Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See South Dakota Like Never Before

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

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.

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.

Black Hills Parkway

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

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

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!