The weather outside may be its regular winter cold, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay cooped up inside until the spring thaw! If you are looking for things to do in South Dakota in the winter, we have just the thing. Lace-up your boots and fill that water bottle to the brim, here are five of the best winter hikes in South Dakota, each of which offers an unforgettable cold-weather adventure.

1. Black Elk Peak (Custer)
Black Elk Peak, Custer, SD 57730, USA
TripAdvisor/Gabe10101
Formerly known as Harney Peak, Black Elk tops our list of the best hiking trails in South Dakota for a number of reasons, the most important of which is that the old fire lookout tower boasts the most amazing 360 degree views. It's also one of the best places to see the sunrise in South Dakota. (Please note: This hike is nearly 8 miles long and can be tricky in spots, so please use caution while hiking Black Elk!)
2. Sheridan Lake Flume Trail (Rapid City)
Sheridan Lake, BLACK HILLS,SD,USA, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Flickr/Alex Calderon
Normally we wouldn't include a super long hike like Sheridan Lake's Flume Trail (as it winds a whopping 13 miles!), but since hikers have the opportunity to create their own path via Flume's 3 different sections, we can make an exception! While you're hiking, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for not only ample wildlife, but several historic tunnels and caves as well. This might just be one of the most underrated hikes in South Dakota.

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3. Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route (Spearfish)
Mount Roosevelt Road, Mt Roosevelt Rd, South Dakota, USA
AllTrails/Jesse Allen
When it comes to some of the best winter hikes in South Dakota, this portion of the Mount Roosevelt Trail is hard to beat. Located near Spearfish, the Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route actually has the word WINTER included in it, as it is best hiked between the months of October through March! Why? It is because of its pristine forest setting, birding, and winter wildlife.
4. Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
Google Maps
If you thought the Badlands shone during the summer, wait until you see them capped with white snow! From the short and sweet Fossil Exhibit Trail (.25 miles) to the butt-busting Castle Trail (10 miles), the Badlands has a designated path for every hiker and every skill level. There's a reason Badlands National Park is on our South Dakota bucket list.
5. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run (Sioux Falls)
Good Earth State Park Visitor Center, 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
Good Earth State Park at Blood Run Facebook
One of the newest of South Dakota state parks is also one of the best places to hike! The trails around Good Earth are not too strenuous, yet oh-so scenic. You could easily spend all day exploring the trails of Good Earth State Park.

Do you agree that these are some of the best winter hikes in South Dakota? Which winter trails would you add to the list? Be sure to let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear from you! Discover even more of the best by taking a look at our list of the best hikes in the Black Hills.

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Winter fun in South Dakota

Beth C. | December 12, 2021

What are some other great winter attractions in South Dakota?

Some of our favorite winter attractions in South Dakota include:

 

What's the snowiest town in South Dakota?

On average, the snowiest town in South Dakota is Lead. This picturesque town receives an average of 195.9 inches of snow every year, according to The Weather Channel. As you can imagine, the residents are quite used to winter weather, and they embrace it. Snowshoeing is a popular winter-time activity in this region of South Dakota, and it's no mystery why. The beautiful trails blanketed in several feet of snow make for the most beautiful winter adventures. If you're looking for a picturesque winter getaway, you can't do much better than Spearfish Canyon Lodge in Lead.

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