Black Hills National Forest

Immerse yourself in 1.2 million acres of diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery at Black Hills National Forest. Established in 1897 by President Grover Cleveland, this stunning destination owes its name to the pine trees that cover the landscape, giving the hills a black appearance from a distance. The Lakota Sioux know the region as “paha sapa” – translated as “hills that are black” – and have considered it a sacred place for hundreds of years. The forest is 110 miles long and 70 miles wide, comprised of mountains that span the Central Hills, Northern Hills, Southern Hills and Northeast Wyoming. You’ll find trails, streams, lakes, caves and some of the highest peaks East of the Rocky Mountains here. Wondering where to catch the best views? Keep reading to see our top four picks.