Sign to take the side trail to Mount Rushmore if interested.
Take this way if staying on the Centennial Trail.
The occasional tree in the way.
Make sure you pick the right way for the Centennial Trail.
Lots of stairs in this section.
Nice place for a break after the stairs.
tes
Getting out of the Black Elk Wilderness. Sign we are out of it.
Watch again for the correct path.
See the end. Now just need to cross Highway 244.
Made it to the next section - Big Pine.