Trail Overview
The Piedmont To Nemo Trail is a scenic gateway into the Black Hills National Forest, perfect for beginner to intermediate offroaders looking for a quick, engaging climb with views of Piedmont. Spanning just under a quarter-mile, this short but rocky connector segment links the edge of Piedmont to Forestry Road 144, climbing about 100 feet in elevation. The route is mostly one vehicle wide with limited passing spots, making alert driving essential as you navigate the unpaved surface. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and ATVs will easily handle the grade during the dry summer months when traction is optimal.
As the trail ascends, drivers are rewarded with scenic vistas of the town of Piedmont and the surrounding pine-covered hillsides. While the technical rating is mild at a 3 out of 10, the rocky terrain benefits from airing tire pressures down to 20-25 PSI to smooth out the ride. Winter travel introduces significant challenges, as the uphill climbs can become extremely slick due to ice accumulation and packed snow, requiring extra caution or recovery gear. A Black Hills National Forest motorized trail permit is required to access this route, and visitors can stock up on fuel at the nearby Mobil station in Piedmont before heading out.
Difficulty
The trail is easy for the most part during summer. In winter, however, the course may get slick on the uphill portions due to ice build-up. Airing down to 20-25 is recommended due to the rocky terrain in most of the spots.
Access Description
A Black Hills National Forest motorized trail permit is required to travel on this trail. While straightforward during summer, the uphill segments can become extremely icy and slick during winter, requiring careful navigation or recovery equipment.
