With literally thousands of acres of National Forest surrounding New Trails the options for hiking are nearly limitless. However, we would offer a few options;

1. Day Hiking from the cabin. You would stay in the cabin on the property and each day we would hike a medium distance (at your pace) allowing time to reflect on the scenery of the Black Hills as well as time to reflect alone and together on the challenges you have been facing in ministry. This option would span 2-4 days.
2. Short backpacking trip. Rod and Deb have spent considerable time in the Black Hills and if you would like an introduction to backpacking, we offer a 3 day, 2-night trek through the Black Hills.  The advantage of this trek is that we are able to support this trek by moving some of the heavier equipment from campsite to campsite.
3. Intermediate backpacking trip. This is for those who want to find what it is like to experience a wilderness environment. There are two options for this trip. Option A stays in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is located in the Black Elk Wilderness around Black Elk Peak. This is a three-day trek with trail camping in remote areas each night. Option B is also a three-day trek but this one takes you to the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming. The trek features several lakes and streams stocked with various species of trout, and elevation gains up to 9,600 feet. (If you choose the Wyoming adventure, we require at least 2 people and you need to plan on additional time to travel to and from the site) These treks are full out backpacking trips where all our gear is carried in our backpacks for the entire trek.
4. Prayer Retreat Backpack trip.  While backpacking is an adventure in and of itself, there are times when you want to find a remote location to be alone with your own thoughts and reconnect with the God whom you serve.  We are able to assist in that effort as well through an assisted backpacking trek. On this trek we help you learn the ways of the backcountry, then allow you time for a “solo” time from 4 to 24 hours.  During this time, we can provide guidance to direct your time, or help you find a place and space to focus on your relationship with God.
5. When it comes to backpacking you might hesitate thinking I don’t own a pack, or I have never backpacked before. Rod and Deb want you to know that we are able to assist you by providing some of the basics of backpacking. We have a variety of backpacks that are available for you to use, we also have a limited supply of sleeping pads. We can provide the tents and cooking/eating gear necessary to enjoy a wilderness outing.  We don’t just give you the gear, we will go along to assist you in learning how to enjoy the backcountry.

New Trails is not just for the summer any more.  The late Fall through early Spring provide a great opportunity to enjoy the Hills without the crush of the tourist season.  Fall is an excellent time to watch the season change, as the Aspens turn various shades of yellow.  If your schedule allows, this is a great time to schedule that spiritual refocusing time we all need. The Black Hills of South Dakota provide a great number of winter activities.  Among them cross country skiing, snow shoeing and if you have a snow mobile that is a popular past time as well.  While we can provide accommodations in late Fall (until November) and then again in early Spring (beginning in April) we can provide a list of local lodging options that will be open. We can help you find a place to stay as well as provide time in the wilderness in an environment not everyone is able to experience.