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A Place To Ponder by AZLOT69 History In 1968 an employee at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park hauled lumber one piece at a time and built a table, chairs and a bookcase in a remote section of granite high up in the pinnacles of Custer State Park. He was known to spend much of his off work at this location writing poems. The location was only known to a few locals but over the years word of the location spread thru the community but was visited by few. Destruction of Property Fast forward to late May 2018, two local girls decided they did not like the table and chairs and proceeded to saw up the furniture and carted it away. Of course being proud of their work they promptly posted it on social media. They were subsequently arrested and charged with destruction of property. Within days a local carpenter, who had visited the site built a new table, chair and bookcase, painted it green to match the original, and with permission and assistance of the State Park replaced the destroyed furniture. This was all played out in local media drawing huge attention to the Poets Table. Hike The hike is still considered a "Treasure Hunt Hike". Without someone guiding who has already been to the location it is fairly difficult to find. Researching you can find several vague directions. Starting at the Little Devils Tower trail head which makes it the shortest distance, hike about 300 yards to a faint unmarked trail that leads off to the left. The climb starts immediately steady but not too difficult. The granite monoliths are all around and you must be very observant to find this little hide away. When you arrive at a saddle which seems to be the top, look left. Between the two granite pillars on your left is a great viewpoint to spot the alcove. From here you can down climb and ascend to this special place. Combine this with a hike to Little Devils Tower or Black Elk Peak for a full day of hiking. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
