Be careful of traffic on this curved road. Like pegmatite, schist is part of the Precambrian core of the Black Hills. Schist is a metamorphic rock composed of shiny mica minerals. It is identified by distinct foliation, which is a geologic term meaning very fine layering. Distinct foliation indicates that great pressures occurred within the earth.
Rock layers form at right angles to the source of pressure.
Continue north on route 87 for 4.4 miles. Just before you enter Custer State Park, turn onto a gravel road called NPS 5. Drive 4 miles to a lone pine tree on the right side of the road. Park at the parking area to the left. Look to the valley below.