Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Black River Mainstem

This trail is rated as easy and runs for 19 miles (one way) along the Black River. It sees light use between May and October.

This trail follows the East Fork of the Black River from below Buffalo Crossing down to the confluence of the East and West Forks and then downstream to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation boundary. This is a great trout fishing area with good scenery and lots of wildlife, including black bear which are plentiful through here.

Elevation: 7,500' to 6,600'

Access: Go 14.5 miles south of Alpine on US 191 to Forest Road 26, turn and go another 9.5 miles to Forest Road 24. Turn right and go about 3 miles to Forest Road 25. From here you can go left 1.5 miles to Buffalo Crossing and access the un-maintained trail that follows the river downstream from there. Or you can go right 12.8 miles to Wildcat Bridge and access the river there. There are trails both upstream and downstream from Wildcat Bridge.

USGS Maps: Buffalo Crossing, Hoodoo, Hannagan