Centennial Trail
~10 days · 118.2 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Centennial Trail is known for
South Dakota's Centennial Trail spans the Black Hills from Bear Butte State Park south to Wind Cave National Park — officially 111 miles, though measured tracks run closer to 120. The point-to-point route mixes ponderosa pine forest, open prairie, and granite high country, passing through Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park. Most thru-hikers take 8-11 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 10,430 ft to 17,877 ft over 118.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 45.7 mi · 39%
- Downhill 44.5 mi · 38%
- Flat 27.6 mi · 23%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Centennial Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Centennial Trail in about 10 days (9 nights out) over its 118.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Centennial Trail?
The Centennial Trail climbs roughly 17,628 ft total — about 149 ft per mile, topping out near 5,866 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.