The trail leaves the trailhead and leads south, crossing SD Highway 87, and traverses a small hill. It continues to follow the trail markers through this gently rolling section of the park. There are several small stream crossings. About 6 miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses US Highway 16A near the Legion Lake Lodge and campground. Continuing south from the highway (across a small stream) and following the trail markers up the hill to the right, this section of the trail enters an area burned in the 1988 Galena Fire. The trail then continues to the Badger Hole, home of South Dakota's first Poet Laureate, and the Centennial Trail's Badger Hole Trailhead. Throughout this area is evidence of past logging activity.