Deadman Trail

Updated on December 9, 2023  •  1 minute read  • 189 words

 12.2 mile hike  • 1587 feet elevation

Deadman Trail is a short trail that is part of the trail system developed on the south side of Sturgis, South Dakota. There is an upper and lower trailhead available with both having plenty of room for parking.

The Trail

Both trailheads have well developed trails making them easy to walk but the trails do become steep as they near the top of the hills. There are markers along the way to mark the path as well as direct you to a map at sturgistrails.org. Deadman trail is very windy as it zig-zags up the mountains to create a gradual incline. The top of the trail provides an amazing overview of the surrounding area and the Sturgis city dams.

Development

Deadman trail guides you to the old Sturgis city water dams. These dams used to supply water to the City of Sturgis and were blocked off from public use for years. In 2015, Deadman Trail was developed and the area was opened up for hiking, biking, fishing, and primitive camping. Funding for the trails was made possible through grants and donations to Black Hills Trails and with volunteer efforts.