Whether you are a seasoned professional or a casual walker just wanting to enjoy the trails, the best easy hike in South Dakota will completely amaze you with its spectacular views along every part of the journey. This is both one of the best grassland hikes in South Dakota and one of the easiest ways to truly experience the Badlands, and you have to try it.

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Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD, 57750

Quick Hits: Best Easy Hike In South Dakota
By Annie Sandmeier

What are the best hiking trails in South Dakota? With so many incredible natural landmarks and landscapes, it should come as no surprise that South Dakota is home to some of the best hikes in America. Are you somewhat of a beginner and looking for something short and sweet? We recommend the aforementioned Door Trail or iconic Presidential Trail, which is just over a half-mile long and runs below Mount Rushmore. Do you prefer something a bit more intermediate? Try the 2.1-mile out-and-back Roughlock Falls Nature Trail in Spearfish Canyon, which is a bit longer but still fairly easy to navigate. Looking for a hike that is butt-busting and beautiful? Crow Peak it is, which is 5.9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of a whopping 1,571 feet.

Does South Dakota have any backpacking trails? As a matter of fact, we do! One of the best backpacking hikes in South Dakota is in Wind Cave National Park, which offers not only great trails and campsites, but wildlife sightings galore. In addition to Wind Cave, there are other must-hike spots like the Sage Creek Wilderness Area and Badlands National Park.

What are the best waterfall hikes in South Dakota? We’re glad you asked! For something short, sweet, and family friendly, visit the dazzling Bridal Veil Falls, which is located only a few yards away from the road. Want to make a day out of it? Hike to Spearfish Falls, have lunch at the famous Latchstring Restaurant, and then finish your day by hiking to Roughlock Falls (you can find the details for all of the above here). When the weather is warm, plan to hike, picnic, and swim at Cascade Falls. Needless to say, the waterfall hike in South Dakota options are truly endless!

What is the best time of year to go hiking in South Dakota? South Dakota is famous for extreme weather on both sides of the spectrum (frigid winters and scorching summers), so your best bet is to hike in late April through early June, and then again in mid-September through mid-October.

If you’re interested in more information or want to know about some other trails in the Badlands National Park, check out this site. There are a lot of beautiful spots in the park that would make the perfect picnic, camping, or day hike trip for anyone.

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