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Cliff Swallow Trail
This trail follows Beaver Creek and passes through mountain lion country.
Plan Around Cliff Swallow Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Cliff Swallow Trail Details
This moderate, 3.7-mile journey begins on the outskirts of Cook Lake. You'll follow Beaver Creek for part of your hike, gaining 450 feet overall. Look for cliff swallows nesting in the limestone cliffs that tower above the creek; you might also see great blue heron, beaver, and water dippers frolicking in the water. This area is a known mountain lion haunt, though mountain lions are rarely seen out and about during the day. The trailhead is located in the northwestern part of the forest, off of FSR 842, one mile west of the junction with FSR 843.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
7.4 miles
Estimated time
3 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Cliff Swallow Trail
Compare nearby parks around Cliff Swallow Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Cliff Swallow Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cliff Swallow Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Cook Lake Recreation Area Campground
The Cook Lake Campground has 32 tent and RV sites and 33 picnic areas.
5.8 mi away
Bearlodge Campground
The campground is located in the very northwestern corner of Black Hills National Forest.
10.9 mi away
Sundance Trail System
The Sundance Trail System is the most secluded trail systems in the park.
11.0 mi away
Sundance Horse Camp
This is one of the only campgrounds in the Black Hills National Forest designed specifically for horse campers.
