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
Bear Butte State Park Drive, Bear Butte State Park Dr, Southwest Meade, SD 57788, USA
Clint/fickr
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
Union Grove State Park, 1215 220th St, Gladbrook, IA 50635, USA
Jennifer G./Yelp
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
Custer State Park Spur, Custer, SD 57730, USA
Jeanne Scarpello/AllTrails.com
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
Spearfish Canyon, North Lawrence, SD 57783, USA
rusticpress/Tripadvisor
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
Devils Bathtub Trailhead, 1917 Spearfish Canyon Hwy, Lead, SD 57754, USA
Don G./Tripadvisor
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
Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
ButteredToast/Tripadvisor
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
Custer State Park, South Dakota, USA
Carole54/Tripadvisor
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
Falling Rock Road, Falling Rock Rd, South Dakota 57702, USA
Patrick Andriola/AllTrails.com
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 State Recreation Area, 410 W Park St, Brandon, SD 57005, USA
Big Sioux Recreation Area/Facebook
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
Presidential Trail, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA
Roy W./TripAdvisor
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
Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead, SD-240, Interior, SD 57750, USA
Jeff Myers/AllTrails.com
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!

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Best Hikes in South Dakota

Danielle Schwartz | June 18, 2022

Can I hike to historical sites in South Dakota?

Yes, there is a fantastic place to hike to historical sites in South Dakota. If you’re a history buff, you should definitely make your way to the Mount Roosevelt Memorial Tower in Deadwood, known by many as the “Friendship Tower.” The sweet story is that Seth Bullock built the tower in memory of his friend Teddy Roosevelt following the President’s death. You can even climb the stairs to the top of the tower and have a gorgeous view of the whole surrounding area. 

What are the best waterfall hikes in South Dakota?

Our state is known for its stunning natural environment and its many wonderful features. One of our favorite things to do in the warm months is to hike to waterfalls. If you’re looking for the best waterfall hikes in South Dakota, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the most enchanting water features for you to enjoy. If you’re near Hot Springs, check out Cascade Falls for a lovely break from city life. You can go swimming here too! Spearfish Falls is a truly striking waterfall, at 47 feet tall! This hike is not too long either, so it’s the perfect easy day trip.

What is the best wildflower hike in South Dakota?

When the weather warms up and everything is blooming, you will be so glad you know about one of the best wildflower hikes in South Dakota, Harney Peak, which is also known as Black Elk Peak. It’s not the easiest hike in the state, but you will know it’s worth it when you see the colorful flower popping up all around you and enjoy the panoramic views from the mountain.

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