Hiking the Willow Creek Trail
Willow Creek Trail is an enjoyable 2.6-mile hike through the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and along the edge of the Black Elk Wilderness. This loop trail offers scenic views of Black Elk Peak, Willow Creek, and a small waterfall along with opportunities to see a variety of wildflowers and wildlife. And even though it is near a number of popular tourist destinations, you are likely to only encounter a few people on the trail.
Conveniently located between Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer, and Hill City, the entrance is easy to find on Highway 244 just across from the Mount Rushmore KOA Campground. The short gravel road leads to a large parking area with lots of room for cars and trailers. With the nearby Willow Creek Horse Camp, this is also a very popular trail for horseback riding in the summer. The trailhead itself is easy to spot with a large map showing all of the major trails throughout the area.
Personally, I like hiking Willow Creek Trail (also known as Trail #8) in a clockwise direction. It does start off with a short climb, but quickly evens out at the top. This section of the trail is relatively open and you’ll soon be treated to beautiful sights of the mountains in the distance as well as stunning rock formations close to the trail. My favorite sight is when Black Elk Peak and the Harney Fire Lookout Tower first come into view. It is so cool to see them standing in the distance like something out of a movie.
After about a mile, the loop connects with Black Elk Peak Trail #9, which branches off to the left. To stay on Willow Creek Trail, just keep going straight. The trail eventually descends and becomes lush with vegetation as it runs closer to Willow Creek. There are two water crossings, but they are both covered by bridges, so you don’t have to worry about getting your feet wet on this hike. Unless you want to. At one point you will see a wooden gate on the right that you can walk through and down to the water near a little waterfall. Here you will have to cross some rocks to get to the other side of the creek where the trail will take you to see the falls.
After this, the trail begins to open up again with more rock formations along the right side of the trail. Soon you’ll see the camping areas on the left and then you’ll be back at the trailhead. Of course, you can also hike the loop in the other direction if you want to see the waterfall first. You’ll also see some great views of Black Elk Peak from this direction. However, you will spend much more time hiking uphill if you go this route.
One of the things I like best about Willow Creek is that this is a fantastic trail for hikers at any experience level. For novice or young hikers, it is the perfect way to explore part of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and to see the edges of the Black Elk Wilderness without too much of a challenge. The loop is a relatively short distance, easy to walk, and can be completed in a little over an hour, depending on your pace. The dirt path is clearly marked and has mostly even footing the entire way. Even first-time hikers are bound to enjoy this trip.
There is plenty here for experienced hikers as well. Of course, everyone will enjoy the scenery and views of Black Elk Peak. You are also likely to see wildlife here, especially during the summer months, like deer, marmots, chipmunks, and a variety of birds. And for those who want more of a challenge, the Willow Creek Trailhead is also a great starting-off point for multiple hiking adventures.
From Trail #8 you can take Trail #9 south to Black Elk Peak (about 10.7 miles round trip). Trail #9 also connects with a series of trails that lead east to Horsethief Lake and all the way to Mount Rushmore for anyone looking for an all-day adventure. On the other side of the loop, Trail #8 also connects with the Lost Cabin trail for even more areas to explore.
The Black Elk Wilderness is one of the most beautiful and rugged areas in the Black Hills. While most of the trails here can be pretty challenging, Willow Creek Trail provides the opportunity to experience some of this beauty on a relatively easy hike. It is also a conveniently located so you can enjoy a walk in the wilderness on your way from Mount Rushmore to Crazy Horse Memorial or any of the other popular destinations in the area.
