• The Black Hills are a mountainous region in the upper-mid/western United States. They are situated in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.
• The average elevation of the region, which occupies an area of about 6000 sq mi (15,500 sq km), is about about 4000 ft (1219 m).
• Harney Peak (7242 ft/2207 m) in South Dakota is the highest point.
• To the northeast of Harney Peak is Mount Rushmore (1745 m/5725 ft), also in South Dakota, site of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
• The region is drained by the Belle Fourche and Cheyenne rivers.
• On the slopes of the Black Hills are heavy stands of timber, mainly conifers.
• Nearly 1900 sq mi (4921 sq km) of the forested areas are preserved as a national forest.

The region is one of the richest gold-mining districts in the U.S. and contains a wide variety of other mineral resources, including silver, lead, copper, tin, iron ore, coal, petroleum, salt, mica, and gypsum.

Black Hills National Forest:

• 1.2 million acres of public land bursting with recreational opportunities
• 11 reservoirs
• 30 campgrounds
• 2 scenic byways
• 1300 miles of streams
• 10,000 acres of wilderness
• 353 miles of trails

The forest is managed for multiple use so don't be surprised to see mining, logging, cattle grazing, and summer homes.