Centennial on Northern Hills
Trailheads Dalton Lake Trailhead Drive there · Elk Creek Trailhead Drive there · Pilot Knob Trailhead Drive there · South Boxelder Trailhead Drive there
Dalton Lake Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
A Variety of Uses
Dalton Lake Trailhead is a motorized and non-motorized trailhead for the Centennial Trail, a National Recreation Trail. The Centennial Trail is non-motorized trail north of the Dalton Lake Trailhead and both non-motorized and motorized for OHV use south of the trailhead. The Centennial Trail meanders 12.8 miles north to the Elk Creek Trailhead through Ponderosa Pine forests, across small seasonal streams, and up to vistas along the trail. As one travels south on the Centennial Trail, the trail climbs quickly yielding views of the surrounding forest valleys. It then wanders for approximately 6.1 miles to South Boxelder Trailhead, spending much of that time weaving along the rim rocks overlooking the Vanocker Canyon. Toilets are available at the Dalton Lake Campground.
Access the Dalton Lake Trailhead from Sturgis from Interstate 90 Exit 32. Turn south on Junction Avenue / Vanocker Canyon Road. After 0.5 miles the road becomes Vanocker Canyon Road / Meade County Highway 3C, continue south. Travel for 12.7 miles to the Dalton Lake Road. At the Dalton Lake Road turn east (left) for 4.1 miles past the Dalton Lake Campground, to the Dalton Lake Trailhead. Pass Dalton Lake and its campground. The trailhead is on the north (left) side of the road.. Follow the signs at the trailhead for either motorized or non-motorized use.
Elk Creek Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
Elk Creek Trailhead is the northern-most Forest trailhead on the multi-jurisdictional Centennial Trail, a National Recreation Trail. This trailhead supports the non-motorized section of the Centennial Trail. There is no motorized use on this section of the Centennial Trail. One may travel north 11.5 miles from this trailhead on the Centennial Trail to arrive at the Bureau of Land Management’s Alkali Creek Trailhead. One may travel south 12.8 miles from this trailhead on the Centennial Trail to arrive at the Dalton Trailhead and Campground. The Trailhead is a small parking area off Forest Service Road 169.1. In the spring the water will likely be running but later in the summer and fall it will likely be dry. There is no bridge at this creek crossing so plan accordingly.
Pilot Knob Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
Pilot Knob trailhead is located on Forest Service Road 208. Traveling north, it provides motorized access to the Centennial Trail and traveling south it provides non-motorized access to the Centennial Trail. There is a restroom here but no water.
South Boxelder Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
South Boxelder Trailhead (also known as Blue Draw) provides both motorized and non-motorized access to the Centennial Trail, a National Recreation Trail. The trailhead is a gateway to dozens of miles of OHV trails as well as to some of the most scenic views on the forest. The route between South Boxelder and Pilot Knob to the south is extremely popular during the summer months, and is also one of only a few routes in the Nemo area that is open year-round. The Centennial Trail segments north and south of this trailhead are open for motorized and non-motorized use. Toilets are available further west on the road at the Boxelder Campground.
Access the South Boxelder Trailhead from Rapid City take South Canyon Road west out of Rapid City for approximately 7 miles. South Canyon Road becomes Nemo Road. Travel the Nemo Road northwesterly for 11 miles to the unincorporated town of Nemo. In Nemo, turn west (left) on the Boxelder Forks Road – this is south (before) the Nemo Guest Ranch. After 0.1 mile, the road becomes National Forest System Road (NFSR) 140. Continue west on NFSR 140 for 0.6 miles to the trailhead, which is on the west (left) side of the road.