Halverson Hallow

The Halverson Hallow Dig is located near the Train-Wreck digs and has been dug extensively in the past. More large red agates are sure to be found in the area.

When to visit: Spring, Summer, Fall.

What you can find: Hells Canyon agate, jasper, fossil shells, calcite.

What to bring: Rock hammer, chisels, pick axe, buckets, backpack, water, snacks.

Where to stay:  The Hell Canyon area south of US-16 is open to dispersed camping. The town of Custer is 25 minutes West on US-16 and has many hotels and campgrounds.

Getting there: From Custer, South Dakota travel west on HWY. 16 / Mt. Rushmore Rd. approximately 15 miles. You will pass FS Rd. 277 on your left and shortly after come to 277.1B After approximately 1/2 miles you come to a V in the road. Stay to your right to stay on 277.1b. After another 3/10 of a mile you will see a dirt road on your left. Follow this road another 3/4 of a mile to reach the Train-Wreck digs. You can walk from here over the hill to Happy Hallow or continue down the road to closer parking (Site A). The road comes to a dead end and can be tight to turn around.  I have since been told the road leading directly to the digs is closed and you may have to walk from the top of the hill. Reference the Black Hills National Forest Hells Canyon ranger district map for updated information on road access.

(Site A: 43°42’22.4″N 103°50’54.1″W)
(Site B: 43°42’20.8″N 103°50’58.8″W)

Rockhounding

Happy Hallow (Site B) is an extensive dig site in the Hell Canyon area. It appears to be an extension of the same pay layer as the Train-Wreck  digs. Considering the size of the dig it is safe to say a lot of nice agate has been found here, bringing diggers back over the years. I have personally not found any layer agates at this location, however I have found nice smaller agates on the dig tailings. The main dig has been badly undercut but there may be opportunity to find the layer moving off to either side of the dig. Explore the surrounding hills and ravines for surface agate. Digging the surface dirt below the main dig could prove fruitful. 

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