Spotted Tail Trailhead

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, Near Chadron, Nebraska

Spotted Tail Trailhead does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!

Overview

This trailhead area accesses both the Pine Ridge Trail and Spotted Tail Trail. The Pine Ridge Trail and the Spotted Tail Loop Trail are non-motorized, open to mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. From this trailhead you can do the Spotted Tail Loop Trail (about 6 miles) which uses part of the Pine Ridge Trail in order to make the loop. This section of the Pine Ridge Trail provides access to several other trails, including motorized and non-motorized. This area was burned in the 2006 Spotted Tail fire. 

Distances to the following are:

• From Spotted Tail Trailhead to Chadron State Park, using the Pine Ridge Trail is 7.7 miles
• Spotted Tail Loop Trail is 6 miles

Dispersed camping is allowed off of Forest Road 711 near the trailhead. There is no garbage service, so please pack it in and pack it out and Leave No Trace.

For additional details and maps, please call the Pine Ridge Ranger District at (308) 432-0300.