Black Hills National Forest, Custer, South Dakota, USA

Black Hills National Forest, Custer, South Dakota, USA

The Black Hills rise from the adjacent grasslands into a ponderosa pine forest. Described as an “Island in the Plains,” the Forest has diverse wildlife and plants reaching from the eastern forests to the western plains.

The Forest is a multiple-use Forest with activities ranging from timber production, grazing, to hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mining, wildlife viewing and many others.

Extensive cave systems wind their way beneath the Black Hills, with some of the longest explored caves in the world hiding just below the surface. Wind Cave National Park is the densest cave system in the world and growing, with four new miles of cave being explored every year. Jewel Cave National Monument near Custer is the third-longest explored cave in the world, and they are continuing to find new passageways. Though the cave itself doesn’t have any precious gems, the calcite crystals that cover this cave make it as beautiful as any jewelry. Delve into South Dakota’s caves!

Enjoy yourself while viewing the many rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, and deep blue lakes. Millions of visitors come to the Black Hills each year to experience the rich and diverse heritage.

Visit USA. Epic USA Adventure route © Monika & Simon Newbound. All rights reserved 2017