Curious about where to go in the fall in South Dakota? Fall colors in South Dakota are usually at their peak in the middle of October, so why not go out and take full advantage of it? Take a beautiful drive through the best fall foliage in South Dakota on this scenic route! We have created the ultimate fall foliage road trip in South Dakota that includes the best drives for the season as named by the Travel Channel, South Dakota Magazine, and other publications. So buckle up and get ready, because you’re in for one heck of a journey!

The Route
Google Maps
Fall colors in South Dakota are positively breathtaking, and this route shows you the best parts. This drive is about four and a half hours long round-trip, starting and ending in Rapid City. You can go either direction, but for this explanation, we are going to go clockwise, beginning by heading south on SD-79 from Rapid City to Hermosa. Check out the full driving directions.
After reaching Hermosa, head west towards Custer - this will bring you through Custer State Park.
13400 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730, USA
rusticpress/Tripadvisor
This spot in South Dakota in the fall is truly magical. The route will take you on 16A through the park, a beautiful drive that has gorgeous views. Custer is just outside of the park once you make it through, and from here, you will head north on 385 for the next part of the journey. Learn more about the beauty of Custer State Park.

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Black Hills Parkway
Black Hills, United States
Jennifer L. Sovanski from United States of America. Cropped and color-corrected by Daniel Case prior to upload, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
US Highway 385 is one of the longest drives through the forests of the Black Hills, at roughly 59 miles long. The views are absolutely breathtaking and the colorful fall leaves create splashes of color among the darker pine trees. It will take you past places like Pactola Lake and makes for a perfect drive to appreciate the changes of the season. At the end of 385, you will head west on 85 to Lead, then onto 14A from there towards Cheyenne Crossing, which is a great place to grab a bite to eat before you continue on your fall foliage road trip in South Dakota.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Spearfish, SD, USA
misty_bee_wyo/Trip Advisor
After going through Cheyenne Crossing, you will head north on 14A to one of the most memorable and arguably the most beautiful section of this drive - the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. It's only 22 miles long, but the speed limit is 35 mph, so you will be able to take your time and really soak up the sights and fall colors in South Dakota. The winding road will bring you through absolutely stunning forests and by waterfalls, lakes, and through towering hills. I suggest a stop or two at some of their most famous waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil Falls, which is right next to the road. At the end of this section, you will reach the town of Spearfish. From here, you can head east on I-29 towards Sturgis for a quick drive to the next gorgeous byway. Learn more about the beautiful drive through Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

Vanocker Canyon
Vanocker Canyon Road, Vanocker Canyon Rd, Sturgis, SD 57785, USA
Keri Kelting/Tripadvisor
From Sturgis to the tiny town of Nemo is an amazing route that will take you through a beautiful landscape full of all the fall colors in South Dakota. This part of the drive is less busy than places like the Black Hills Parkway and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, so you can enjoy it to its full potential with fewer crowds. This beats taking I-90 all the way to Rapid City! It takes a little longer, but the views are totally worth it. You can go all the way through Nemo and back to Rapid City this way, a lovely journey through gently rolling hills. Get yourself more acquainted with Sturgis.

 

What do you recommend when it comes to where to go in the fall in South Dakota? Tell us in the comments!

Consider renting an RV for your road trip! Check out what RVshare has to offer.

Looking for more things to do in South Dakota in the fall? Why not take a more spooky approach as summer changes to winter and try our Haunted South Dakota Road Trip…if you’re brave enough, that is!

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In South Dakota

Elisa Regulski | August 13, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall colors in South Dakota?

Like any other state, there is a certain time of year to see peak fall colors in South Dakota:

Most of South Dakota reaches peak fall foliage during the first week of October. Of course, the specifics can vary by year and location. However, you can always bet on seeing the stunning crimson colors right before Halloween. Plan your autumn adventures accordingly! You will want to see all the sights South Dakota has to offer. 

Where are the best places in South Dakota to see fall foliage?

When it comes to seeing some gorgeous colors, there are plenty of places in South Dakota to see fall foliage:

  • Sica Hollow State Park, located in Sisseton, is a wonderful place to experience South Dakota’s stunning autumn colors. There are a multitude of trees in this natural wonderland including maples, linden, ash, and elm. Each tree produces a different color, and the end result is absolutely dazzling.
  • Another popular South Dakota destination is Custer State Park. This area is home to a trail called wildlife loop road. Here, you’ll come across magnificent animals like buffalo, antelope, and deer. This, paired with the colorful fall scenery, makes for a gorgeous outing. Bring the whole family along and make this your annual autumn tradition.

 

What are the best South Dakota hikes to take in the fall?

It is just lovely in South Dakota in the fall. Why not check out some of the best South Dakota hikes in the fall:

  • People flock to Black Hills National Forest during the fall. This area is home to some blissful hiking trails that range in difficulty. No matter what your skill level is, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible sights and crisp autumn air.
  • Mount Roosevelt, located in the Deadwood area, is a splendid hiking option for families. The easy loop leads to a stunning vista. On clear days, you can see for miles and miles.

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