Jake Section 2

Trail Overview

A high-clearance 4x4 with low range, lockers, lowest gears, larger-than-stock tires, rock sliders, and a winch is required, and body damage is likely. The Sections of Jake are rock-crawling routes along Trail 6326. This is Section 2 of Jake, which is considerably more difficult than Section 1. Double the length of Section 1, Section 2 of Jake is home to diff grabbing boulders, tire-slashing slate rock outcroppings, and two dried up waterfalls that will leave you second-guessing your capability. As you pick your way down the trail, you eventually encounter Pinion Falls. While the obstacle is clear, a side route has developed over the years. Please refrain from using this, and conquer Pinion Falls. This helps us keep this route OPEN for all to use. Pinion Falls has earned its name. Be wary of your rear pinion as you scale your way through the obstacle. Be prepared to winch, as there are no legal bailouts along this section of the trail. Once you have made your way OVER Pinion Falls, you aren't out of the woods yet. Creep your way to the final obstacle, and claw your way back onto 6326. This last obstacle features two large outcroppings that are severally undercut. They are known for claiming many of the rear axle shafts, making chromoly shafts wish they were still in a box at 4 Wheel Parts. Recently (8/17/2025), a trail rider caused severe trail damage. Instead of choosing one of the many trees to winch from, the user bailed out on the left side. This is illegal and can risk closing the trail. Only enter this creek bed if you are prepared for a true challenge of the tensile strength of your drive line. Body damage is highly likely here in Jake Section 2. Help us keep this rock crawling section by obeying the Tread Lightly! Guidelines. Go over the obstacles, not around. Refrain from using the trail when muddy.

Photos of Jake Section 2

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Difficulty

Two obstacles in Jake Section 2 set this difficulty scale. With a two-part dried up waterfall that will test your wheelbase and drive shaft strength, and an undercut outcropping known to make chromoly axle shafts shudder with fear. The occasional boulder will reach out to grab any low-hanging shock mounts and diffs. Drivers, beware, Section 2 is significantly harder than Section 1. If you are not comfortable with body damage or possible driveline damage, continue onto Trail 6326. Which rides alongside the Rock Crawling route. While still requiring low range, 6326 is a 3/10 difficulty bypass. Pick your lines well, and stay on trail. There are NO LEGAL bailouts once you enter Section 2. Plan accordingly.

History

Opened by the Dakota Territory cruisers in the 90's. The history of this trail is fuzzy, with not many knowing where the name "Jake" came from. Pinion Falls was named after a day involving an FJ40, and the rock outcropping that looks like the perfect place to grab your rear diff yoke. Jake has been a part of the trail system for several decades. In 201,0 the Black Hills trail system experienced a massive land closure to motorized vehicles. With clubs like Black Hills 4Wheelers, Black Hills Jeeps, and the Dakota Territory Cruisers working together, they were able to preserve the rock crawling routes you run on today in the Black Hills National Forest. This is the importance of what our actions on the trail today mean for tomorrow.

Technical Rating

Jake Section 2 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike