East Bison Flats Trail

The East Bison Flats Trail is a lightly trafficked trail along the southern edge of Wind Cave National Park. Often times hikers can find the trail entirely to themselves. The trailhead is located just inside the Wind Cave National Park fence across from Gobbler Ridge Road. Park visitors can stop by the monument sign and pose for a picture before starting their trek on this there-and-back trail.

The trail begins by following the southern-most fence of Wind Cave National Park and weaves in and out of high and low points until cresting a hill that reveals a shallow ravine below. Approximately half a mile into the hike, the trail begins its 300-foot descent into the ravine where the temperature cools off during the warmer months and offers safe harbor in winter months for the wildlife.

The trail winds through the depression until turning back and beginning the ascent once again. Beyond the 1.3-mile mark, the trail has become overgrown and is hard to decipher. Noted as continuing up to the turn-off for the Wind Cave Visitor Center, the trail is no longer readable. Regardless, atop the ridge, one can stop several times to take in the beautiful vistas offered by Wind Cave National Park.