Home to the Black Hills, one of the highest peaks on this side of the rockies and a trail haunted by spirits, South Dakota hiking is not without enjoyable and unique trails and pathways.
CUSTER STATE PARK
HC 83, Box 70
Custer, SD 57730
(605)255-4515
Granite peaks and clear waters of the midwest make Custer State Park not only a fantastic historical journey, but also a hiker's dream. Trails are more than adequately groomed and cater to all ages and skill levels. Footpaths are molded and treated for the young and old alike, with very few climbs or descents. This is a leisurely walk back in time you won't soon forget!
ANGOSTURA RECREATION AREA
Hot Springs, S.D.
(605)745-6996
Angostura Recreation Area is cupped into the shoreline of the manmade Angostura Reservoir. Hikers and visitors have been traveling to this area for more than 10, 000 years. Trails are short and geared toward those who don't get out much. Well paved and marked footpaths make this an easy day trip with lots to see and do along the way.
WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK
RR 1, Box 190
Hot Springs, SD 57747
(605)745-4600
There are 30 miles of hiking trails here, including a self-guiding nature trail and two longer, more challenging courses. Hikers will want to be in shape for the terrain, which is a mixture of grass, prairie land and pine forest footpaths. Bison, elk, mule deer, coyotes and prairie dogs are frequent sites. Unique to this area are the 50 miles of mapped cave passages you can also explore. This is one of those cool trips you'll want to grab your camera for. Trail booklets and directions are available at the State Park Headquarters.
NEWTON HILLS STATE PARK
Canton, S.D.
(605)987-2263
Newton Hills is located in the geological region known as "Coteau des Prairie." Rolling hills and forests in this area were created by glaciers and are an incredible sight! At its peak, the Coteau is more than 2,000 feet high and offers a great view. There are 6 trails in all here, and one is sure to fit every skill level. Six miles of paths are open in the summer, and eight miles during winter months. Trails are shared by hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
GEORGE S. MICKELSON TRAIL
MickelsonTrail@state.sd.us
This path is accessible to all ages and abilities. Paved trails cover the Black Hills Area in gentle slopes, more than 100 converted railroad bridges, and 4 hard rock tunnels. A big part of this route passes through National Forest lands and tells the tales of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane's previous ventures there. Paths are open to bicyclists, hikers and horses.
BLACK ELK WILDERNESS
Norbeck Wildlife Preserve
SD State Parks and Forests
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
(605)773-3391
At 7, 242 feet above sea level, Harney Peak is the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rockies. A historic lookout tower, panoramic views of four states (including South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana), Black Elk Wilderness ranks right up there with the best spots in the world for serious hikers! There are 10 trails in all, ranging from short 3 mile loops to longer and more challenging 10 mile trips. This area was made for moderate to serious hikers, and is known to be difficult.
LEWIS AND CLARK RECREATION AREA
Yankton,SD
(605)668-2985
There are 4 miles of hiking and bridle trails at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. You can follow the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail through this region, stopping at the Missouri River shoreline. Sprawling prairies, rolling hills and grassy meadows make this a nice day hike for all skill levels.
BEAR BUTTE STATE PARK
Sturgis, SD
(605)347-5240
Located on the northern edge of the Black Hills, this park encompasses Bear Mountain. Two hiking trails wind their way around Bear Butte, including The Ceremonial Trail, a one-mile loop that climbs to the top of the mountain. Views from the summit are fantastic! This park also serves as the trail head for the 111-mile Centennial Trail for heavy duty hikers and backpackers.
PELICAN LAKE RECREATION AREA
Watertown, SD
(605)882-5200
A nicely paved hiking trail makes for an easy climb at Pelican Lake. An observation tower at the trail's end provides a great view of this gorgeous state. This trail is well groomed, but does have diverse terrain. Head here in the fall, and you'll witness thousands of migrating waterfowl who stop to rest in the area. Geese, ducks and a variety of shore birds, including the white pelican, are frequent, well respected visitors.
SICA HOLLOW
S.D. State Parks Office
Pierre E. Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
"Sica" is the Sioux Indian name for "evil" or "bad." Mysterious happenings are said to occur here, especially along the Trail of Spirits. Swamp gas, stumps that seem to glow in the dark, waterfalls and red bogs make this one of the most unique hikes in all the state. Hiking trails are moderately difficult, but short.
PICKEREL LAKE RECREATION AREA
RR 1, Box 113
Grenville, SD 57239
(605)486-4753
There are 368 acres of land at Pickerel Lake. Located in the heart of the Glacial Lakes Region, the 1/2-mile hiking trail is short, but shouldn't be overlooked. Plants and animals run freely around the trail area, making this nicely groomed roadway a pleasant trip for all.
UNION COUNTY STATE PARK
28771 482nd Ave
Canton, SD 57013
(605)987-2263
Over 180 species of trees and shrubs live in the arboretum at Union County State Park. On the hiking trail, beaver, deer and other small animals thrive and interact with nature lovers. There are 150-acres of hills open to horseback riders and walkers, plus a short afternoon hike for families or those slow on the go.
