June 29-July 11, 2017
It was hard to go anywhere in the southern Black Hills without feeling as if one was on a scenic road. Two roads within Custer State Park have specific “scenic” designations. We’ve added a few photos from roads that weren’t “scenic” because we thought they were so beautiful.
Iron Mountain Road
This road was laid out by South Dakota governor Peter Norbeck specifically to slow traffic so travelers could appreciate the scenery. Accordingly, its 17 miles include 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 tunnels and 3 pigtails. Pigtails loop over themselves, allowing for rapid climbs in elevation. The road was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps with exquisite stone and wood work typical of the CCC.
The three tunnels were specifically sited so that they would frame Mt. Rushmore.
This is how a pigtail bridge looked on the navigation screen.
Needles Highway
Peter Norbeck was also involved in choosing this route giving priority to the grandest views possible. An engineer told him the route cold be constructed, given enough dynamite. 150,000 pounds of dynamite were used making way for the road that was completed in 1921.
Jane in front of the “Needle’s Eye”.
Dave at a Needles Highway tunnel.
Remember the RV we saw from the Sunday Gulch Trail? Imagine its trying to maneuver through this tunnel.
This snapshot through the windshield shows that there are a few tight squeezes along the highway. And, no, the road isn’t one way. When someone is coming toward you, somebody waits.
Minerals in the granite near the Needle’s Eye.
The grandest views, indeed. Peter Norbeck had quite the vision.
Stockade Lake
The original bridge was constructed by the CCC in 1937. This one was reconstructed in 1988 by the South Dakota National Guard.
Mt. Coolidge Fire Lookout Tower
This tower was built by the CCC in the late 1930s of local stone and is still used as a fire lookout tower. On a clear day, which we did not have, the 6000 feet of Mt. Coolidge allows a view of up to 60 miles.
Hail Storm
We were driving Wildlife Loop and watching the clouds.
Before long, we were being pelted by nickel-sized hail. Here’s how it looked and sounded.
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