600 Miles of South Dakota Forest Trail
South Dakota’s “600 miles of forest trail” figure can sound like a promise of 600 miles of riding for every ATV or UTV, but the reality is more specific. Routes vary by width, season, and current closure status. This guide explains how to understand the trail network, choose routes that fit your machine, and prepare for a ride in the Black Hills.
What the 600-mile figure means
Forest trails are not all-purpose routes
The roughly 600 miles of South Dakota forest trail refers to a network of designated motorized trails in the Black Hills National Forest. It does not mean every trail is open to every machine, or that all routes are available at the same time. Some trails are limited by vehicle width; others are single-track routes intended for motorcycles. Seasonal closures and temporary restrictions can also change which miles are rideable on a particular day.
That distinction matters when you are planning around a wide side-by-side. A route that appears on a map may not permit your machine, even if you can physically reach it from a nearby road. Before setting out, compare the trail’s designation with your machine’s permitted width and confirm that the route is open. The broader context in [South Dakota Trail Maps and MVUMs] can help you understand why an official motorized-use map is an essential planning tool.
It is also helpful to separate forest trails from forest roads. Roads may add many more miles of travel, but they are not counted as designated trails and may have different rules or conditions. The network includes [3,600 Miles of South Dakota Forest Road], but that figure should not be added to trail mileage as though every road and trail has the same access rules. Treat each route type as its own part of your ride plan.
Trail mileage is divided by vehicle access
The trail system includes routes with different access categories. Some are suitable for machines within a particular width limit, while some routes are open to all widths. A separate group of routes is single-track, which is generally intended for narrow, two-wheeled machines rather than ATVs or UTVs. These categories are useful planning clues, but they do not replace checking the official map and posted signs.
For example, a rider bringing a side-by-side from Rapid City might find a promising line on a general map, then discover that the trail is too narrow for the vehicle. A family on a compact ATV may have more options, but still needs to check seasonal status and route restrictions. The numbers [347 Miles Under 62 Inches], [90 Miles of Single-Track], and [148 Miles of Trail Open to All Widths] describe different parts of the access picture; they are not a guarantee that all routes in those categories are open on the day you arrive.
Measure your machine before you travel, especially if it has aftermarket wheels, tires, or other modifications that affect its outside width. [How South Dakota Measures Trail Width] is a useful reference for understanding the measurement issue. A machine advertised as “under 62 inches” is not necessarily under that limit once you measure its widest point in its actual riding configuration.
| Trail category | What it may mean for your ride | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Under 62 inches | Access is limited to machines within the designated width limit | Your machine’s measured width and the route’s current status |
| Single-track | A narrow route generally intended for motorcycles | Whether your machine type is allowed |
| Open to all widths | The width restriction may not exclude a wider machine | Seasonal closures, signs, and other route rules |
| Forest road | A road route rather than designated trail mileage | Road access rules, closures, and surface conditions |
Choosing trails for your ATV or UTV
Match the route to your machine
The right route depends on more than whether you ride an ATV or UTV. Width, handling, ground clearance, experience, and the people riding with you all affect which trails are practical. A wide, long-wheelbase side-by-side may feel comfortable on an open road but be awkward on a narrow trail with tight turns. A smaller ATV may fit more routes but can still be a poor choice for a steep, rocky section if the rider is new or uncomfortable with technical terrain.
Start by measuring the machine as it will be ridden, including any modifications that affect its widest point. Then use the official map to identify routes that match the machine’s access category. Avoid building a ride around a route simply because another rider’s social post or a general navigation app shows it. Conditions and designations can differ, and an older route trace may not reflect a current closure or restriction.
A navigation app such as onX Offroad can be useful for organizing waypoints and keeping track of a planned route, but treat it as a companion to official motorized-use information, not a substitute. Check the map legend, route designation, and local notices before leaving. If a route is confusing on the screen, pause and resolve the question before you ride into a place where turning around is difficult.
Plan a route with realistic distance and turnaround options
A route that looks short on a screen can take longer than expected when the surface is rocky, the trail is unfamiliar, or your group includes less experienced riders. Build in time for stops, navigation checks, and a slower pace on difficult sections. If you are riding with children or mixed-experience companions, plan a conservative loop with obvious places to turn back rather than trying to cover as many miles as possible.
Think about what happens if the route is blocked or your machine develops a problem. Choose a plan with a reasonable turnaround point and enough fuel to retrace your route if needed. In the Black Hills, cell coverage can be inconsistent, so do not rely on a phone connection to solve a navigation problem. Save maps for offline use where possible and make sure someone outside the riding group knows the general area and expected return time.
It can also help to plan around nearby communities such as Hill City, Custer, Spearfish, or Deadwood, while remembering that a town’s proximity does not guarantee services on the trail. Research fuel, food, and lodging before you head out, and be prepared for the possibility that a route takes longer than planned. For local preparation, [South Dakota ATV Trails Near Rapid City] and other area-specific trail guides can help you think through where to stage and what kind of ride you want.
Seasonality, closures, and trail conditions
Understand the seasonal calendar
Trail season is not as simple as “open in summer, closed in winter.” Different routes can have different opening and closing dates. Some trails are listed as open from May 15 to December 15, while others have a shorter season that begins August 15. These windows make a major difference if you are planning a spring trip or hoping to ride during early summer.
