We drove all the routes through BH National Forest and never tired of the diverse scenery. From Pondarosa pines to grass lands. Winding switch-back roads climibing into the mountains aforded amazing views. Definetly recommend exploring this wonderful area.
We visit this park on ethe ways so we don't stop a lots, beuatiful something to see and have more time to visit. I hope to do next time, my child enjoy a lots.
Very large tract of land, one of the benefits is to provide a long trail (Harney north) up to Harney peak. Harney is the highest spot in SD and the highest spot between SD and the Pyrenees of Spain!
The views are just amazing and we never get tired of visiting. It is worth a visit at least once during your trip to the area.
We drove through and saw much of the Black Hills National Forest. The lower elevations include grasslands. In this area, we enjoyed seeing numerous prarie dogs. In other areas there are forests that include aspen, oak, and birch.There are granite peaks, canyons, lakes, and trout streams.Some of the main items we enjoyed seeing included;1) Harney Peak - tallest mountain in the area at 7,244 feet2) Palmer Gulch where we went for a chuck wagon meal and show3) Pactola Reservoir4) Spearfish Canyon and the falls there.Of course with Custer State Park and several national parks such as Wind Cave, there is a wealth of outdoor activities to do in this area.Also, we enjoyed seeing the wildlife, such as bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and a variety of small animals such as prarie dogs, squirrels, and so forth.We spent a week or so in the Black Hills area and enjoyed seeing the forest there. There is a large variety of outdoor activities such as camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, picnics, horse back riding, cave experiences, tourist attractions and more.
We came to the Black Hills for nature and that's what we got. I was sad to see so much destruction of the ponderosa pines by the pine beetles, yet there were plenty of trees remaining, along with mountains, grasslands, rivers and streams, and wildlife.
I only had read about the Black Hills National Forest, but now I can say with pride that I have witnessed it's magestic beauty. The history it holds in it's hands will not disappoint anyone who choses to see it for their own eyes.
Beautiful the drive is really nice ...I must see and do...Fall is a pretty time to go. Bring your camera and watch for wildlife.
Driving through here you get spectacular scenery. I was traveling alone and i had to pull over several times to take pictures. There are hiking trails although I only went a little way on some trails as I was pressed for time. would love to go back and really explore.
We were there during a recent bad weather week so the drive through was not as impressive due to light rain and foggy areas. But the most disappointing and annoying part of the drive through the entire park was the lack of restrooms! We entered through the back of the park and found no restrooms throughout the entire long drive until we came to the 'front' of the park. We were just guessing possibly they remove them (port-a-johns) during the cold weather months. Made the ride much less enjoyable for some of us who definitely needed to make a stop sooner! Lesson learned -- enter by at the front gate only in the Fall and don't drink until you're out of there!