The Big Hill Trail System

ABILITY RATING AND TERRAIN TYPE: Easy to Difficult Single-track, Two-Track

The Big Hill Trail System offers challenges for all riding levels on some of South Dakota 's best single track. Each of these trails are relatively short and even the longest can be completed in just a few hours of riding. While most of this system is smooth single track or two track road, there are sections that have hidden bumps and ridges in the meadows, as well as some rocky, steep climbs as the trail gets closer to the canyon. In the Spring, also watch out for the small bogs at the bottom of the hills and in the low lying areas. These can get really soupy after early season rains and knock you off your "steed" into the mud if you're not watching. Landmarks can look alike in much of this area, and this system is generally used in the summer for cattle grazing, so be sure to pick up one of the maps at the trailhead before venturing out. The cattle occassionally make their own trails which can get confusing. All of the trails listed here are marked - they will either have a blaze cut in the bark of the pine trees, painted redwood signs, or small blue diamond shaped tags attached to trees. Please close gates behind you as you pass through and watch out for those "freshies" on the trails! Many of the cows will deliver calves in the late summer/early fall, so watch your speed as you get into the more narrow, hidden sections of the trail during that time of year. Wildlife sightings in this area are generally of deer, elk, turkey and an occasional coyote. The coyote tends to be playful and several times I've had one jump onto the trail and run in front of my bike for a little ways before taking off into the forest again. I recently encountered the resident mountain lion in this area, but he is generally shy and will disappear before you're even able to get out your camera, as he did in the instance where I discovered him. Be sure to bring your own drinking water with you as there isn't any available on this trail. DO NOT DRINK WATER FROM THE CREEK - most creeks in the hills are not safe for human consumption.

THE A-1 LOOP ABILITY RATING AND TERRAIN TYPE: Easy - Single-track

The A-1 Loop pictured here is perfect for the first time cyclist. An easy .5 miles, this trail loops very close to the trailhead at all times. Beginners can practice their techniques on roots, small rocks and dips in the trail. Occasionally after storms, logs can be found blocking the trail allowing the rider to try new skills.

THE A LOOP ABILITY RATING AND TERRAIN TYPE: Easy - Single-track with some Two-Track

The A Loop of the trail system is also for beginners but is a little more challenging. Depending on which direction you take, you can practice small climbs and descents on this trail. At the beginning of the loop itself, a turn to the right will take you on short down hills and bring you back around to a good climb as you head back. But a turn to the left will give you a great chance to enjoy a more challenging downhill run in the beginning and smaller climbs on the way back. This trail is 2.1 miles long.

THE B LOOP ABILITY RATING AND TERRAIN TYPE: More Difficult - Single-track

For intermediate riders who like a challenge, the B Loop can be a good one. If you take the A loop to the right, the B Loop branches off the A Loop about 1/2 mile in. Even though the B Loop is only 2.4 miles long, this trail gets fairly steep and generally has logs, roots, rocks, switchbacks, and some really technical dips on the trail. It is a very isolated trail that is rarely used due to these difficulties, but is one of my favorites in the Fall when the aspen trees change their colors in all their glory. I prefer to stay on the A Loop for another 1/2 mile past the first turn, and meet the B Loop on its other side. This lets you tackle tough climbs, level out on top, and drop down some steeper hills and tight switchbacks as you return to the A Loop. A great place to practice on your technical skills.

THE C LOOP ABILITY RATING AND TERRAIN TYPE: More Difficult - Single-track and Two-Track. Again for intermediate riders

C Loop is also a good one with a bit more distance. By taking the A Loop to the left, C Loop begins at the base of the hill while. A trail turns right and goes farther down. C Loop has a few good climbs in the beginning, levels out near the top, and drops down toward Spearfish Canyon with some good descents that require a little technical skill. Just before the trail turns to the right for good, there is a steep hill with loose rock that requires a little talent to cross over. From there, the trail splits - straight ahead in an easy 1.5 miles is an overgrown lookout point on C-1. To the right, the C Loop continues downhill for some great, fast, single-track and two-track riding. Avoid turning to the left - this is an old service road that is no longer used and is unmarked. C Loop is 5.5 miles long.

THE D LOOP ABILITY RATING AND TERRAIN TYPE: Easy to Difficult Single-track, Two-Track, Dirt Road

Last but not least, is the D Loop on the system. Though it is almost as long as the C Loop (4.5 miles), it is not as difficult, offering new intermediate riders' opportunities to increase their skills gradually. The D Loop begins at the far point of the A Loop. Turning to the right will allow for gradual changes with the difficulties at the end, while turning to the left makes you tackle the tougher climbs and drops first. This trail used to be mostly single-track, but recent logging in this area has turned most of the trail into a two track road. This trail is also rated "More Difficult".

HOW TO GET THERE: From I-90, take Exit 12 into the City of Spearfish . Follow this street ( Jackson Street ) straight through town, staying in the left lane. You'll proceed through 3 stoplights. From the 3rd stoplight (Junek's car dealership is on the corner), proceed up the hill 2 more blocks and turn left onto University Street . Follow this street to the stop sign where the road T's. Turn right, and stay on this street as it becomes a dirt road ( Tinton Road ). You'll follow this dirt road until it ends at another dirt road at the top of the hill (#134). Turn left again onto #134 and follow it for 6 miles. The parking lot will be on your right side and has an outhouse. The trailhead begins across the road.

Spearfish Canyon

Deer Creek to Silver City

Crow Peak

The Centennial Trail

The Big Hill Trail System