Great way to learn how to TREAD Lightly and keep our trails open. Remember - if you are off trail, too wide for the trail as designated, damaging fences or are mud bogging you are part of the problem and a reason trails get shutdown. This isn't the Wild West, there are rules that need to be followed to keep our trails open.
Seasonal roads/trails in the Black Hills National Forest close December 15th. There is still many miles of trails and forest roads to ride. ... See MoreSee Less
Tread Lightly | Online Courses
www.treadlightly.org
RIDE ON is Tread Lightly!’s flagship campaign offering education and stewardship focusing on anything with an engine that gets you into the outdoors. This is a much needed addition to a popular destination. Great work done by some great companies and volunteer organizations. Well Done!
Off Road Riders Association
Rice's Polaris of the Black Hills
Outdoor MotorSports
Thanks for the grant Yamaha Outdoors
For those that want to get involved in projects like this, contact The Black Hills Trails Volunteers. ... See MoreSee Less
We just wanted to touch on a subject of the Black Hills National Forest trails. The FS is starting to use their Trail Rangers and Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) to enforce the 62" width limit on trails. The fine can be as much as $280 plus more if they determine resource damage you may cause by, for example, crossing a creek instead of using the bridge as you are too wide or playing in mud holes. Those fines can add more than $500.
We at SDAUA know that there are many machines out there that don't fit under that 62" width limit and there are currently thousands of miles of trails/roads open to all with no width restrictions. There are also MANY machines that do fit 62" trails. We, as an association are looking into asking the FS to widen that limit from 62" to as much as 65" as that is what the original environmental impact study was for. If you want wider, there will need to be another study costing time and money. Money that could be used to add trails & maintain trails, provide maps, increase trail signage and more.
Here is a quick rundown on what the BHNF has to offer riders:
3157 miles of system roads
548 miles of roads open to all
148 miles of trails open to all
397 miles of 62" trails
72 miles of 50" trails (in WY)
90 Miles of single track trails
In the meantime, we ask that you respect the rules of the Black Hills National Forest and respect the 62" width limit. We would also ask that you respect other trail users (hikers, bikers, horses, etc...) and home/cabin owners by keeping the noise down, slow down near other trail users and in general just show respect to others. We all want to enjoy the Black Hills, in different ways, however we need to respect each other.
We as an association are always open for input from the ATV/UTV community so please feel free to leave constructive feedback. If the comments are rude or disrespectful they will be deleted. ... See MoreSee Less