As the Christmas season nears, we invite you to bring the Black Hills into your home for the holidays. There’s nothing quite as nostalgic and rustic as hiking into the Black Hills National Forest and cutting your own Christmas tree. With more than 1.2 million acres to explore, fill up that thermos with hot chocolate and set out to find the perfect tree for your home.
Selecting a tree is a timeless tradition. As you wander through the picturesque trails, searching for your ideal tree, you will experience the serene beauty of the snow-dusted landscape framed by towering evergreen trees.
Buy a Permit
To cut a tree in the Black Hills National Forest you must have a permit. Christmas tree permits are available now through Dec. 31. Permits are $10 and there is a limit of five per household. Christmas tree permits are available at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center located on 1851 Discovery Circle, Rapid City.
For more information on permits, restrictions, and an area map, please visit the US Forest Service Website.
How to Pick the Perfect Tree
While your Christmas spirit may match that of Clark Griswold’s, there are a few recommendations to consider when picking out the perfect tree.
Consider the size of the room the tree will be displayed. Determine the height and width that will fit in the desired space and be sure to consider a tree stand and a topper. You will also want to select a healthy tree to ensure Christmas spirit throughout the entire season. Healthy trees will have a strong pine scent. You can also check the pine needles; if they are flexible and green and do not easily fall off, you have a healthy tree.
Continue the Tradition or Start a New One
Your day doesn’t have to end with picking the perfect tree. Take a moment to reflect on the importance of preserving natural landscapes like the Black Hills National Forest. While you're here, enjoy the beautifully managed trails and the winter wilderness from snowshoeing to cross country skiing—it’s a holiday experience you’ll always treasure.
A fun fact: A Black Hills blue spruce graced the nation's capital, sharing that special seasonal magic of the region. The 1970 National Christmas Tree, a stunning 78-foot blue spruce, was cut near the small Black Hills town of Nemo. View the spot where the magnificent tree was cut by taking Nemo Road to Box Elder Fork Road, and in a short, three-minute drive, you will find the location. A new tree was planted in the early 2000s as a symbol of renewed hope for peace worldwide. The blue spruce endured several tragedies as it made its way to the nation’s capital – including two train derailments. The weekend before the tree lighting ceremony, the tree blew over in high winds and a few days after the tree was lit, lightbulbs on the lower half of the tree began exploding. Note: If you travel to see the tree, be sure to respect the environment and follow all national forest guidelines and restrictions.
What to Bring
Pack warm clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, and, most importantly ... the saw!
A sled and rope to tie it down is handy for transporting your tree.