You can easily spend all day hiking the beautiful trails in South Dakota, but sometimes you want to reach your destination in just an hour or two. Some of the best hikes in South Dakota are less than three miles long. They pack so much beauty in that you just might want to do more than one in a day!

1. Summit Trail: Bear Butte State Park

This somewhat strenuous trail takes you to the summit of Bear Mountain, where you'll enjoy some spectacular views. The trail is about three miles long, round trip.

Read more about Bear Butte State Park.

2. Brule Bottom Trail: Union Grove State Park

Pack a picnic lunch and take this easy little one-mile stroll along the river at Union Grove State Park. This is a great kid-friendly hike in South Dakota since it's not a challenging walk.

Learn more about Union Grove State Park.

3. Stockade Lake Trail: Custer State Park

This trail takes you up through the Ponderosa pines and provides some stunning views of the lake below. The trail makes a complete loop of 2.3 miles. Bring your pup along!

Check out more about Stockade Lake.

4. Roughlock Falls: Spearfish Canyon

This easy hike is perfect for just about everyone. It's almost completely flat and rated ADA-accessible. And ... it takes you to a gorgeous waterfall! The trail is a two-mile loop.

Find out more about Roughlock Falls.

5. Devil's Bathtub: Spearfish Canyon

On a hot, summer day, this short one-mile hike is perfect. You'll cross and re-cross the stream several times, so you'll definitely get your feet wet. And once you reach the waterfall, you'll find it hard to resist taking a little dip. It's one of the most scenic hikes in South Dakota, and perfect for a summer day.

See more about Devil's Bathtub.

6. Notch Trail: Badlands National Park

One of the coolest ways to explore Badlands National Park, this trail features a ladder that takes you right up to the plateau. It's just 1.3 miles out and back.

Read more about Badlands National Park.

7. Sylvan Lake Trail: Custer State Park

This azure-blue lake is a little gem in Custer State Park, and you'll enjoy a simple stroll along the one-mile path. It's a nice easy hike in South Dakota. Watch for bison and wildflowers.

Learn more about Sylvan Lake hiking.

8. Falling Rock: Near Rapid City

This pretty little trail takes you to an incredible overlook. Keep kids and pets back from the edge – it's pretty scary.

Check out more about Rapid City.

9. Prairie Vista Trail: Big Sioux Recreation Area

Big Sioux Recreation Area has a few hikes, but the Prairie Vista Trail might be the most rewarding. Cross the river on the suspension bridge, and climb some fairly steep sections for a total of 2.8 miles.

Find out more about Big Sioux Recreation Area.

10. Presidential Trail: Keystone

This half-mile trail is popular with both tourists and locals alike. Bring your camera because you'll have great views of Mount Rushmore.

Read more about Presidential Trail.

11. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail: Badlands National Park

This little half-mile nature trail in Badlands National Park has some great views and pretty wildflowers to boot. Not only is it a perfect example of an easy hike in South Dakota, but it's also one of the prettiest.

Learn more about Badlands National Park.

What's your favorite hiking trail in South Dakota? What do you think are the best hikes in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments!