The 5-Mile Hiking Trail in South Dakota That is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

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.

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.