Reviewed by: Royce , from Onida,SD

Summary:
I have ridden this trail both directions and i like to go counterclockwise,because of the long downhill to the lake.It is as good a singletrack as you can get in the area.The reason i ride this trail is that the temp up here is much cooler than down in rapid city.So if your in rapid city ,its hotter than hell and you want to go on a ride close to town than this is it.

Recommended Route:
take hwy 16(mount rushmore road) out of rapid city,go to hill city.take hwy 385 north towards deerfield lake.turn at the national forest campground road.The ftrail cuts across the road about a mile ahead,youll see the signs.park along the road and jump on.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
40,it hooks on to 40L and takes you down to mystic,great ride,centennial.

Reviewed by: Eric A , from Sioux Falls SD

Summary:
This is a great trail , one of the best I have ridden in South Dakota , one of the best I've ever ridden . The singletrack is most excellent especailly on the areas northor west of the lake , they in a wide open praire area alnog they trail and like a riding on a roller coaster. It was like heaven !!! There were some jeep roads that were easy going after the dam area . about half way around . Then more singletrak in a forested area with a great downhill leading to the lake . There are 2 paved road crossings and a few across gravel but there was virtally no traffic. just beware of the cows :P .
I have ridden several trails in the Black Hills and find that IMHO this one is one of the best.

Recommended Route:
We started at the North Shore trailhead and headed north on the trail clockwise .

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Old Baldy , Rimrock .

Reviewed by: Bill , from Palermo, NJ

Summary:
This trail is 80%-90% singletrack with some sections of jeep roads interspersed. Lots of ups and downs. Some steep, but mostly rideable. One or two longer climbs/descents. The trail runs through pine forest and open prairie around the lake. Exellent views of the lake and the surrounding hills.

Recommended Route:
I actually rode this trail twice. Once clockwise, once counter-clockwise. Each time starting at Dutchman Campground. Both ways were fun.

Reviewed by: Ken , from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Summary:
Just like previous posts say, jump on at any trailhead and follow the 40L trail signs. I rode the Pah Ha Sapa trail the day before so this really one really deleted me of any energy I had left. Very nice scenery of the water for 75% of the ride.

Recommended Route:
I also think that riding it counter-clockwise would be an easier, more enjoyable ride. This coming from someone who actually likes to ride uphill.