Find 3 Bucket-List-Level Views in South Dakota Without Needing To Be an Expert Hiker

I’ve been visiting South Dakota for as long as I can remember. Yet each time I go, I discover something different about this magical place that keeps me coming back for more. I can honestly never get enough of it. I’ve visited the state with many friends and family, each with a variety of hiking skills. As a result, I’ve uncovered some of the best easy hiking trails that still offer fantastic bucket list views in South Dakota. These three trails are basically easy walks that provide a big reward.

1. Sylvan Lake Shore Trail - Custer

One of my absolute favorite hikes in the state is the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail. If you’ve ever seen National Treasure: Book of Secrets, you may remember this trail from the scene where Nicholas Cage puts his hand inside of a crevice in a rock and jokingly screams. While the route looks dramatic in the film, it’s actually quite easy. This 1.1-mile loop is a gentle stroll around Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. There is some light scrambling over rocks on the north end of the lake, but overall, this route is very flat. Every time I visit this trail, I feel as if I’m walking into a painting. The reflection of the large rocks over the water doesn’t feel real. In addition to the hike, you can also rent stand-up paddle boards and kayaks from the gift shop at the parking lot for this trail.

2. Legion Lake Loop - Custer

Another low-effort hike with bucket-list views is the Legion Lake Loop, also in Custer State Park. Just a kilometer long (about 0.6 miles), this easy hike takes adventurers around Legion Lake. While it’s a small area, I’ve always found this hike to be lovely due to the massive rock formation that sticks out from the water across from the Legion Lake Lodge. I see the loop particularly striking in the fall, as the surrounding foliage begins to change. The route is primarily flat, but does have a short bit of scrambling in one section of the trail. That said, it’s still an easy trail for those just getting into hiking. Like Sylvan Lake, visitors can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to catch views from the water. I remember kayaking on the lake many moons ago and feeling like I was on the cover of National Geographic because it was so beautiful.

3. Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop - Keystone

Having worked 5 minutes away from the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, I spent a lot of time checking out the area. A mix of nature and man-made wonder, the .86-mile Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop truly offers one-of-a-kind views. Along this short route, you’ll encounter both gorgeous views of the surrounding Black Hills and also the opportunity to get closer to the famous four heads of Mount Rushmore. One of my favorite parts of this route is a little alcove that puts you right under George Washington’s nose. If you’re in South Dakota, you have to visit Mount Rushmore, and this easy route is the best way to get classic, bucket-list South Dakota views.

As you can see, it’s not hard to experience some of the best bucket list views in South Dakota. Between easy walks around lakes in Custer State Park and the opportunity to get up close and personal with Mount Rushmore, you’ll be collecting memories left and right. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own South Dakota trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.