Centennial Trail: Norbeck to Highland Creek

The Wind Cave section of the Centennial Trail is a six-mile, one-way walk from Norbeck Trailhead to Highland Creek Trailhead. It crosses rolling mixed-grass prairie, patches of ponderosa pine and the Beaver Creek corridor. Allow about 2½ to 3 hours on foot, with roughly 630 feet of climbing and 610 feet of descent. It is a through-hike, not a loop, so arrange a pickup at the far end; walking back doubles the distance.

The regional trail uses #89, but the signs inside Wind Cave say Trail #6. The tread is generally straightforward, though grass can hide a few junctions. Keep the route loaded and check it when the posts stop being obvious; don't assume you'll see #89 markers inside the park.

Near Norbeck, the trail follows the Beaver Creek corridor and crosses small streams; bridges are reported along the route. A small cave in a cliff has been reported about 1½ miles from Norbeck, with air blowing outward. It isn't a signed attraction, so treat it as a passing landmark rather than a reason to leave the trail. Elsewhere, tall rock outcrops break up the open grassland, with ponderosa and creek-side growth between them.

Bring all the drinking water you need. Water sources are scarce and creek flow can be unreliable; treat any water collected from streams. Bison and mountain lions range through Wind Cave, so give wildlife at least 25 yards. Pets are prohibited on this route; the park's trail exceptions are Prairie Vista and the Elk Mountain Campground trails.

Start at Norbeck and finish at Highland Creek. Trail access is listed from SD 87 or NPS 5, but parking capacity and facilities at the two trailheads aren't well documented. Arrange a pickup or use a Black Hills through-hiker shuttle. Overnight parking requires a backcountry camping permit, and parking-only permits aren't issued; overnight backcountry camping also needs a free permit from the visitor center. The Centennial Trail continues beyond this section toward Bear Butte State Park.