One of the newest trails to the Black Hills area, the Homestake Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a fair amount of everything.  From incredible sights, to the feel of being in the back-country, one traverse on this trail will never be enough.  The trail was dedicated on September 9th, 2017.

On any single excursion, you can encounter any animal common to the Black Hills.  Deer, snakes, mountain lions, squirrels – all are a possibility.  This trial was designed around an old railroad track that assisted in moving supplies from Deadwood to Lead and vice versa.  Today, the railroad tracks are gone, and mostly a dirt covered trail exists.  Parts of the trail wind through rock walls, and naturally, rocks end up on the trail.  If rainfall has be heavy, you are guaranteed to run into more mud than dirt so be prepared.

Where Can You Find The Homestake Trail Trailhead?

The Homestake Trail is a total of three miles in length.  It is more of an out and back trail, rather than a loop system.  There are trailheads at either end where parking is available.  If starting from Lead, you can park and begin your hike at the Lead City Dog Park, located at 300 Washington Street.  From this starting point, there is not a designated lot to park in so you will be parking on public streets in front of homes.  Be respectful.  A start from the Deadwood end will have you searching for Powerhouse Park, 50 Water Street.  This trailhead is near the Mickelson trailhead, and you can find bathrooms and other amenities.

Credit of the development of the trail largely goes to the Northern Hills Recreation Association, as well as to the cities of Lead, Deadwood, and Sturgis.  Many of the cities in the Black Hills have long dreamed of building communities that are more connected.  Old railroad tracks, are, and always will be, a perfect way to make this happen.  A very nice trail map can be found at the NHRA website, or by clicking this link.

A portion of the trail near the Lead starting point gives you an incredible view of the Homestake open cut.  If you plan your hike accordingly, you may be able to make a stop at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center to learn more.  All along the trail you can see the different communities and pieces of towns that remain from the mining days.  You can also get a view of the White Rocks Trail.  So much history remains in this area of the Black Hills, are you ready to explore?