Centennial Trail: Elk Creek

Tucked into scenic Vanocker Canyon between Sturgis and Nemo, the Elk Creek Trailhead is the northernmost Black Hills National Forest access point on the 111-mile Centennial Trail. From this trailhead, hikers can travel 11.5 miles north to the Alkali Creek Trailhead, or 12.8 miles south to the Dalton Trailhead and Campground. Heading south leads into one of the trail's most dramatic stretches — Elk Creek Canyon, with its steep 300- to 400-foot limestone walls, rugged outcroppings, and lush canyon floor filled with spruce, ash, oak, birch, aspen, and pine. The trail crosses Elk Creek five times on the section to Dalton Lake, so plan on getting wet. The trailhead is a small parking area off Forest Service Road 169.1, with no restrooms on site. In spring the creek crossing at the trailhead will likely be running; later in summer and fall it may be dry. There is no bridge at this crossing. Open to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use.