In the picturesque wilderness of the Black Hills, where massive granite cliffs and challenging climbing routes often captivate adventurers, the true danger for hikers often lurks on the more frequented trails. Despite the allure of these rugged landscapes, the majority of hiking emergencies stem not from navigating complex routes but from the lack of preparedness among those traversing the well-trodden paths.
According to Sam Smolnisky, the Director of Custer County Search & Rescue, ample preparation stands as the linchpin of hiking safety in the region. “There’s a lot of great places in the Black Hills to go adventure,” Smolnisky noted, “But knowing where you’re gonna go, how long it’s gonna take, what supplies you should bring with, really sets people up for success.”
Emphasizing the significance of preparedness, Smolnisky outlined essential measures for ensuring a safe hiking experience. He stressed the importance of familiarizing oneself with the chosen route, packing an adequate supply of food and water, and consulting weather forecasts before embarking on any excursion into the hills.
Among the popular trails prone to incidents, Smolnisky singled out Trail 9 North. While not inherently perilous, this trail often catches hikers off guard due to their underestimation of its difficulty. The ten-mile round-trip trek culminating at the summit of Black Elk Peak demands a daunting 2,500 feet of elevation gain, a factor that hikers should duly consider when planning their outings.
In essence, while the allure of the Black Hills’ rugged terrain may beckon adventurers far and wide, it is the preparation and foresight of hikers that ultimately determine whether an outing ends in triumph or requires the intervention of search and rescue teams.