9/8/2023 0 Comments Black elk peak trail length![]() ![]() Hikers can walk from end to end in five days by averaging just under 25 miles a day, or seven days doing 17.5-mile days, which makes it possible to hike within a week’s vacation. If solitude in the wilderness is your thing, the CET is an excellent choice. I walked its entire length over five and a half days during excellent weather in late August and saw not one backpacker, perhaps 20 day hikers (total) around popular trailheads, and about 20 people riding horses or mules. Though traveling through forests for much of its length, this is no green tunnel. Expect a rich experience, from the iconic Mount Rushmore to herds of wild buffalo and frequent views of rugged landscapes beyond the 100 th meridian. ![]() This is an excellent shorter long-distance route that offers plenty of challenge. South Dakota’s Centennial Trail was built in 1989 to celebrate the state’s 100-year birthday. The Centennial Trail is almost entirely graded for stock, but becomes steep and rocky in a few places. But the trail passes close to small towns, stores, and other potential resupply spots, so shuttles are generally not needed. Thru-hiking is little known in the area, so trail angels and shuttles are all but nonexistent. Rapid Shuttle picks up passengers at the airport costs as of September 2019 were $75 to Sturgis (my shuttle driver took me all the way to Bear Butte for $80 on request) and $120 to Hot Springs. Flights are available and rental cars can be dropped off at Rapid City Regional Airport. Ride-share apps and services are the best bet for transportation to the trail. Hikers can drive fairly close to either terminus, but cannot park long-term at trailheads. Northbound: NOBO thru-hikers start in the middle of Wind Cave National Park, 12 miles north of Hot Springs, SD. ![]() Southbound: SOBO thru-hikers start at Bear Butte State Park, six miles northeast of Sturgis, SD. Hot Springs, 12 miles south of the southern terminus of the Centennial Trail, is a historic town offering hot springs, restaurants, and the Mammoth Site, a remarkable, active archaeological dig. ![]()
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