Off-Road Trails: South Dakota

By Rick Sosebee

Riding in the hills of South Dakota is always an adventure and starting outside of the Rapid City area and heading towards Sioux Falls you can find many locations for riding all different types of motorized vehicles. There are 21 OHV trailheads in the national forest alone. According to the USDA website, there are over 3,600 miles of incredible trails with over 700 miles being open to motorized travel in the Black Hills National Forest. From the wilderness of the Black Hills National Forest to the public OHV destinations such as Oahe Downstream OHV, there are plenty of fun and challenging locations to explore.

Trails and terrain will include many rocky outcroppings with technical climbs as well as old flat road beds with hard pack gravel for the less experienced. The old logging roads and woodland trails bring out the inner explorer in many children as well as adults. Keeping an eye on the weather is also always a wise thing, as it can change quickly when you are having fun. This will turn the dust to mush and mudholes can fill up rapidly, making trails slick for the unsuspecting driver.

Finding a place to stay with the family is easy as there are many small family-owned bed and breakfast facilities along the way and modern hotels as well. With all of the modern conveniences of home wrapped in a package for off-roaders South Dakota is always on the top of the list when it comes to finding adventure in the outdoors. Be sure to bring along extra fuel to the trailhead and be aware of your machine's fuel mileage. Getting stuck out here is not the end of the world, but it can make an otherwise great ride into a longer than anticipated walk back to the truck.

Deadwood Outdoor Rentals

The Black Hills of South Dakota is an area everyone should experience, and with over 700 miles of trails, there is plenty to see and do. The area has a lot of history and some magnificent landmarks to see, and while you’re there, head over to Deadwood Outdoor Rentals, get in a Yamaha Wolverine X2 or X4, loaded with Yamaha’s Adventure Pro GPS and experience it all from one of the quietest machines on the trail. It is easy to see why this area is a Destination Yamaha location. Located on the famous Mickelson Trail, Deadwood Outdoor Rentals has onsite lodging available, and the historic town of Deadwood is right there for you to explore, too. This is a great way to experience all that western South Dakota has to offer.

Mystic Gulch Rentals

Ready to explore the famous Mount Rushmore and the awesome Black Hills National Forest? Pull into Mystic Gulch Rentals at the Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch near Hill City, South Dakota for a Destination Yamaha adventure of a lifetime. Camp out at the KOA campground, or stay in the nearby town, and then head out for a fun day in either a Yamaha Wolverine X2 or X4 SxS, equipped with Yamaha’s Adventure Pro GPS that is easy to use and easier to follow. They have impeccable service and will get you set up and taken care of before they point you in the direction of stellar trails and points of interest, like scenic fire-tower overlooks and, of course, Mount Rushmore National Park. With hundreds of miles of trails and even more motorized roadways that are open to SxS traffic, you’ll find yourself exploring everything South Dakota has to offer in the region.

• Distance 25+ Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Fort Pierre, SD

Oahe Downstream OHV

Located just across the 1806 highway from the Missouri River, the Oahe Downstream OHV gives the off-roader a place to stretch their legs so to speak. This 400-acre lot of mostly dirt trails includes some mild hill climbs as well as plenty of parking. Although there are no designated or marked trails on the property, the boundaries are clearly marked to keep riders from venturing onto private property surrounding the ride location. There is no fee to ride this location. If you wish to stay a few days, there is no overnight parking but the Oahe Downstream Campground is available for those who just cannot get enough of the area. Just picture a great day on the trails and a quiet evening on the banks of the Missouri river watching the Bald Eagles land in the tops of the cottonwood trees there.

• Distance 41 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Riley Trailhead, SD

Merritt Trail System

Utilizing almost 41 miles of trail the Merritt trail system in the Black Hills National Forest gives enthusiasts plenty of recreation opportunities. This trail system connects the Minnesota Ridge trail system to the central trails. Although some trails here have been known to be more challenging, there are plenty of easy to moderate trails for all riders and capabilities. If you wish to bring along the family, which is encouraged, you can slip down to the Pactola visitor center and camping there can be arranged. Fill the days with off-roading and the evenings with some fishing or just a simple campfire to while away the hours.

• Distance 50 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Farmingdale, SD

Railroad Buttes

Located just off of Farmingdale Folsom road, the Railroad Buttes OHV riding area is a vast open landscape with trails both on the left and right side of the roadway. Most of the trail area is hard pack and mostly smooth riding ,but there are some rugged hills to climb if you want to test yourself. If you plan to bring all of the family, then the staging area is capable of handling large RV parking as well as primitive campers. Be sure to check the roll out canopy on your RV as this will be the only shade you will find here.

• Distance 500 Miles +
• Skill Level Any
• Trailhead Rapid City, South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest is 1.2 million acres in size and the sheer volume of trails is something you simply must see for yourself. There are well over 500 miles of trails with skill levels of all kinds available. This is one of the most scenic destinations in the country, so plan to spend several days exploring the area and taking it all in. There are numerous camping areas and trails that will appeal to every type of rider out there. This is a premier destination.