There's still plenty of time for some outdoor fun before the snow flies. Here's a hiking trail that's fairly short and easy — with a big payoff.
The Buzzards Roost Trail is located in the Black Hills about six miles from Rapid City. The loop trail is 1.6 miles long, but it's part of a larger trail system that includes nine miles of trails, so you can add on some extra spurs if you'd like.
Hidden away at the newest state park in South Dakota is a handful of amazing hiking trails that have received less love over the years than other, more well-established ones throughout the state. One of these trails just so happens to be one of my all-time favorites in the entire state; known as the Riparian Loop Trail, this incredible South Dakota hiking trail features some of the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever see - and it's right in our backyards.
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Good Earth State Park was established in 2013, and over the years the parks service has developed several incredible hikes within that are absolutely day-trip worthy. Amazingly, it's the site of one of the oldest places of long-term human habitation in the United States, and thanks to this history, the trails contained within are both beautiful and fascinating. Imagine the stories they could tell.
The Riparian Loop Trail is a hike that meanders through the riverbottom of the Big Soux River, and it's easily the most beautiful adventure in the entire park, if you ask me.
It's not overly long, coming in at just 2.3 miles in length. It's quite shady for most of the way, and as you pass through this amazing oak forest you'll fall in love with South Dakota all over again. Did I mention how amazing the scenery is on this one? Because yeah... it's worth mentioning again.
Along the way as you hike, you'll wander through oak forest, shrubby woodlands, riverbeds, and more. You'll find delight after delight to discover and enjoy; I strongly suspect that anyone as obsessed with the outdoors as I am will find themselves daydreaming about this particular hike right up to the day they hike it again.
The views of the river you'll catch on this trail are jaw-dropping; if you're a fan of landscape photography, this hike is a dream come true (bring the camera). Thanks to the close proximity of the water, the Riparian Loop is an excellent place for wildlife watching in South Dakota (hence the name).
To hike the awesome Riparian Loop Trail, you'll have to get into Good Earth State Park. Day passes are just $8 per vehicle, which covers anything you want to do while you're here (more than just the trails, obviously).
The park is located not terribly far from Sioux Falls, making it an awesome option for a day trip (or a camping trip). Do keep in mind, though, that between October 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water-based systems may or may not be closed - so contact the park ahead of time if you need to know.
Need more info about this amazing hiking trail, including a handy map? Check out the official AllTrails listing for Riparian Loop Trail at Good Earth State Park. If you're into hiking and want to upgrade your hiking game, check out AllTrails Plus while you're there. I love it.
Do you have a favorite hiking trail in South Dakota? Tell me about it in the comments; I love learning about all your favorite places to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
It's no secret that South Dakota is an amazingly beautiful state with hundreds of miles of utterly incredible hiking trails to explore. There are so many that it might just be impossible to do 'em all in a lifetime; though, of course, we can try (challenge accepted). This particular fact becomes especially wonderful in the fall when intensely colorful foliage is ablaze in shades of goldenrod, tangerine, and crimson, and you honestly can't go wrong with just about any of our state and/or national parks.
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Nestled in the Black Hills National Forest is a gorgeous, five-mile hike that's quite literally surrounded by brilliant foliage each year. Sure, spring and summer are beautiful with their wildflowers and emerald-green woodlands, but in my opinion, things really come alive this time of year (read: fall).
Hidden near Piedmont, the Little Elk Creek Trail is five miles long and meanders alongside a gorgeous creek, which is outrageously photogenic and simply begging to be photographed. At least this is the first place my brain goes - such is the life of a photographer with a bit of an obsession with autumn.
But can you blame me? Each step along the way of this hike is something to behold, showing off the incredible beauty of South Dakota we all know and love. Should you keep on going once the trail, itself, ends: You'll end up at Dalton Lake - another stupidly photogenic landscape your camera will love.
The fall foliage is stunning, but there's more to this hike - like wildlife. Birds and deer are commonly spotted, as are coyotes and elk. Trek quietly for the best results. Take only photos, and leave only your footprints. These critters live here - we don't! Let's keep it nice for them and for us to visit, shall we?
For more information about this amazing autumn hike in South Dakota, check out its official AllTrails listing (and check out AllTrails Plus for an even better hiking experience, hands down).
Need a little more autumnal inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide to fall in South Dakota for all sorts of amazing ideas! What are your favorite things to do when the leaves change and the days get shorter? Let me know in the comments.
