A Walk Along Veterans Point
There is no shortage of parks and trails you can visit to experience the wonderful outdoors in the Black Hills. However, it can be a bit of a challenge to find places that are accessible to everyone. Even trails that are considered “easy” are often not that easy to travel across for those with mobility issues or families with a stroller. Fortunately, Veteran’s Point offers an opportunity for everyone to get out and spend some time surrounded by nature.
Located on the northeastern tip of Pactola Reservoir, Veteran’s Point is a popular stop along Highway 385 less than 20 miles from Rapid City. Its trails take visitors through wooded areas and down along the shores of the lake. There are many benches where you can sit to soak in the peaceful beauty as well as tables for a picnic with your family. This site has some lovely views of Pactola Reservoir and is also a popular location in the area for fishing. Many people come to fish off the bridge that crosses over the water or to find a spot to cast from down along the shoreline. You can even go out on a wooden pier that overlooks the lake. And, most importantly, all of this is accessible to practically everyone.
With its asphalt surface and sturdy handrails, Veteran’s Point Trail is the perfect place for anyone with mobility issues to enjoy a short excursion in the Black Hills. The 0.7-mile paved trail leads down from the parking lot, across a bridge, and along the water’s edge. This surface is perfectly suited for a stroller, walker, or wheelchair. Most of the trail is relatively flat, though there are some steeper sections leading down to the water.
There is also a dirt trail loop that leads further back into the woods a short distance. At the far end of this loop stands the largest and oldest tree on the trail, nicknamed “Vet.” In 1992, a core sample was taken from Vet for study. By counting the rings, it was determined that the tree first sprouted in 1765! Unfortunately, the tree is now dead, but has been left standing as habitat for the local insects and wildlife. And a nearby sign lists all of the major wars and conflicts that occurred during the nearly 250-year life of Vet.
Veteran’s Point was specifically created to be a place in nature that is accessible for everyone. It was built in a joint effort between Rapid City Chapter #3 of the Disabled Veterans and the Black Hills National Forest and was officially opened with a ceremony on April 10, 1988. The Veteran’s Point Trail is dedicated “to the men and women who have been disabled in the service of this nation during times of war and is intended for the use and enjoyment of all visitors.”
The Veteran’s Point trailhead is located on the west side of Highway 385 just north of the Pactola Reservoir dam. From Rapid City, take Highway 44 about 15 miles until you reach Highway 385. Turn left and follow Highway 385 about 1.5 miles until you see the sign on the right-hand side of the road. The parking lot is paved with plenty of parking for vehicles and a public restroom near the start of the trail.
