The Centennial Trail stretches 111 miles through South Dakota's Black Hills from Wind Cave National Park in the south to Bear Butte State Park in the north. Built in 1989 to celebrate South Dakota's centennial of statehood, this lesser-known gem offers exceptional solitude compared to more crowded western trails. The terrain transitions dramatically from ponderosa pine forests and granite spires in the wilderness sections to wide-open prairie grasslands at the northern terminus.
Most backpackers complete the trail in 7-10 days at 14-17 miles per day. The cumulative elevation gain totals 20,000-24,500 feet, though there are no massive sustained climbs—instead, expect near-constant rolling elevation changes that can be surprisingly tiring. The trail is well-suited for intermediate backpackers seeking a satisfying week-long adventure without the permit lottery stress of more famous trails. Hikers report seeing only a handful of other backpackers during an entire thru-hike.
Permit requirements vary by the managing agency along the route:
Wind Cave National Park (first 6 miles southbound): Free backcountry permits required, obtained at the Wind Cave Visitor Center or trailheads. Campsites must be 1/4 mile from roads, 100 feet from trails and water. Open fires prohibited—use fuel stoves only. Two-night maximum per site, seven nights per trip.
Custer State Park (22 miles): No permit needed to hike through, but backcountry camping is restricted to French Creek Natural Area only ($8/person/night, self-registration at trailheads). A $25 park entrance license is required for vehicles (7 days). Alternatively, skip camping here by starting at Wind Cave or pushing through to Black Hills National Forest.
Black Elk Wilderness (9 miles): Free self-registration required at trailhead kiosks. Group size limited to 25 people/livestock combined. Bicycles prohibited. No camping within 1/4 mile of Black Elk Peak summit or within 100 feet of water.
Black Hills National Forest (majority of trail): No permits required for dispersed camping. Maximum 14 consecutive days in any 60-day period. Campfires allowed only in established fire rings at designated recreation sites—use fuel stoves for backcountry cooking. Check current fire restrictions before your trip, as Stage 2 restrictions may prohibit all fires during dry periods.
Bear Butte State Park (northern terminus): $8 overnight parking fee.
Late May through early July offers the best conditions, balancing water availability with comfortable temperatures. June is optimal—snow has melted from higher elevations, water sources flow reliably, and temperatures stay moderate.
Spring (May-early June): Excellent water availability (can get by with 2-liter capacity), but expect ticks, emerging poison ivy, and possible wintry weather above 5,000 feet. Late May is ideal according to veteran hikers who've completed the trail 10+ times.
Summer (mid-June-August): Heat intensifies, especially in exposed prairie sections. Critical water sources like Elk Creek often dry up by mid-summer, creating potential 18-24 mile waterless stretches. Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning risk increase. Poison ivy becomes thick. However, higher elevations remain pleasant.
Fall (September-October): Second-best season with cooler temperatures and reduced poison ivy. Water sources less reliable—carry 4-liter capacity. Early fall snowstorms possible at higher elevations.
Winter: Not recommended. Snow, freezing temperatures, and unreliable water.
Avoid late summer (July-August) unless you're prepared for long water carries and heat management.
Water availability varies dramatically by season and recent precipitation. In typical June conditions, expect water sources every 6-10 miles. Plan for the worst:
Critical dry stretch: Elk Creek (multiple crossings between miles 35-55 southbound) frequently runs dry by mid-summer, potentially creating an 18-24 mile waterless gap between Dalton Lake and Alkali Creek Trailhead. Always carry 3-4 liters through this section after June. Some hikers report finding stagnant pools even when flow stops—filter thoroughly.
Other generally reliable water: Rapid Creek, Spring Creek, Boxelder Creek, French Creek (in Custer State Park). Treat all water. Wind Cave has minimal water—carry what you need.
Resupply: No full resupply directly on trail, but several options within shuttle/hitchhike distance:
Mail drops not practical. Most backpackers carry all food start-to-finish given the 7-10 day duration.
Poison ivy: Abundant, especially in French Creek Natural Area and along Elk Creek. Expect unavoidable contact—plants hang over trails knee-high. Long pants recommended.
Ticks: Common June-August. Check thoroughly each evening.
Prairie rattlesnakes: Frequent in grasslands approaching Bear Butte (northern 10 miles). Watch your footing in tall grass.
Bison: Present in Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. Maintain 25+ yards distance. They can charge unpredictably and weigh up to 2,000 lbs. Hike around them if they block the trail—never attempt to pass closely.
Lightning: Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer, especially July-August. Some exposed ridgelines and prairie sections. Start early and descend before afternoon storm windows.
Navigation: Generally straightforward with good trail markers. However, National Geographic maps have inaccurate mileages—purchase the "Hiking Centennial Trail" guidebook by Cheryl Whetham for accurate distances and water source information.
Camping challenges: Northbound hikers face difficulties in first 15 miles due to camping restrictions in Wind Cave and Custer State Park. Plan accordingly or start southbound.
Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), 60 miles from both termini, offers rental cars and shuttle services.
Southern terminus (Wind Cave): From Rapid City, drive 60 miles south via US-385. Park at Norbeck Trailhead or Wind Cave Visitor Center. Overnight parking allowed—call ahead (605-745-4600) to notify rangers. No entrance fee for backcountry users.
Northern terminus (Bear Butte): From Rapid City, drive 45 miles northeast via SD-79 and SD-34 to Bear Butte State Park (6 miles northeast of Sturgis). Overnight parking $8. Bear Butte Education Center has parking and trail access.
Shuttle services: - Roam'N Around (Rapid City): $160 flat rate Bear Butte to Wind Cave, up to 4 passengers - Touring in the Black Hills: Multiple pickup locations
No public transportation available. Road conditions are good year-round—high clearance not required.
Driving time between termini: 2 hours via US-385.
Hike south-to-north: The northern finish at Bear Butte is more dramatic—your final day crosses high prairie with Bear Butte growing larger on the horizon, then you summit the butte for a spectacular finish. Southbound finishes anticlimactically in forest.
Side trip to Black Elk Peak: The trail passes within 1 mile of South Dakota's highpoint (7,242 feet), the highest elevation between the Rockies and the Pyrenees. Many hikers take a half-day detour to summit via the junction near mile 50.
Bring cash: Campgrounds along the route (French Creek, Whispering Pines, Bear Butte Lake) prefer cash payment.
Wild camping strategy: This is primarily a dispersed camping trail with few designated sites. Good campsites exist every 5-10 miles, but you'll need to scout for flat, established spots. In National Forest sections, camp anywhere following Leave No Trace principles. Narrow your search near dusk to water sources while maintaining the 100-foot buffer.
Skip the guidebook if experienced: Trail is well-marked with frequent mileage signs. However, the official guidebook provides accurate water source details and camp locations—valuable for first-timers or in dry years.
Avoid August: Combination of dried water sources, heat, thick poison ivy, and peak tick season makes this the least pleasant month despite being summer vacation season.
Midweek starts: The trail sees minimal use, but weekends near Rapid City access points (Rapid Creek, Dakota Point) have day hikers and mountain bikers. Start Monday-Thursday for maximum solitude.
Pick your trailheads, choose campsites, and build a day-by-day itinerary. Hikeset tracks your gear, meals, and group so nothing gets left behind.
Start PlanningFree account. No credit card needed.
Hikeset Beta
