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BLACK ELK WILDERNESS
BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST

BLACK ELK WILDERNESS

Established by an act of Congress on December 22, 1980 the Black Elk Wilderness is named for a Lakota holy man.

The Black Elk Wilderness is part of the Black Hills Fire Protection District in which campfires are only allowed in developed campground and picnic ground fire grates. No campfires are allowed in the Black Elk Wilderness.

Check with the Forest Supervisors office for details on this and other restrictions that apply to the Black Elk Wilderness.

GROUPS: Groups are limited to a combination of 25 persons and saddle/ pack animals. Group sizes of 10 or less are recommended.

PETS: Dogs must be leashed or under strict voice control. Loose dogs can cause conflicts with wildlife and other users.

HIKING: Please don't cut switchbacks or pioneer new trails.

HORSE USE: Use certified weed- and seed-free hay and pellets. Scatter manure before you leave. Use highlines or hobbles to tie up stock.

CAMPING: Camp at least 1/2 mile from Harney Peak and the Sylvan Lake Trail. Camp at least 200 feet from streams and water sources.

FIRES: Bring a camp stove. Campfires are prohibited in the Black Elk Wilderness.

SANITATION: To keep our water pure, bury human waste at 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or further from water sources.

TRASH: Please pack out your trash.

Harney Peak and Trail #9 from Sylvan Lake are heavily used during May 1 through September 30th. If you are not looking for a wilderness experience PLEASE help us reduce use and hike some of our non-wilderness trails.

Thanks!

There, when I was young, the spirits took me in my vision to the
center of the earth and showed me all the good things in the sacred
hoop of the world.
—Black Elk, Lakota Holy Man

THE WILDERNESS ACT OF 1964 PROHIBITS:

• Possessing or using any motorized vehicles, equipment or mechanized transportation (including motorcycles, chain saws, bicycles or carts).
• Landing aircraft (including helicopters).
  (exceptions include emergencies and access with mechanical wheelchairs for people with disabilities.)

For more information, contact:

BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST
SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE
Highway 285 North
RR 2 Box 200
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-9200

www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/

Leave No Trace—Outdoor Ethics
www.LNT.org
1-800-332-4100

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
September 2001

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