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Updated 6/22/08

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If you are planning to visit the Black Hills or you're a newcomer to our area, WELCOME...we've created this page especially for you.

You'll find a lot of useful information as well as numerous links to help with travel planning, lodging, site seeing and so forth.

In return, we ask for your financial support (and if you're local, whatever little time you can spare). You see, the Off-Road Riders work year-round to keep the Black Hills open for all off-road recreational enthusiasts to enjoy. We also host numerous family riding events and much more.

Click HERE to join the Off-Road Riders today!

Black Hills Trail Riding FAQs

Also visit our Education & Safety and Links pages for additional information
About Recommended Powersports Dealers, Lodging, Local Attractions and More!

Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Local Rules & Practices for Riding in the Hills?	*Off-Road Riders Rules of the Trail* PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE BLACK HILLS OPEN AND SAFE FOR ALL USERS PRINT YOUR OWN COPY Please make safety, trail-courtesy and conservation your first priorities! Tread Lightly! on public and private land. Do NOT ride in wetland areas. Always stay on trails wider than the width of your machine. Wear a helmet, eye protection and other appropriate safety gear. Ride slow & quiet when near residential areas. When you see hikers, bicyclists or horseback riders, shut off your engine, remove your helmet & offer a friendly “hello” as they pass by. Ride only on existing trails. Creating new trails is against the law. In case of an emergency, please volunteer your assistance. Use an approved spark arrester when riding on public land. Park considerately, taking no more space than needed. Don’t block other vehicles or access to trails. Keep to the right when meeting another trail user. Use caution when approaching or overtaking another trail user. When stopping, pull to the side and do not block the trail. Do not disturb wildlife and avoid areas posted for wildlife protection. Never litter and always pack out everything you pack in. Remember, people judge all trail users by your actions.
Where can I ride my ATV/Dirt Bike/UTV in the Black Hills?	The Black Hills has hundreds of miles of primitive roads that are ideal for ATV or Dirt Bike riding. However, presently there is no designated trail system for off-road recreational enthusiasts. NOTE: The Off-Road Riders and the South Dakota Off Highway Vehicle Coalition are currently working with federal land managers to create an extensive trail system in the Black Hills National Forest...stay tuned.
Are Maps Available?	You can find Black Hills Travel Management Maps at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/maps Paper copies are available at District Ranger offices, visitor centers or Black Hills area powersports dealers, including: Black Hills Powersports, Rapid City Rice Honda-Suzuki, Rapid City Outdoor Motorsports, Spearfish Sturgis Yamaha-BMW, Sturgis It is important to note, however, that this map does NOT include an OHV trail system. It does show all numbered Forest Service Roads as well as areas to avoid, such as seasonal- or year-round closure areas and closed roads.
Do I Need a Sticker or License to Ride in the Hills?	On the South Dakota side of the Black Hills, no sticker or special ATV registration is currently required. If your state does allow you to license your ATV or dirt bike, it is a good idea in case you want to ride down a stretch of gravel Forest Service- or county road to get to another trail. On the Wyoming side of the Black Hills, however, all ATVs or ORVs must be licensed (street legal) or be registered in Wyoming's ORV program before use in the forest. Check state requirements for proper licensing. Additional information is available by calling the Wyoming State Trails Program at (307) 777-7477 or going online at http://wyotrails.state.wy.us
How Must my Bike/ATV be Equipped to be Legal?	As on all National Forest System lands, the Black Hills National Forest requires that machines with gasoline-powered engines are equipped with USDA Forest Service (USDA FS)-approved working mufflers and spark arrestors.
Is it legal to ride 2-up on a single rider machine?	Under current South Dakota law, it is NOT illegal to ride 2-up on a single seat ATV. However, ALL ATV manufacturers strongly discourage the practice. Note: SD legislators are considering numerous ATV safety issues for future legislation including riding 2-up, helmets for riders under 18 and mandatory eye protection.
Where can I stay/camp and ride directly onto Forest Service land?	There are several facilities in various parts of the Black Hills who are great supporters of the Off-Road community and who's property is adjacent to or very near Forest Service land. Visit our Links page for more information.

Recommended Lodging
Link	Information	Comments
	Modern Cabins • Full Service Campground 100's of Miles of Trails • Many unique stops Fuel • Food and Beverages • Rentals Rental and Cabin Packages	Ride directly onto trails from the resort. This beautiful resort is off the beaten track, but easy to find and worth the effort. Deerfield Lake is owned and operated by Off-Road Riders members, Richard & Cheryl Godfrey-- Friends you'll want to get to know.
	Covered Wagon Resort & Campground 14189 N. Hwy. 79 Piedmont, SD 57769 For reservations call: 1-605-787-4440 or 1-800-787-4450	The Covered Wagon Resort is owned by Off-Road Riders member, Penny Thorpe. Penny is a great supporter of the Off-Road Riders and has hosted numerous ORA events. The Piedmont Fire Trail is very near the Covered Wagon and offers access to some great riding.
	HCR 73 Box 1525 Deadwood, SD 57732 605-584-1009	Custer Crossing is a favorite among ORA members. The facilities are great and you can ride strait into the Black Hills. Plus they support the Off-Road Riders through their annual membership.
	Restaurant & Bar Now open 7 Days a Week P.O. Box 77 Nemo, South Dakota 57759 (605) 578-2708 www.nemoguestranch.com Troy & Willie Saye, Innkeepers	Nemo Guest Ranch owners, Troy & Willie Saye are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. If you want a great place to stay where you can ride directly onto the Centennial Trail & beyond, call the Nemo Guest Ranch.

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