Central Hills Loop

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > South Dakota

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 9 visitors

State: South Dakota
Date Submitted: April 1, 2008
Submitted by: Todd Anderson
Motorcycle Road Length: 57 Miles

Written Directions

This route begins and ends in Keystone, SD. Begin by taking Hwy. 244 west toward Mount Rushmore (also called Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway). After about 10 miles, this road ends at Highway 385 where you will turn left (South) for a few hundred yards and make another left onto Hwy. 87 toward Custer State Park. Follow 87 about 5 miles to a "Y" in the road (Jct. 89). Turn left here to continue following Hwy. 87 and enter the park. Ride past Sylvan Lake and continue on 87 (also called Needles Highway). After about 15 miles, Hwy. 87 ends at Hwy. 16. Turn left (East) and follow Hwy. 16 for about 8 miles to Iron Mountain Road (Hwy. 16 North). Turn left and follow Iron Mountain Road all the way back to Keystone (approx 16 miles).

Scenery

From the quaint, historic town of Keystone, past world famous Mount Rushmore, through scenic Custer State park, this route packs more scenery per mile than arguably any other road in the world. Plan to stop often so you can enjoy the view safely, and for heaven's sake don't forget your camera!

Road Quality

This route is a motorcyclists dream. Incredible twisties, switch backs, pigtail bridges hills and valleys, and even a few short tunnels, all complimented by excellent pavement that is well maintained through the non-winter months.

Some of these roads are narrow with tight turns and many elevation changes. It may not be well suited for beginner riders. Riding this loop in reverse is a nice alternative the second time!

Notice George Washington's profile at the top of the photo.

Roadside Amenities

Check out the shops in Keystone, visit Mount Rushmore, camp/hike/fish in Custer State Park or several other locations along the way.

Photo contributed by a visitor in July 09: "The Needles Hwy tunnel."

Photo contributed by a visitor in July 09: "Some tight turns on Iron Mt.Rd."

Photo contributed by Dale in Aug 09

Photo contributed by Dale in Aug 09

Photo contributed by Dale in Aug 09

Photo contributed by Dale in Aug 09

Photo contributed by Dale in Aug 09

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Todd Anderson

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Reviewed by Trapper on November 29, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: David Haynes
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Yamaha "Raider" V-Twin, 119 c.i./1900 c.c.
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: It is the rides around Sturgis like the Needles Hwy., Iron Mountain Hwy., Custer Park, etc., not Sturgis that drew me back there for the last three years. Excellent Riding!!!!!!
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Reviewed by Guest on March 18, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Aaron Baltosser
motorcycle_year: 1984
motorcycle_make: Honda
Comment: Riding the Needles Highway was a thrilling time! Constant elevation changes as you wind you way through the mountains, with some switchbacks having a 5 MPH speed limit made it a very technical challenge. The views as you go higher and higher are nothing short of spectacular. Several tunnels along the route are so narrow that two full dressers might have trouble going through at the same time. Road Quality Rating is a 5! The road is in good repair with drastic changes in both direction and elevation all along the route. I had to clear my ears multiple times. There is not a straight piece of road along this route. The surface in the later afternoon does have a shine to it that at times makes it difficult to see ahead of you.
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Reviewed by Guest on October 7, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Tyra
motorcycle_year: 2001
motorcycle_make: Buell
Comment: Just completed ride from Sheridan, WY to through the Black Hills over 800 miles. September 2010 - beautiful colors and the weather was fantastic mid to upper 80s. During the buffalo roundup in the Custer State Park.
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Reviewed by Guest on June 8, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Ian Smith
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: My partner and i attended the Sturgis Rally in 2009 as part of our 12000 mile road trip around the US, without a doubt the Black Hills was a highlight of the trip that we will remember for years to come. Stunning scenery and outrides, even in our home country of South Africa we would be hard pressed to find a comparison.
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Reviewed by Guest on August 14, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: DeDe
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Best ride in the Black Hills! If you ride early in the AM you avoid most of the traffic during bike week and can ride at the speed limit.
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Reviewed by Guest on August 7, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: need to know
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: awesome if the partner would let me do the speed limit!!!
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Reviewed by Guest on October 7, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Roger Merriman
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: I did this route on an Electra Glide the week before this year's Black Hills Ralley. Spectacular scenery and good road surface but the rider doesn't get a whole lot of time to enjoy it as absolute concentration is required. The Iron Mountain Road section is very challenging, particularly the 1st gear switchbacks. This ride might be a bit too much for a new rider. Sure would be fun on a Ducati 996 though.
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Reviewed by Guest on September 2, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Rich K
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Just finished a 2,700 mile journey from Chicago to the Black Hills. I ran this route a few times during my stay in SD. Words cannot express the beauty of the scenery alolng this entire route.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 12, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Steve Lycus
Comment: Just finished a 2000 mile trek from Minneapolis to the Black Hills and back in 10 days. Most breath taking scenery imaginable. The only real way to see it is on a bike.
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