The best way to witness South Dakota’s diverse landscape is by hiking the various trails. Each has something new to offer, from prairie grasslands to pine forests. Also, you will be traversing along varied terrains. While some require a leisurely walk along the flat surface, others demand scrambling over rocks and boulders. The Black Hills is a favorite spot among hikers as they get to choose from the 440 trails meandering in the area. However, there are other unique locations too widespread throughout the state.
If looking for an ideal family outdoor adventure, you could hike to the gorgeous multi-tiered Roughlock Falls in Black Hills National Forest. With little elevation gain, it takes you along Little Spearfish Creek. The spectacular views of the Spearfish Canyon and alpine forest provide ample photo opportunities. This area is also inhabited by several wildlife species like elk, bald eagle, and white-tailed deer. You might catch a glimpse of the American dipper, a rare aquatic songbird, if lucky.
Length: About 2.20 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
This trail in Badlands National Forest offers a backcountry hiking experience as it takes you along diverse terrains. You can either start your hike from the trailhead near the Notch Trail and Door Trail parking lot or from the Fossil Exhibit Area. Though it is moderately challenging with steep ascents, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the views of various rock formations on one side of the track and prairie grasslands on the other. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife species like bighorn sheep, bison, and pronghorn browsing in the vicinity.
Do remember to carry sufficient water and begin early in the morning as hikers complain of the trail being exposed to extreme heat. Many often turn back after hiking up to a point due to the lack of shade. To get an entry to the national park, you will have to purchase a 7-day pass that would cost you around $ 30 per vehicle, $ 15 per individual, or $ 25 per motorcycle.
Length: About 10.3 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: April
Devil’s Bathtub Trail in Spearfish Canyon provides a short but rewarding escape into nature. There are numerous stream crossings on the way. Though you can sometimes trudge over fallen trees and rocks on the water, be prepared to soak your feet at other times. The rocks and boulder scrambles also add to the challenges. Despite the obstacles, hikers enjoy accessing the trail, which leads to a waterfall and pool. You can even have fun sliding down the waterfall to the pool in summer. In spring, the water level rises, and a few spots become slick, making it more difficult to access. As the parking area and initial portion of the trail is on private property, do keep in mind of being responsible enough and not litter the premises.
Length: About 1.60 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: April to October
Notch Trail is one of the popular short hikes in Badlands National Park that takes you to the top of a plateau. Starting from the Door Trail and Window Trail parking area, it traverses through a canyon and directs you to a wooden ladder. Once you climb it, you will have to follow the ridge to finally reach the notch from where you can soak in the impressive views of the White River Valley. If you fear heights, it’s better to stay away from this trail and hike the other ones with a lesser elevation within the park premises, which are no less stunning.
Length: About 1.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: March to October
Exploring the trails within Sica Hollow State Park will not only make you admire the natural surroundings but might also give you a spooky feel. Among these, Trail of the Spirits is short, starting from the northeast part of the park’s entrance and meandering through the dense forest. The secluded and tranquil path might seem creepy to many.
Though the state park has some haunted stories attached to it, it’s worth exploring the lush and peaceful surroundings if you aren’t afraid or don’t believe in paranormal activities. There’s an entrance fee of around $ 8 per vehicle. If you wish to spend overnight, camping facilities are available for a fee of $ 18 per night.
Length: About 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year long
If you enjoy viewing rock formations, Cathedral Spires Trail is definitely for you. Located within Custer State Park, the towering pillars of granite rocks framing the area offer a treat to the eye. The combination of spruce, aspen, and ponderosa trees all along the trail add to the beauty, particularly in the fall season. As you clamber over rocks and boulders, you could take a break to admire the views. Towards the end, the trail flattens out with a beautiful backdrop of the spires jutting into the sky, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a picnic. For entering into the state park, you will have to purchase a 7-day pass which would cost you around $20 per vehicle.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: April to October
Sunday Gulch Trail is excellent for those seeking a challenging hike in Custer State Park. The trailhead is at Sylvan Lake, from where you will have to scramble over boulders and descend several sets of stairs. As the boulders can be slippery, you can use the handrails for support. Once you reach down in the gulch, you will find yourself walking along the creek with incredible views of moss-covered scenery with soaring rock formations. Be prepared for a good workout hiking uphill to get out of the gulch on the way back.
