Description
What it is
This is the Black Hills South sheet (Map #238) in National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated topographic series, sold as a single map. Because the Black Hills National Forest is too large to map usefully on one sheet at 1:70,000, the series splits it North and South. This South sheet covers the southern half, the part of the hills where most visitors spend their time. It prints on the waterproof, tear-resistant synthetic paper the whole Trails Illustrated line uses.
What this sheet covers
The South sheet covers the country reached from Rapid City, Custer, and Hot Springs. Points of interest include Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer State Park, the Black Elk Wilderness, Black Elk Peak (the highest point in South Dakota and the Black Hills at 7,242 feet), and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The south segments of the Centennial Trail and the Mickelson Trail, plus most of the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road corridors, are on this sheet as well. The cover photo is Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.
Specifications
- Map number: 238 (Black Hills South)
- ISBN-13: 9781566953474
- UPC: 0749717010178
- Scale: 1:70,000
- Folded size: 4.25″ x 9.25″
- Unfolded size: 25.5″ x 37.75″
- Paper: waterproof, tear-resistant synthetic
- Navigation: full UTM grid
Who is this for
Anyone whose Black Hills trip is built around the southern attractions, which is most first-time visitors. The contour lines, elevations, water features, and numbered forest service roads are real survey data for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, OHV use, and hunting. It is also the right reference for a multi-day trip when you want the road network, campgrounds, and trailheads laid out in full rather than on a phone screen.
Frequently asked questions
Which sheet covers Wind Cave and Jewel Cave?
This one. The South sheet (#238) also covers Custer State Park, the Black Elk Wilderness, and Mount Rushmore.
Is it a Mount Rushmore visitor guide?
No. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is shown on the sheet, but this is a topographic trail map for the Black Hills National Forest, not an NPS memorial brochure.
Is the paper actually waterproof?
Yes. It is printed on National Geographic’s “Backcountry Tough” synthetic paper, which can get wet, dry out, and be refolded without tearing at the creases.
Does buying this support the park?
BHPFA is the official nonprofit partner of Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, as well as the Black Hills National Forest and Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands. Proceeds from every purchase support education programs, conservation projects, and visitor services at these sites.
