Trail Overview

From Bear Mountain Lookout to Pactola Reservoir, this gravel road will show you the best the Black Hills National Forest offers. Take your time along the expansive alpine meadows & while driving along Lightening Creek, as you'll have many chances to spot deer and other wildlife along this route.

Photos of Bear Mountain Lookout to Pactola Reservoir

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Difficulty

Well maintained forest service gravel road

Technical Rating

Mark L

Aug 04, 2025

Open

This gravel road is being paved. Blacktop starts at the north end at FS231, by Rochford, and goes south... not sure how far south, but by the number of Harleys Riding, all the way.

Greg Hare

Jul 25, 2025

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Deer. Rabbit. Creek.

stefan hartwig

Mar 28, 2025

Open

Muddy/WetSnow/Ice

Generally in decent shape after the winter, starting to thaw. Some surface water, but not enough to dig in. There are a couple paved sections that connect the various trails, but a great way to spend an afternoon.

Sharon Hoefert

Aug 21, 2024

Open

Normal

Route taken from Custer end. First third is gravel and easy. Then it comes to road construction (we followed pilot car for several miles) which is clearly going to be a paved road. It was a beautiful ride. But will likely no longer be a 62 mile “trail”

Jack Clark

Oct 02, 2023

Open

Normal

Thomas Olson

Sep 03, 2023

Temporarily Closed

Posted Sign

Tanner Allhands

Jun 26, 2023

Open

Muddy/Wet

Drew S

May 20, 2023

Open

DustyNormal

Cameron Tracy

Apr 15, 2023

Open