Follow Strider's Rambles

June 29, 2021

I hiked the trail with my sister and two friends, Mike and Brendan. Jenessa & I met at Bear Butte State Park, which is the north end of the trail. The visitor center allowed long term parking for thru-hikers.  We parked her vehicle in the corner of the parking lot, as far from the visitor center as possible, and took Hwy 385 to the Deer Creek trailhead, where we picked up the guys.

Continuing south on Hwy 385 brought us to the Wind Cave National Park visitor center. I went inside to say hello and fill out a backcountry permit. It was a short drive from there to Norbeck Trailhead, which is the southern end of the trail. As instructed by park staff, I left the backcountry permit on my car’s dash to indicate long-term parking. We camped near the trailhead on a grassy knoll and played a long board game until 11 pm, late for the trail!