South Dakota has tons of fabulous hiking trails where you can reconnect with nature while you get a workout. Here's a simple trail that doesn't require much effort at all, and it's perfect for just about anyone.
The Door Trail in Badlands National Park is just 1/4 mile long, though many people continue off-trail to explore.
During summer months, make sure to bring plenty of water, a hat and some sunscreen, since this boardwalk trail has full sun exposure and temperatures are blistering during the day.
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.
South Dakota has so many beautiful places that it could take a lifetime to explore them all. One of the best ways to see our natural wonders is by lacing up your hiking boots and getting out there in the clean, fresh air. Here's a short, easy hike that will take you to the Roughlock Falls Nature Trail in South Dakota, one of the state's most popular spots for photography. We absolutely love it, and you'll soon see why shutterbugs love this view. Come along for this fun adventure and see for yourself!
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You'll find the Roughlock Falls Nature Trail in Spearfish Canyon. The trailhead is located at Spearfish Canyon Lodge — you'll see the signs right from the parking lot.
A boardwalk takes you right over a marshy area with a pond and you'll want to spend some time gazing into the water to look for fish, frogs, and other wildlife.
You can certainly see why shutterbugs love this spot! Spend some time just taking in the falls before you head back the way you came. The hike is a total of 2.1 miles, out and back.
During the summer months, this trail can be very busy. For a more solitary experience, try to visit on a weekday morning when the temperature is cool and most of the trail is shaded by the canyon. But it's a great trail to traverse any time of the year. To check out some Roughlock Falls Nature Trail reviews, be sure to go to the AllTrails website.
Have you ever traversed along the Roughlock Falls Nature Trail? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is one of the best hiking trails in South Dakota? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
