Flume to Sheridan to Centennial Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views

The Flume Trail is family-friendly in many sections, especially where it follows the original flume bed: wide, mostly flat, and with only gradual elevation changes. Kids will enjoy the bridge crossings and exploring the remnants of historic flume construction.

The Rockerville Flume once carried water 20 miles to support the area's gold mining boom, transporting an estimated $20 million in gold before shutting down in 1885. Today, the Flume Trail (a National Recreational Trail) lets you hike in the footsteps of history.

Sections of the trail follow the actual flume bed, where you can see how it was constructed from wood and stone; in these areas the path is flat, wide (3–4 feet across), and gradual. Where the original flume has decayed or collapsed, the modern trail bypasses the gaps and rejoins the historic corridor. Along the way you'll cross numerous bridges, skirt the edge of a dam, and enjoy sweeping Black Hills views. Side loops and an equestrian trail provide options to shorten or reroute your hike.

The full trail stretches about 13 miles one way, but most visitors choose shorter sections or loops for day hikes. Whether you're hiking a mile or spending a full day on the trail, you'll be surrounded by both natural beauty and relics of South Dakota's mining past.