Centennial Trail - Pilot Knob to S. Box Elder Creek
What you need to know:
Length - 7.6 Miles on the map but we had it at 6.6
Water - none until you hit South Box Elder Creek which should be a reliable source.
Water crossings - the s. box elder creek crossing is bridged
Camping - 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 - this trail is s popular atv trail from beginning to end. because of this, it is easy to follow but very rocky and can be hard on the feet and muddy when wet.
Notes - This Section starts with a steady 400 foot climb in the first mile..
Beginning of trail from parking lot.
Steep climb in the beginning of the trail.
Nice view here and there.
Big mess to walk through.
Off we go to backpack 2 sections of the trail.
Wildflowers out in full bloom.
Some parts of the trail are overmarked.
Some sections of the trail are nice and easy, but still go up. Also very rocky.
Prettiest view on the trail.
Lots of flowers still near the trail.
This is a crossroad with little signs on where to go. Look for the one arrow sign in the tree on the left hand side of this photo.
And we run into cows - I have a secret fear of cows.
Not my ideal trail - Follows the atv trails the whole way - lots of mud and rocky sections.
Possible water source - I think not.
Saw subjects on motorcycles also using the trail.
Forest service gave us a sticker and a couple of compliments for getting out in nature and walking the trail which was nice. Who doesn’t like stickers?
Saw 2 backpackers going south to Wind Cave.
Saw hundreds of atvs on the trail all day - some as much as 30 at a time. Has to step off the trail quite a bit to make room for passing vehicles. Notice all the mud - had to go through quite a bit at time.
Finally a sign.
This section of the trail was closed to off road vehicles, so that was kind of nice.
Ran into the forest service giving tickets to those who did not have permits. We talked for awhile.
More examples of what the trail looked like. Not impressed at times. I believe a trail should not follow a road - wasn’t a great get out in nature experience. Yes, that is a couch or easy chair on the side of the road also.
Sign - 1 mile to go - Yeah.
Getting close.
Beautiful river to cross.
Made it - S Box Elder Creek Trailhead..