Pilot Knob Motorized Trailhead

About Pilot Knob Motorized Trailhead

Pilot Knob Motorized Trailhead sits on Forest Service Road 208 in the Black Hills National Forest, northwest of Rapid City near Nemo, South Dakota. It is one of the main gateways into the northern Black Hills OHV network, giving riders direct access to the Centennial Trail and to the wider system of trails around Nemo. Riders describe it as the center of the northern Black Hills riding area.

Motorized North, Non Motorized South

The trailhead sits on a boundary in the Centennial Trail, and understanding that is the key to using it properly.

Traveling north from Pilot Knob, the Centennial Trail is open to motorized use. Traveling south, it is non motorized only. Off highway vehicles 62 inches wide or less are permitted between Dalton Lake Trailhead and Pilot Knob Trailhead, and that 62 inch limit is the number to check before loading a machine. Many full size side by sides exceed it.

From Pilot Knob riders can reach a great deal more than the Centennial Trail itself. Trail 8089 is the route most ATV visitors to the Black Hills ride, and Pilot Knob is one of the main places to join it. Trail 8031 heads south and Trail 6210 heads west from here.

The route between Pilot Knob and South Boxelder is extremely popular in summer, and it is one of the few Nemo area routes open year round.

Permits and the Official Map

Two things are required reading before riding the Black Hills.

A valid Motorized Trail Permit is needed to ride the designated OHV system trails. The Black Hills carry more than 3,800 miles of roads and trails open to motorized vehicles, with over 700 miles of system trails specifically designated for OHVs.

The Motor Vehicle Use Map is the official document showing which roads, trails and areas are open to public motorized travel. The Forest Service is explicit that visitors should not rely on any other map for those decisions. It is free from local Forest Service offices, from local vendors and online.

Facilities

Facilities are minimal by design. There is parking and a restroom at the trailhead. There is no drinking water, so bring what you need.

Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted on national forest land along this stretch, provided sites sit at least 100 feet from any creek or stream and half a mile from developed recreation areas. Open campfires are prohibited along the Centennial Trail corridor, and fire restrictions across the forest change through the season, so check current conditions before you go.

Riding the Black Hills

The terrain around Nemo is what draws riders from across the country. Trails climb through ponderosa pine, cross creeks and open onto long views over the hills. Some sections are rocky and can turn muddy after rain.

Pilot Knob connects into a network that includes Dalton Lake, South Boxelder and Piedmont trailheads, so a rider basing anywhere in the Nemo area can put together full days without repeating ground.

Getting There

The trailhead is on Forest Service Road 208 in the Nemo area of the Black Hills, northwest of Rapid City. From Rapid City, take South Canyon Road west, which becomes Nemo Road, and continue to Nemo.

The Black Hills National Forest office in Spearfish can be reached at 605-642-4622, Monday through Friday.

Rapid City is the natural base for a trip, and Black Hills Speedway races there on Friday nights during the season if you want to combine riding with a night at the track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to ride at Pilot Knob?

Yes. A valid Motorized Trail Permit is required to ride designated OHV system trails in the Black Hills National Forest.

How wide can my machine be?

OHVs 62 inches wide or less are permitted between Dalton Lake Trailhead and Pilot Knob Trailhead. Wider machines are not allowed on that section.

Can I ride in both directions from the trailhead?

No. North of Pilot Knob the Centennial Trail is open to motorized use. South of it, the trail is non motorized only.

Which map should I use?

The Motor Vehicle Use Map, which is the only official source for what is open to motorized travel. It is free from Forest Service offices, local vendors and online.

What facilities are at the trailhead?

Parking and a restroom. There is no drinking water.

Can I camp there?

Dispersed backcountry camping is allowed on national forest land, at least 100 feet from creeks and half a mile from developed recreation areas. Open campfires are prohibited.

Is it open year round?

The route between Pilot Knob and South Boxelder is one of the few Nemo area routes open year round, though conditions vary with weather.

Where is Pilot Knob Motorized Trailhead located?

On Forest Service Road 208 in the Black Hills National Forest, in the Nemo area northwest of Rapid City, South Dakota.

More information on Pilot Knob Motorized Trailhead; Click here https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/recreation/pilot-knob-trailhead

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