Homestake Trail Deadwood Lead
A scenic 6-mile trail connecting Deadwood and Lead, offering historic mining insights and beautiful Black Hills vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Homestake Trail Deadwood Lead
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 6-mile trail connecting Deadwood and Lead, offering historic mining insights and beautiful Black Hills vistas.
"Wonderful hike! Easy enough for our 5 year old granddaughter to hike the whole trail from Lead to Deadwood."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Figure out parking at your start/end point to avoid extra hiking. :car:
🌦️ Pack for All Weather
Be ready for sun, rain, and even hail! Layers are your best friend. :cloudwithrain:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mining Scenery
Along the trail
Discover remnants of the area's rich mining past with informative signs and remnants of old operations.
Panoramic Town Views
Overlooking Deadwood and Lead
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of both historic towns from the trail's elevated vantage points.
Diverse Natural Landscapes
Throughout the trail
Hike through open meadows, dense forests, and dramatic gorges, spotting local wildlife along the way.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Logistics
Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Figure out parking at your start/end point to avoid extra hiking. :car:
🌦️ Pack for All Weather
Be ready for sun, rain, and even hail! Layers are your best friend.
🚶♀️ Easy Grade for Families
Great for kids! Mostly downhill from Lead to Deadwood. :child:
🗺️ Trail Direction Clarity
Directional posts can be sparse; pay attention to your route. :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Figure out parking at your start/end point to avoid extra hiking. :car:
🌦️ Pack for All Weather
Be ready for sun, rain, and even hail! Layers are your best friend.
🚶♀️ Easy Grade for Families
Great for kids! Mostly downhill from Lead to Deadwood. :child:
🗺️ Trail Direction Clarity
Directional posts can be sparse; pay attention to your route. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Homestake Trail's beautiful scenery, diverse landscapes, and historical mining insights. Many appreciate its family-friendly nature, particularly the manageable downhill grade from Lead to Deadwood. Some users note that directional signage could be improved, and weather can change rapidly.
"Wonderful hike! Easy enough for our 5 year old granddaughter to hike the whole trail from Lead to Deadwood as the grade was mostly an easy downhill grade. We only went one direction. Beautiful views overlooking both towns.
Open meadows, forest, gorges, wildlife, and informational signs out the mine along the way. Took us about 2 hours, but we did not spend much time reading the signs, wich I will do next time.
Great day in the Black Hills!"
Pam Boer
"So my sister and I actually did this trail back in the summer of 2018 when the cities first created it. Back then there was no trailhead sign like there is now. But you can start from either end . We started in lead down the hill past the manual park. The trail is about 6 miles from lead to deadwood atop the mountain ridges and ends in a neighborhood in deadwood. It’s a fun trip but figure out where to park or you have another 6 miles of hiking back to lead."
Kitkat
"Steep at either end; has been re-routed since the last time I walked it."
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Homestake Trail connects Deadwood and Lead. You can start from either town. Parking is available in both, but be mindful of where you leave your vehicle as the trail is about 6 miles long. Some visitors arrange for shuttles or have someone pick them up at their destination.
Information on direct public transportation to specific trailheads is limited. It's recommended to check local Deadwood and Lead transit options or consider ride-sharing services if available.
You can access the trail from multiple points. Popular starting points are near Manual Park in Lead or in a neighborhood in Deadwood.
Yes, many people hike the Homestake Trail one way, typically from Lead to Deadwood as it offers a mostly downhill grade. Just ensure you have transportation arranged for your return trip. +1
Parking can be a challenge. It's advisable to research parking availability at your chosen trailhead in advance. Some users suggest starting in Lead and ending in Deadwood to simplify logistics.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Homestake Trail is a public recreational trail and does not require any tickets or admission fees to access.
The Homestake Trail is open year-round during daylight hours. Access may be limited during severe winter weather conditions.
There is no entrance fee for the Homestake Trail. It is a free public access trail.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Homestake Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check local regulations for any specific pet policies.
While some sections may be relatively smooth, the trail has steep portions at either end and has been re-routed. It may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers throughout its entirety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Homestake Trail is approximately 6 miles long. Hiking time can vary, but most people take around 2-3 hours, depending on how much time they spend reading the informational signs.
Expect a diverse landscape including open meadows, forests, gorges, and remnants of the historic Homestake Mine. You'll also find informational signs detailing the area's mining history.
Some hikers have reported difficulty with navigation due to a lack of clear directional posts. It's advisable to have a map or GPS device handy.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the main trailheads in Deadwood and Lead. Intermediate facilities along the trail are not common.
You might encounter various local wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and potentially deer. Always maintain a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks offering views of Deadwood and Lead are prime photography spots. Also, capture the unique mining remnants and the diverse natural scenery along the path.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photos, especially over the towns. However, ensure you are aware of your surroundings and have adequate lighting if hiking during these times.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views, and a telephoto can be useful for wildlife.
The juxtaposition of the historic mining structures against the natural landscape provides unique photographic opportunities. Look for interesting textures and historical markers.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best light. Midday can be harsh, but it's still good for capturing details of the mining equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of water and snacks. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather – layers are essential as hail storms can occur even on sunny days!
Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes. Planning your parking and transportation at either end is crucial to avoid any unexpected extra mileage.🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save money: Pack your own lunch and snacks to avoid purchasing them along the trail. Research free parking options in Deadwood and Lead. Consider carpooling or arranging a ride with friends if you're traveling in a group to split transportation costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Bring a versatile lens for landscapes and details. Be prepared for all weather conditions, as dramatic skies can enhance your shots.
Capture the unique textures of the old mining equipment and the interplay between history and nature. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Homestake Trail
Consider the direction of your hike carefully. Many opt to hike from Lead to Deadwood, as this route generally follows an easy downhill grade, making it more accessible for families and less strenuous.
Despite potential navigation challenges, the trail rewards hikers with diverse scenery. You'll traverse open meadows, dense forests, and dramatic gorges, all while passing by remnants of the area's significant mining past. Informational signs along the way provide fascinating insights into the Homestake Mine's history, adding an educational layer to your outdoor adventure.
A Family-Friendly Adventure
Beyond the ease of the hike, the trail offers engaging elements for younger explorers. The open meadows and forests provide opportunities for spotting wildlife, and the historical mining remnants can spark curiosity about the past. The informational signs, while perhaps less engaging for very young children, can be a great learning tool for older kids and adults alike.
When planning a family outing, remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. The unpredictable Black Hills weather means being prepared for sudden changes, as one group experienced an unexpected hail storm.
Ensuring everyone has comfortable footwear is also key for a pleasant family hike on the Homestake Trail.Capturing the Essence of the Trail
Beyond the grand vistas, the trail's history is visually rich. The remnants of the Homestake Mine, with their unique textures and structures, offer fantastic opportunities for close-up shots and storytelling through imagery. Look for interesting details, signage, and the way these historical artifacts are integrated into the natural environment.
For optimal results, consider bringing a versatile lens that can handle both wide-angle landscape shots and more detailed captures. Being prepared for changing weather conditions is also important, as unexpected storms can add a dramatic element to your photos, as evidenced by one traveler's experience.
Always be mindful of your surroundings and the trail conditions, especially if you're hiking during dawn or dusk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit