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Welcome to the Trailhound Cabins blog! Your go-to guide for exploring the Black Hills. From scenic trail tips and local adventures to cozy cabin stays after a day outside, we share everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the our favorite part of the world.
Which Black Hills City Is Best?
Choosing where to stay in the Black Hills? Compare Custer, Hill City, Deadwood/Lead, Rapid City, Sturgis, and Spearfish—what each is best for and why.
December 30, 2025
Black Hills Packing List
Use this Black Hills packing list for unpredictable weather: casual local style, base layers, flannels, hiking pants, plus grab-and-go downloadable lists for your trip.
December 30, 2025
Climbing in the Black Hills
Discover why rock climbers love the Black Hills—world-class granite in Custer State Park and Rushmore, plus limestone routes in Spearfish Canyon.
December 30, 2025
5 Reasons to Choose Local Cabin Rental Management
Discover 5 reasons to choose local cabin rental management in the Black Hills: hands-on care, faster response times, better maintenance, and a higher-value guest experience.
December 30, 2025
Black Hills Vacation Itinerary
Use this Black Hills vacation itinerary to plan 3–6+ days: Wall Drug stop, Rushmore + Rapid City sights, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood, and Custer State Park.
December 30, 2025
Black Hills Trivia
Take the Black Hills trivia quiz with 13 fun South Dakota questions—state bird, Belle Fourche, Wall Drug signs, Black Elk Peak, Jewel Cave, and more.
December 30, 2025
Black Hills Eateries
Discover Trailhound’s favorite Black Hills eateries—from Harriet & Oak and Tally’s in Rapid City to Skogen Kitchen in Custer, plus Hill City and Deadwood picks.
December 30, 2025
Designer’s Secrets Behind the Weirdest Cabin in the Black Hills
Explore Greystone’s wild design: a mine-shaft tunnel to the HideOut guest house, custom steel and woodwork, salvaged materials, and canyon-view luxury.
December 30, 2025
Behind the Design: Greystone
Go behind the design of Greystone: a fully custom Black Hills cabin with 20’ ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, two kitchens, a hot tub, and a mine-shaft tunnel.
December 30, 2025
Black Hills Vacation Rental Cleaning
Need reliable Black Hills vacation rental cleaning? Trailhound partners with Lemon Fresh Cleaners for consistent, disinfected turns—trained teams, checklists, and fair pricing.
December 30, 2025
Trending: Powder House Pass Vacation Homes
Discover why Powder House Pass near Lead, SD is trending: manicured roads, luxury amenities, clubhouse and pools, quiet neighborhood feel, and easy nature access.
December 30, 2025
Black Hills Sightseeing
Done with the main attractions? Discover the best Black Hills sightseeing—Wild West towns, offbeat stops, and local favorites like Horsethief Lake near Rushmore.
December 30, 2025
Renting Your First Vacation Home
Renting your first vacation home? Use these Black Hills cabin tips: pick the right area, plan logistics, do a first-night grocery run, know what’s provided, and easy checkout.
December 30, 2025
7 Amazing Black Hills Hiking Trails
Discover more incredible Black Hills hiking trails—Hippie Hole, Black Elk Peak, Bear Butte, Buzzard’s Roost, Roughlock Falls—and what to pack for your hike.
December 30, 2025
Are Black Hills Cabins More Affordable Than Hotels?
Compare Black Hills cabins vs hotels with real cost examples for big groups—plus how cabins can save on meals, add privacy, and keep everyone together.
December 30, 2025
Hill City Happenings
Hill City is the Black Hills “sweet spot”—under an hour to top attractions. See what’s happening this summer, plus where to stay in Hill City with Trailhound.
December 30, 2025
Onsite Gear Rentals
Upgrade your Black Hills cabin stay with onsite rentals—bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, and ATVs—serviced and ready at arrival at select Trailhound cabins from $39/day.
December 30, 2025
Are Bears in the Black Hills? It’s Controversial.
Are there bears in the Black Hills? Explore the controversy, historic context, and reported sightings—plus realistic odds of seeing one and safety takeaways.
December 30, 2025
Best Gluten Free Restaurants in the Black Hills
A gluten-free dining guide to the Black Hills: top picks in Rapid City, Deadwood, Hill City, and Custer—plus what to order at each spot.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in October: Ultimate Fall Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in October for comfy temps, colorful hikes, and fewer crowds—plus what to wear, mining tours, Moccasin Springs, and local events.
December 30, 2025
Beautiful Black Hills Wedding Cabin
Plan a Black Hills wedding cabin stay with venue views on 10 private acres, space for getting ready and photos, flexible food options, and lodging for up to 25.
December 30, 2025
Five Famous Ghost Towns of the Black Hills
Explore five famous Black Hills ghost towns—Camp Crook, Silver City, Galena, Spokane, and Mystic—plus quick history and tips for visiting safely.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in November: Ultimate Fall Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in November for early snow vibes, skiing, snowshoeing, cozy soaking at Moccasin Springs, great food, and holiday events like the 1880 Train.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in December: Ultimate Winter Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in December for a snow-globe getaway: what to wear, snowfall expectations, Terry Peak skiing, winter hikes, holiday shopping, and the 1880 Train.
December 30, 2025
5 Reasons for a Black Hills Family Vacation
Plan a Black Hills family vacation with zero hosting stress: everyone gets a real bed, vacation photos shine, and you’ll make memories at Rushmore, hikes, and more.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in January: Ultimate Winter Vacation
Plan a Black Hills trip in January: what to wear, snow & road tips, Terry Peak skiing, snowshoeing and Nordic trails, Rush hockey, winter hikes, and Deadwood fun.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in February: Ultimate Winter Vacation
Plan a Black Hills trip in February: what to wear, snowfall expectations, skiing at Terry Peak, snowmobiling, ice skating in Rapid City, ice fishing, and Deadwood fun.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in March: Ultimate Spring Vacation
Plan a Black Hills trip in March with weather and snow tips, what to pack, March Madness spots, early-season hiking advice, and last-chance skiing and snowmobiling.
December 30, 2025
Best Coffee Shops in the Black Hills
Find the best coffee shops in the Black Hills—our top 10 picks in Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish, Hill City, and Custer for great coffee and local vibes.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in April: Ultimate Spring Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in April for mild, changing weather, quieter trails, active wildlife, spring events, farmers markets, and great local food—plus what to pack.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in May: Ultimate Spring Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in May for peak spring blooms, waterfalls, mild temps (around 60°), and reopened trails—plus caves, drives, mines, and hot air balloons.
December 30, 2025
Q&A: Best ATV Trails in the Black Hills
Explore the best ATV trails in the Black Hills with local tips on navigation (Avenza), must-see spots near Galena & Rochford, and scenic, historic rides.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in June: Ultimate Summer Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in June for sunny days, cool nights, patio season, and outdoor fun—plus what to pack and top things to do like helicopter flights and hiking.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in July: Ultimate Summer Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in July for 4th of July events, patio and wildflower season, great hiking, lakes, scenic drives, caves, mining tours, and live music.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in August: Ultimate Summer Vacation
Plan a Black Hills trip in August: what to wear, top things to do (Sturgis, Deadwood Nights, Badlands), hiking, water sports, drives, and live music.
December 30, 2025
The Black Hills in September: Ultimate Fall Vacation
Visit the Black Hills in September for peak fall color, comfy weather, quieter trails, and off-season cabin rates—plus what to pack and what to do.
December 30, 2025
5 Reasons to Spend a Holiday in a Cabin
Discover 5 reasons to spend your holiday in a Black Hills cabin: reconnect with nature, embrace slow living, enjoy privacy, and make lasting memories together.
December 30, 2025
What Do You Do if You See a Wild Animal While Hiking?
Learn what to do if you spot wildlife while hiking in the Black Hills—bear and bison safety tips, how to keep distance, and when animals are more risky.
December 30, 2025
Kayaking for Beginners
New to kayaking? Get beginner safety tips, simple paddling techniques, the best season, where to rent a kayak, and top Black Hills paddling spots.
December 30, 2025
How Does Time in Nature Influence Mental Health?
Discover how time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood and focus, improve sleep, and support well-being—plus Black Hills activity ideas.
December 30, 2025
Black Hills Hiking for Beginners
New to hiking? Learn the best season, what to pack, beginner trail tips, and safety advice for hiking in the Black Hills, South Dakota.
December 30, 2025