11 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In South Dakota
By Catherine Armstrong|Updated on May 18, 2022(Originally published May 13, 2022)
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Catherine Armstrong
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Getting out in your natural surroundings and basking in the sunshine while checking out the best hikes in South Dakota doesn’t need to be a strenuous affair. And no need to search for “hiking trails near me.” Because here are 11 easy hikes in South Dakota that you should definitely try.
1. Presidential Trail, Keystone
Presidential Trail, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA
This quick, easy trail is just a half mile long and it's popular with tourists and locals alike. You'll find Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It takes you through pretty pines and offers up some stunning views of the memorial along the way. This is one of the most kid-friendly hikes around South Dakota, so take the whole family and enjoy!
This fun trail at Badlands National Park has a ladder to climb, but it's not as steep as it looks. The 1.5-mile trail takes you through a canyon, up the ladder to a plateau. We recently featured this hike - so go ahead and start planning your trip by learning more about Notch Trail.
This super easy stroll takes you 2.1 miles out and back. Along the way, the beauty of the Black Hills National Forest surrounds you. The overlook deck to the falls provides a great close-up view. Don't forget your camera for this one; this is one of the most scenic hikes in South Dakota!
If you're looking for a short, fun trail to take with your dogs, Buzzard Trail and Loop is a good choice. The 1.6-mile trail is very scenic, and offers some incredible views. Check out some more information on Buzzards Roost, then go hike it!
This super easy, 3.8-mile trail at Wind Cave National Park follows a two-track dirt road and is pretty easy for just about anyone. Watch for bison, which are plentiful, and also elk. This is one of the best hikes in South Dakota, so start planning your hike there.
The next time you're in Custer, you should definitely spend an afternoon at Sylvan Lake. The trail is just 1.1 miles out and back, and it features plenty of wildflowers and lake views. You can bring your dog, as long as you keep him on leash. Sylan Lake Trail is one of the best easy hikes in South Dakota, so check it out soon.
7. Spring Creek Loop Trail
Spring Creek Loop Trail, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57702, USA
Take a deep breath of that fresh mountain air when you hike the 4.2 mile Spring Creek Loop Trail. You'll find the trail near Rapid City, and it's a popular spot for bird watching. Grab your binoculars, then head over to Spring Creek Loop Trail for a great hike.
Willow Creek Trail is a 2.5-mile loop that takes you to a pretty little waterfall! The loop is easy to navigate and you'll likely see plenty of wildlife along the way. So put this on your list of best hikes in South Dakota, then pencil in your next visit.
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9. Medicine Root Loop Trail
Medicine Root Drive, Medicine Root Dr, East Shannon, SD 57752, USA
Medicine Root Loop Trail takes you on a four-mile loop through part of Badlands National Park. You'll walk through prairie and and enjoy some pretty views of the rock formations here.
10. George S. Mickelson State Trail
George S Mickelson Trailhead, Brownsville Rd, Lead, SD 57754, USA
The George S. Mickelson State Trail is a rail trail that stretches 109 miles from Deadwood to Edgemont. Choose your favorite section of this pretty trail and enjoy some of the Black Hills' most gorgeous scenery. Read more about George S. Mickelson Trail, and then check it out.
This pretty little trail is one of the best in Spearfish Canyon. It's almost five miles out and back, but once you're surrounded by all this beauty, the miles will just slip away. The trail ends at Iron Creek, which is a picturesque spot worthy of photographs. Start planning your trip by learning more about the Iron Creek Trail.
These are truly some of the best hikes in South Dakota. What other easy hikes can you recommend? Let our readers know in the comments!
Here’s another South Dakota hike that some say is haunted…check it out!
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best hikes in South Dakota
Jessica Bohl|May 18, 2022
What are some kid-friendly hikes around South Dakota?
There are some amazing kid-friendly hikes around South Dakota. These are short trails that are relatively flat, but also have some breathtaking views. One of the best kid-friendly trails is Sullys Hill Trail in the Sullys Hill Game Preserve. The short hike takes you up to amazing views of Devil’s Lake and you may even seem some awesome bison. Check it out today!
What are some scenic hikes in South Dakota?
There are some truly breathtaking scenic hikes in South Dakota. The Stockade Lake Trail in Custer State Park is gorgeous. From the ridge line above Stockade Lake, you can view rocky landscapes among the ponderosa pines. King and Queen Rock Trail in Palisades State Park is another stunner. There you will find gigantic rock formations jutting out of the Split Rock Creek. Don’t forget your camera on these hikes!
