If you love South Dakota but have never explored these areas by foot, now is your chance. These are the best hikes under 5 miles in South Dakota, which give the perfect opportunity to discover new sights and adventures without having to sleep in the wilderness overnight. The best part is, these easy hikes in South Dakota are all close enough together that you could plan a road trip and visit them all in a week!

1. Cathedral Spires Trail (5 miles out and back)

Not too daunting, this trail is perfect for beginners to moderate hikers or families. From the end of the trail you get a stunning view of the Cathedral Spires.

Address: Custer, SD 57730

2. Mount Rushmore to Horsethief Lake (3 miles point to point)

Best hiked from spring to fall, this scenic trail is a bit off the beaten path and away from all the Mount Rushmore traffic. You may even see mountain goats while you hike. Of course, always come prepared for quickly changing weather in this area.

Address: Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751

3. Castle Trail (5 miles point to point)

The unique wildflowers, streams and landscapes in the Badlands area are just unbeatable. Though this hike may seem easy, it can often be muddy so come prepared. It's well worth getting dirty.

Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750

4. The Door, The Window and Notch Trail (2.41 miles out and back)

This three trail combination offers a variety of views. The Door and Window trails are easy hikes while the Notch trail varies from easy to moderate. The variety offered between these three trails means there's something for everyone.

Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750

5. Little Devils Tower Spur Trail (3 miles out and back)

This challenging trail starts off mild, as it runs together with the trail to Harney Peak for about half a mile. Once the trails split, this trail takes on a new level of difficulty - but it's well worth it. The granite formations and surrounding views are the stuff fairytales are made of.

Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750

6. Lovers Leap Trail (4 mile loop)

This scenic hike, filled with urban legend, gives a great opportunity to see Bison. It's an easy hike for beginner hikers and families with children. Only a few creek crossings occur on the hike and they are all simple.

Address: 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730

7. Sylvan Lake Shore Trail (1 mile loop)

Sylvan Lake is a popular summer hot spot which can make finding a parking space difficult. From the photo, you can see why. A hike around this stunning lake is not only easy; it's absolutely jaw-dropping.

Address: East Custer, SD 57730

8. Sunday Gulch Trail (2.8 mile loop)

Filled with waterfalls, ferns, and rock cliffs, this trail is a visitor favorite. Perhaps the best part is ending at Sylvan Lake Park where you can get ice cream.

Address: 13329 US Highway 16a, Custer, SD 57730

Quick Hits: Best Hikes Under 5 Miles In South Dakota

By Annie Sandmeier

What are the best day hikes in South Dakota? Are you looking for a South Dakota hike that spans a bit more than 5 miles? Lucky for you, there are plenty of wonderful day hikes in South Dakota, including the 7.7-mile out-and-back Crow Peak, 1.8-mile Saint Elmo Peak Trail (which may sound short and sweet, but is deemed difficult with its steep incline), and butt-busting 14.7-mile Lost Canyon Trail.

Does South Dakota have any backpacking trails? As a matter of fact, we do! Whether you explore and camp out in the Black Elk Wilderness, adventure around the Badlands, or follow the 111-mile Centennial Trail, you are guaranteed an unforgettable backpacking hike in South Dakota.

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in South Dakota? Are you looking for the best kid-friendly hikes in South Dakota? You've come to the right place! If you haven't done so yet, we recommend beginning with the Mount Rushmore Presidential Trail, which spans 0.6-miles and passes through - you guessed it - the iconic Mount Rushmore! After you've mastered the Presidential Trail, take the family to Oak Park Trail (0.9 miles), Roughlock Falls Trail (2.1 miles), and Willow Creek Trail (also 2.1 miles).

What are the best 1 night backpacking hikes in South Dakota? For the best 1-night backpacking hike in South Dakota, we recommend the aforementioned Black Elk Wilderness; a 13,426-acre section of Black Hills National Forest that has various trails and campsites to choose from, making it all-the-more easy to customize! (Want to make your backpacking adventure last longer than 1 night? You can easily do that at Black Elk, too.)

How many of these hikes have you done? What would you add to our list?