Do not assume a route is open just because the dates fall within a general riding season. Weather, maintenance, fire danger, resource protection, and other local conditions can lead to restrictions or closures. A wet spring can leave some routes vulnerable to damage, while dry conditions can bring fire-related limits. On the other hand, a route that was closed last season may have a different status later. Check current official information before loading your machine.
Use [Trails Open May 15 to December 15] and [Trails Open August 15 to December 15] as reminders that opening dates can vary by route. For a particular trip, confirm the route itself rather than relying on the broadest season window. That small check can save a long drive to a trailhead only to discover that the route you planned to ride is still closed.
Check closures and conditions before you leave
A trail can be legally designated for motorized use and still be temporarily unavailable. Before heading out, review current closure notices and local forest information. Look for updates that affect the specific area you intend to ride, not just a general announcement about the Black Hills. If you are unsure, contact the appropriate Forest Service office or ranger district before you trailer in.
Weather deserves the same attention as official notices. Thunderstorms can change trail conditions quickly, and loose rock or mud can make an otherwise manageable route more demanding. After rain, slow down and avoid damaging soft surfaces. In dry, windy conditions, be alert to fire-related restrictions and follow all posted direction. Never ride around a closure sign because a route appears passable; the closure may protect riders, natural resources, or maintenance work.
A navigation app like onX Offroad can help you keep your planned route organized, but verify alerts and access with official information. A map line is not proof of current access. Check [South Dakota Trail Conditions Before You Ride] and [South Dakota Trail Closures to Check First] as part of your pre-trip routine, then watch for signs at the trailhead and along the route. Conditions can change between planning and arrival.
Permits, maps, and trailhead preparation
Know which permit applies to your ride
Permit requirements depend on where you ride and what kind of route or riding area you use. Do not assume a vehicle’s plate, home-state registration, or a permit for a separate riding area automatically covers every forest trail. Before your trip, establish which permit applies to your machine and the land you plan to use, then make sure it is displayed as required.
If you are traveling from out of state, include permit planning in your pre-trip checklist. Leaving it until you are at the trailhead can create an avoidable delay, particularly if the required decal must be obtained or displayed before riding. [South Dakota Trail Permits Explained] provides a starting point for understanding the permit system, but confirm the requirements that apply to your specific route and machine.
Keep your permit information and vehicle documents accessible, and check the decal’s placement instructions rather than sticking it wherever it seems convenient. A permit is not permission to ride off designated routes. Stay on routes open to your machine, follow posted restrictions, and do not treat nearby open ground as an extension of the trail.
Use trailheads as planning checkpoints
There are 21 motorized trailheads associated with the network, giving riders different places to begin and organize a trip. A trailhead can help you orient yourself, check posted notices, unload safely, and confirm that your planned route makes sense from that starting point. But the number of trailheads does not mean that each one has the same facilities or that every route is suitable for every vehicle.
Before choosing a starting point, find out what is available there. Do not assume you will find fuel, drinking water, restrooms, or reliable cell service. Arrive with enough supplies for the ride, secure your trailer and vehicle, and park in the designated area. If the trailhead has a notice board, read it before riding; signs can provide important information about closures, route access, and local conditions. [Twenty-One Motorized Trailheads] is a helpful companion topic when deciding where to stage.
When using onX Offroad or another navigation tool, save the route and relevant map layers before you lose service. Mark the trailhead, planned turnaround points, and any alternatives you have checked against official information. A digital track can make navigation easier, but it should not encourage you to continue when signage, weather, or conditions indicate that it is time to stop or turn back.
Riding responsibly in the Black Hills
Stay on designated routes and respect other users
A motorized trail is a defined route, not an invitation to explore adjacent meadows, forest openings, or unmarked tracks. Riding off route can damage vegetation and soil, disturb wildlife, and create access problems for other riders. If a trail is blocked, do not make a new path around the obstacle. Turn back or use an alternative route that is confirmed open to your vehicle.
Expect to share the area. You may encounter hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, forest staff, hunters, or other motorized users. Slow down when visibility is limited, especially around blind corners, dusty stretches, and narrow trail sections. Give others room, communicate clearly, and avoid kicking up unnecessary dust near people, homes, or parking areas. A little patience goes a long way when everyone is using the same forest.
Follow posted speed and sound requirements, carry the equipment you need for the conditions, and secure any cargo before moving. For a group ride, agree on a lead rider, a sweep rider, and a simple regrouping plan. Do not let the group stretch so far apart that less experienced riders feel pressured to go faster than they are comfortable with.
Leave room for changing conditions
The Black Hills can shift from sunny and dry to wet, windy, or foggy conditions during a ride. Pack layers, water, basic repair supplies, and a first-aid kit. Check fuel before you leave and keep enough reserve to handle a detour or a slower return. If the weather deteriorates or visibility drops, choose the safer option—even if it means ending the ride early.
Ride within your ability and the machine’s limits. A rocky climb that looks manageable from below can feel very different once you are committed to it, and a UTV’s size may make a narrow turnaround difficult. If you are uncertain, stop somewhere safe, assess the route, and turn around before the situation becomes harder to manage. Keeping a conservative pace is especially important when trail conditions are unfamiliar or your group includes new riders.
The 600-mile figure is most useful as a sense of the network’s scale, not as a mileage target. A satisfying day may mean exploring a short, suitable loop and returning with enough time to check the machine, enjoy the area, and get back safely. Match the route to your vehicle, verify current access, and let the day’s conditions—not the headline number—set your pace.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
