A new motorcycle trail dozer, donated in part by Yamaha Corporation is being used to open up additional "Motorcycle Only" trails in Black Hills National Forest. Nearly half a million motorcycle enthusiasts attend the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota and many come to enjoy riding in the Black Hills that stretch into Wyoming.
Millions of park visitors every year enjoy viewing the rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, and deep blue lakes.
September 20, 2011 - The U.S. Forest Service announced the opening of 10 miles of new single-lane trails in the Mystic Ranger District. The Black Hills National Forest covers an area that is 125 miles long and 65 miles wide. (map provided by the U.S. Forest Service)
“These new "Motorcycles Only" trails require advanced riding skills,” said Bob Thompson, acting deputy forest supervisor for the Black Hills National Forest. The new motorcycle trail dozer will be used to create additional new trails that will open this fall.
The new dozer can be driven or operated remotely, and specializes in creating motorcycle trails, although it will also be used to build and maintain other off-road vehicle trails.
The motorcycle trails have markers placed on each end and along the way to help users know where they are, but riders should also carry an official Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of the area that designates all roads, trails and areas available for public motorized travel in the National Forest.
For more information on the map and on the Black Hills National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.