Length: About 3.9 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: June to October
A popular trail in Custer State Park, Harney Peak Trail, starts at Sylvan Lake and meanders through a pine forest to finally reach the summit at 7,242 feet. Though it is steep with several switchbacks, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Black Hills at the end. Many also enjoy hiking it in winter to experience the cold breeze and winter landscape from the high point.
Start early or take another trailhead from Willow Creek to avoid the crowd. If you’re an avid hiker and not running out of time and energy, you can connect the trail with Little Devil’s Tower Trail for an extended day’s adventure.
Length: About 6.4 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: May to October
Though The George S. Mickelson Trail is mainly used for biking, you can also enjoy hiking along this rail trail. With 15 trailheads, you can start and stop at any section as per your desire. However, the picturesque scenery of spruce and ponderosa pine forests all along the way will want you to keep treading along it. The trail also offers a beautiful experience of hiking through tunnels, over the bridges, and along creeks. In addition, you could even encounter various wildlife species like mule deer, chipmunks, wild turkey, squirrels, and different birds.
Length: About 106.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: April to October
The Devil’s Gulch Trail in Garretson is ideal for a fun, short hike. You can enjoy scrambling over rocks and crossing creeks while taking in the scenic views. From waterfalls to canyon views, there’s a little surprise waiting for you at every turn. You’ll also find numerous side trails that you can enjoy exploring.
Length: 0.50 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: April to October
Within Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this trail offers the opportunity to view the sculpted faces of several iconic presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. You can start your hike from any one of the two trailheads located on either side of the viewing platform. However, as there are several steps, its better to start your hike from the west and finish at the east side to avoid the inclination and climb lesser steps.
The trail takes you through the pine forests where spotting a mountain goat would not be something uncommon. Though there isn’t any entrance fee, you will have to pay $10 for parking your vehicles which is valid for a year. Be sure to check out the Sculptor’s Studio, a small building located at the end of the trail where you could know about the carvings of Mount Rushmore in detail.
Length: 0.9 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park is the starting point of many popular trails like Harney Peak Trail and Sunday Gulch Trail. However, if you don’t feel like going through a strenuous hike, you can take a leisurely walk along this flat trail circling the pretty lake and enjoy the surrounding views. There is also a bit of rock scramble on the north end, which requires some effort but the vistas are worth it. On a hot day, you can also enjoy cooling off in its waters after completing your hike.
Length: About 1.10 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: April to October
Just a 10-minute drive from Rapid City will bring you to Stratobowl Rim Trail. It’s short and accessible by almost everyone, offering incredible views of Stratobowl from the viewing platform. Also, the surrounding scenery of wildflowers makes it an ideal visit for such a short and effortless hike. At the trail’s end, as you gaze down at the beautiful Stratobowl, you can see the peace sign mowed into the grass. It is in this spot where hot air balloons are launched annually around mid-late September.
Length: About 1.7 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: March to October
One of the best hikes in the Black Hills, the Hippie Hole Trail, can be accessed via two trailheads. For a short and less strenuous hike, you can start from the parking area near Battle Creek. However, if you’re in for a challenge, you can choose the trailhead off Highway 40. Either way will lead you to a splendid waterfall with a deep swimming hole. The trail is steep and rocky, but you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views in the end. As a bonus, you can also enjoy cliff-jumping and cooling off in the waters.
Length: About 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfall Hikes: Roughlock Falls Trail, Hippie Hole Trail, Devil’s Bathtub Trail
Best Winter Hikes: Black Elk Peak via Harney Peak Trail, Castle Trail, Roughlock Falls Trail
Best Fall Hikes: Cathedral Spires Trail, Roughlock Falls Trail, Black Elk Peak via Harney Peak Trail
Best Mountain Hikes: Black Elk Peak via Harney Peak Trail, Cathedral Spires, Sunday Gulch Trail
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