Best Hiking in South Dakota

Trying to find the best hiking in South Dakota? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

South Dakota, Pennington County

00 :21 hrs
0.9 mi
36.0542 ft
Easy

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic sites in the United States, and is visited by nearly 3 million people each year. The Presidential Trail is a traditional boardwalk that will get you closer to the base of monument, offering spectacular views. You'll definitely enjoy this short hike with family and learn a lot about the history of America's founding fathers. There is an $11 parking fee required for each vehicle.

2

South Dakota, Spearfish

00 :46 hrs
0.9 mi
38.13513 ft
Easy

This is a short route that goes along Spearfish Creek on relatively flat terrain. The tree-lined trail is wide and has easy access for all visitors to enjoy the spectacular water fall views. You'll want to park at the parking area on the left side of the road when you're traveling south from Savoy.

3

South Dakota, Spearfish

03 :46 hrs
3.2 mi
473.2876 ft
Hard

Crow Peak has its name because of a historic battle that involved the Crow and Sioux Indians. The trail is heavily used and it can be accessed off Higgins Gulch Road in the Black Hills National Forest. You'll through ponderosa pine trees and vegetation that comprised of native bushes and bur oak. The route has gradually climbs the southwestern portion of the mountain and reaches the rocky peak, offering amazing views of the surrounding hills. Be cautious of late spring snow and be sure to bring plenty of water and supplies.

4

South Dakota, Custer County

03 :45 hrs
3.3 mi
317.33362 ft
Hard

This is a popular hiking trail that is normally approached through the Black Elk Wilderness from Sylvan Lake - Harney Trail Number 9. The trail is generally easy to follow and is heavily used during the warmer months of the year. Be aware that the trail becomes much more strenuous once you get closer to the peak. You'll definitely enjoy passing through ponderosa pine trees and having the opportunity to observe wildlife such as mule deer. A trailhead permit is required to park and/or hike from the trailhead $2.50 - $5 per person or $6 - $12 per vehicle, depending on the time of year.

5

South Dakota, Lawrence County

00 :32 hrs
0.6 mi
48.428467 ft
Easy

This is a short but very scenic hike that has to be on everybody's bucket list if you live in South Dakota. Be sure to plan ahead and expect to get your feet wet as you travel up along Squaw Creek through the Black Hills National Forest, and then traverse through a limestone corridor. The limestone walls are absolutely stunning once you get to Devil's Bathtub. Also, be cautious of mossy and slippery rocks while hiking through the water.

6

South Dakota, Pennington County

01 :26 hrs
3.9 mi
53.41919 ft
Moderate

Flume Trail goes from one point to another point with various trailheads and various loops available. It is an historic route that was once a part of a mine in the 1800's. You'll be heading through a dense forest with pine trees, wildflowers, and opportunities to see artifacts from the Rockerville Flume bed that carried water from Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake. This was used to help miners find up to $20 million dollars in gold.

7

South Dakota, Spearfish

02 :17 hrs
5.4 mi
241.55212 ft
Hard

This route starts at the Little Spearfish Trailhead located off Roughlock Falls Road near Lead, South Dakota. You'll start out traveling uphill along the creek passing by a lot beaver dams to wooded areas above. Berry bushes, mushroom, and other fun plants can be spotted along the way as you make your way through the vegetatively overgrown path. After the first couple of miles, you'll gradually descend back to the road. From the road, you'll need to use caution as you'll be hiking along the roadside back to the trailhead.

8

South Dakota, Pennington County

02 :44 hrs
6.7 mi
362.9237 ft
Hard

The Centennial Trail is over 100 miles long and was built in 1989 to represent the 100th anniversary of South Dakota's statehood. This part of the trail begins at the Samelius Trailhead located east of Hill City on Highway 16. The route travels through the Black Hills National Forest and climbs halfway through the hike to offer amazing views of Sheridan Lake. Most people will do this route as a one-way day trip with necessary vehicle arrangements, but it can also be done as an out and back.

9

South Dakota, Custer County

03 :46 hrs
8.9 mi
188.55847 ft
Expert

This part of the Centennial Trail begins at the Iron Creek Horse Camp Trailhead in Custer State Park and travels through a dense ponderosa pine forest in the rolling Black Hills. You'll definitely enjoy the many creek crossings that this trail has to offer, along with the cliffs, canyons and bends . Be cautious of a few strenuous climbing spots, and be sure to pack plenty of water and supplies. Most people will do this route as a one-way day trip with necessary vehicle arrangements, but it can also be done as an out and back. Custer State Park requires a park entrance license for each vehicle, and the Black Elk Wilderness requires free registration.

10

South Dakota, Custer County

03 :39 hrs
8.8 mi
204.70935 ft
Hard

The Centennial Trail is over 100 miles long and was built in 1989 to represent the 100th anniversary of South Dakota's statehood. This part of the trail begins at the Highland Creek Trailhead near the Custer State Park boundary fence. You'll travel through the dense ponderosa pine forest in the rolling Black Hills, along with meadows that are near the creeks. Most people will do this route as a one-way day trip with necessary vehicle arrangements, but it can also be done as an out and back. Custer State Park requires a park entrance license for each vehicle.

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