Deerfield
Trailheads Dougherty Trailhead Drive there · Kinney Canyon Walk In Fishery Trailhead Drive there · Silver City Trailhead Drive there
Custer Trail Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
From Hill City go west on Deerfield Road approximately 23 miles to northwest side of lake, turn right or south on Forest Road 417, travel to end of road. The Custer Trail Trailhead is located adjacent to the Custer Trail Campground.
Deerfield Lake Loop Trailheads (Trail #40L) the Forest Service's write-up
This 10 mile trail encircles Deerfield Lake. From Reynolds Prairie you'll have great views of the lake. To the south, the trail winds through areas of tall pines and small meadows. This trail can be accessed from four trailheads: Custer Trail Trailhead, North Shore Trailhead, Hill Top Trailhead and the Gold Run Trailhead.
Deerfield Trailheads (Trail #40) the Forest Service's write-up
The Deerfield Trail is a 23 mile trail connecting the Deerfield Reservoir to the Centennial Trail. Between the Dougherty and Silver City Trailheads, you will wind through the deep canyons along both Slate Creek and Rapid Creek, crossing over 30 bridges.
Ditch Creek Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
Ditch Creek Trailhead is located about 15 miles west of Hill City on Deerfield Road, then 4 miles south of Deerfield Road on Ditch Creek Road, adjacent to the Ditch Creek Camp Ground.
Dougherty Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
From Hill City, travel west on Deerfield Road for 5 miles. Turn north (right) onto Mystic Road, and travel for 5.5 miles. This trailhead serves both the Deerfield Trail as well as the Mickelson Trail. The Mickelson Trail is managed by the State of South Dakota. This trailhead has restroom facilities.
Gold Run Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
From Hill City, go west on Deerfield Road approximately 14 miles. Just past Gillette Prairie Road you will see signs for the trailhead on the north (right) side of the road.
Kinney Canyon Walk In Fishery Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
Overview
The Kinney Canyon Walk In Fishery is a favorite among fly fishers. A four mile trail (round-trip), follows along Castle Creek and leads to the Deerfield Dam. In summer 2023, construction took place at the Kinney Canyon Walk-in Fishery, just north of Deerfield Reservoir (Hill City, SD). This fishing access improvement project was a partnership project with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), the Black Hills Flyfishers (BHFF), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and the United States Forest Service (USFS). A three rail wood fence with two angler access gates was constructed to exclude livestock from a portion of Castle Creek and improve function in the riparian area fishery. In addition to fencing, willows will be planted in 2024 and serve as bank stabilization, a forage base for wildlife, and add potential shade and overhang to further enhance the fishery. Directions: From Hill City, travel west on Deerfield Road for 10 miles. Turn north (right) onto Slate Prairie Road and travel for 2.8 miles. The trail is just off the road to the west (left). This Trailhead is the westernmost trailhead for the Deerfield Trail (#40).
North Shore Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
From Hill City go west on Deerfield Road approximately 22 miles to northwest side of lake, turn right or south on Forest Road 461, travel to end of road.
Silver City Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
From Rapid City, travel west on Highway 44 for about 15 miles. Turn north (right) onto Highway 385 and travel for 1.4 miles, then turn west (left) onto Silver City Road. Travel 4.5 miles west to the town of Silver City. Continue another .5 miles to the end of the road. This trailhead provides access not only to the Deerfield Trail, but also the headwaters of Pactola Reservoir.