A man and his son hiking the Big Pine Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Centennial Trail: Big Pine Trailhead

A Centennial Trail access point near Mount Rushmore, with horse-trailer parking and a scenic loop into the Black Elk Wilderness past granite formations.

About

Big Pine Trailhead is located in the central Black Hills along Rochford Road, about 30 minutes from Hill City and 40 minutes from Deadwood. Managed by Black Hills National Forest, this trailhead provides access to Trail #89, part of the Centennial Trail system. From here, visitors can travel north or south on routes that vary in length depending on direction, with common segments ranging several miles and connecting to other trailheads in the area. The terrain is considered moderate, featuring a mix of pine forest, open meadows, and gently rolling hills. The trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking where permitted. A parking area is available at the trailhead, and information is posted on site. Big Pine Trailhead offers a quieter, more remote access point for exploring the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills.