Power Line

Forestry Road 425, or "Power Line" is a easy "there and back" dirt forest road southeast of Hill City South Dakota. It can be accessed by taking Highway 16 south from Hill City, turning east onto SD Highway 244, and then taking the first left onto Power Line. Power Line does not require a special permit to access.

There are a few spots within the first half mile of Power Line suitable for camping. These could accommodate a ground tent, vehicle tent, or small trailer and can be found just off the side of the road. While the views are better further down the road, the terrain becomes steeper and rockier.

Power Line is predominately rough dirt, with a few short rutted areas and embedded rocks. It should be little problem for any 4x4 or SUV. The dirt does become slick after a rain but should dry within 24 hours.

Power Line offers many samples of Aspen forests, as well as views of Black Elk Peak and the surrounding granite spires, however most views require looking through the surrounding trees. One of the best views is actually just toward the end of the branch route, 425.1D, just before it ends in a turn-around. This branch can be accessed just before the end of Power Line.