Custer State Park Seasonal Volksmarch

Volksmarches are non-competitive walks along pre-marked routes. Teaming up with the Black Hills Volkssport Association, Custer State Park offers a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) seasonal trail for interested hikers.

With such diverse habitats and rich scenic beauty, the trail treks through different areas of the park every three years.  The 2008 summer season witnesses the third and final year for the trail route to be located on the west side of the park.  The trail begins at the Gordon Stockade Historical Site, which stands today as a replica to the first permanent "white" settlement in the Black Hills.  Traveling around Stockade Lake, the trail follows the footsteps of past gold panners and early pioneers, as well as uses a portion of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway for its route.  Adding a sense of nature, the trail follows a portion of the Stockade Lake Nature Trail, one of the most rugged, yet moderate hiking routes in the Midwest.

All participants need to register & obtain a trail map at the Peter Norbeck Visiter Center before departing on the hike.  Registration is available every day between 8am & 5pm. Please note, between Sept 15-30 registration will be available between 9am & 3pm.  There are a variety of fees associated with this seasonal event:

• Hike Only - $2.00
• Credit Only - $3.00
• Credit and "B" Award - $4.00
• NOTE: there will be no "A" awards offered in 2008