The Shanks Trail System, proposed by Black Hills Trails, will be added to the Black Hills National Forest trail system.
The Shanks Trail System will add 25 miles of trail to the current National Forest System trails, much of which will be multiple use. The trail system is located 7 miles west of Rapid City, SD. Work will include new construction, as well as re-routing portions of existing unsustainable trails to create a looped system. It will connect the existing Shanks and Schroeder motorized trails located north of Buzzards Roost by Hisega, SD.
The multiple use system is designed to promote positive and safe interaction between hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, and Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riders. The system will include 15 miles of non-motorized, 5 miles of motorcycle and 5 miles of OHV (62” or less) use trails. Approximately 5 miles of the total system will be shared use between motorized and non-motorized users.
Jim Gubbels, Mystic District Ranger, recently signed a decision approving the new trail system proposal. “The intent of this project is to not only provide new trails, but to integrate and create a more resilient and comprehensive motorized and non-motorized trail system near Rapid City,” said Gubbels. “We look forward to working with Black Hills Trails to get this project completed and their continued work with us on education and outreach with trail users.”
Black Hills Trails, a nonprofit volunteer group known for improving trails around Sturgis, SD, will assist in the construction of these trails and continued maintenance into the future. “Black Hills Trails mission is to connect communities with trails,” said Kent Jacobs, Black Hills Trails, Rapid City Zone Lead. “This multi-use trail system will provide new opportunities for all users.”
“This is a win, win for everyone involved,” said Bill Hearne, South Dakota Trails Development Corps. They will assist with work on the motorized portion of the trail.
Work will begin this fall and is expected to be completed in 2022.
For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.
Shanks Trailhead.
Photo credit Black Hills National Forest/USDA Forest Service.
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