Explore the Black Hills beyond the pavement on hundreds of miles of designated ATV, UTV and off-road trails winding through pine forests, rocky terrain and scenic backcountry. Before heading out, be sure to purchase the required Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail Permit and download the current Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM), which identify the roads and trails open to your vehicle.
Trail Permits: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/
Motorized Trail Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-forest-service-mvum-maps/
Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail System
Location: Black Hills National Forest
Description: The Black Hills National Forest offers an extensive network of designated motorized roads and trails for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles. Routes range from easy forest roads to narrower and more challenging trails, making it possible to plan anything from a relaxed scenic ride to a full day in the backcountry.
Trail Information: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-national-forest-motorized-trails/
Northern Hills Trail System
Location: Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish & Sturgis Area
Description: The Northern Hills offer some of the most convenient riding for Black Hills Adventure Lodging guests, with a large network of Forest Service roads and motorized trails surrounding Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis. Use the current Northern Hills Motor Vehicle Use Map to plan a legal route based on your vehicle type.
Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-forest-service-mvum-maps/
Camp 5 Riding Area
Location: Between Deadwood & Sturgis
Description: A popular Northern Hills riding area with access to a network of designated motorized trails through rugged forest terrain. Camp 5 is particularly convenient for riders staying near Deadwood, Lead or Sturgis and provides access to some of the area's more adventurous off-road terrain.
Trail Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-forest-service-mvum-maps/
Spearfish Area Trails
Location: Spearfish, SD
Description: Explore motorized routes in the northernmost portion of the Black Hills National Forest, with forest roads and trails extending west and south of Spearfish. The Spearfish Quarry area also provides access to designated motorized riding routes and an open riding area.
Trail Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-forest-service-mvum-maps/
Nemo & South Boxelder Area
Location: Nemo, SD
Description: The Nemo area provides excellent access to the Black Hills motorized trail network, with forested routes, rocky terrain and connections that allow riders to build longer loops through the Central and Northern Hills.
Trail Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-forest-service-mvum-maps/
Central Hills & Ditch Creek Trails
Location: Hill City & Deerfield Area
Description: The Central Hills offer extensive backcountry riding west of Hill City and around Deerfield, with designated motorized trails and Forest Service roads traveling through higher-elevation pine forest and mountain terrain.
Trail Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-forest-service-mvum-maps/
Motorized Trailheads
Location: Throughout the Black Hills National Forest
Description: Designated motorized trailheads throughout the Black Hills provide convenient staging areas for riders bringing their own ATV or UTV. Popular Northern and Central Hills access points include Camp 5, Spearfish Quarry, Pilot Knob, Stageyard, South Boxelder and Ditch Creek.
Trail Information & Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-national-forest-motorized-trails/
TRAIL PERMITS
A Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail Permit is required for motor vehicles using designated motorized trails on the South Dakota side of the Black Hills National Forest. Permits are vehicle-specific decals and should be purchased before heading onto the trail system.
Purchase a Trail Permit: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/
TRAIL MAPS & NAVIGATION
The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is the official resource for determining which Forest Service roads and motorized trails are open to your vehicle. Maps can be downloaded to a mobile device and used with GPS-enabled mapping apps such as Avenza, allowing riders to navigate even when cellular service is unavailable.
Download Motorized Trail Maps: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/motorized-trail-permits/black-hills-forest-service-mvum-maps/
BRINGING YOUR OWN ATV OR UTV?
Licensing requirements for operating an ATV or UTV on public roads are separate from the Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail Permit. Out-of-state visitors should review South Dakota's current off-road vehicle requirements before arriving, particularly if they plan to use public or Forest Service roads to travel between trails.
South Dakota Off-Road Vehicle Information: https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/off-road-vehicles/
RIDE RESPONSIBLY
Motorized travel in the Black Hills National Forest is limited to designated roads and trails, and cross-country travel is prohibited. Trail access, closures and conditions can change throughout the season, so always consult the current Motor Vehicle Use Map and Forest Service information before riding.
Please respect private property, posted closures and other trail users, and remember that cell service can be limited in remote areas of the Black Hills.