Roof Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Restrooms and water fountains can be found at the visitor center at the beginning of the hike and at the end of the hike.

The trail is short and free of obstacles.

The trail departs from the front of the visitor center to the right as you face the center. It follows service roads for a little bit before turning into a double wide dirt and gravel trail. Shortly after a tenth of a mile, the Canyon Trail breaks off to the right while the Roof Trail continues straight. The trail is shaded as it meanders through the ponderosa pine forest. Keep your eye open for deer, especially in the mornings and evenings.

There are several benches along the trail if you need to sit and rest, and just enjoy the views and sounds of the forest. At a quarter of a mile, the Canyon Trail breaks off to the right and drops down to the canyon floor. At 0.3 miles, there is a viewing platform that provides one of the best views of the landscape of the Black Hills National Forest. From the platform, the trail gently back up the hill toward the visitor center, where the trail comes to an end back where you started.

The trail meanders through a forest of ponderosa pines. Wildflowers can be seen in the spring, summer, and fall, while animals like deer can be seen throughout the year.