Lover’s Leap Trail. The Presidential Trail. Sunday Gulch Trail. South Dakota is chock-full of popular and downright iconic hikes and trails, but if you already visited them, you may be looking for something different and lesser-known. Does this sound like you? While there are several hidden gem hikes scattered about the Mount Rushmore State, we recommend beginning with this South Dakota trail you have never heard of but need to visit ASAP:

Nestled away in the Black Hills near Blackhawk is the beautiful Botany Canyon.
AllTrails/Amanda Hood
Featuring a 5-mile-long out-and-back trail, Botany Canyon winds through some of the lushest forest in the state and winds through shady trees...
AllTrails/Hollie Fleming
...dramatic rock walls...
AllTrails/Carmen A.

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...and colorful wildflowers galore.
AllTrails/Amanda Gardner
While flowers and gorgeous landscape are reason enough to visit, there is even more to love about Botany Canyon, like the fact that its unique wet environment is covered in vibrantly colored moss and ferns.
AllTrails/Mason McMeekin
Please note: while 5 miles out-and-back may not sound too daunting, the hike does include an elevation gain of more than 800 feet, loose rocks, and steep terrain, so be sure to take your time and always exercise caution.
AllTrails/Peter Schwiesow
Access to Botany Canyon — which is sometimes referred to as South Stagebarn Canyon — can be found via South High Meadows Road, which serves as parking for the trail. Once there, take the Forest Service road and continue past a sign that says "Closed to Motorized Vehicles."
AllTrails/Hannah Childers
For more detailed directions, please see the map below.
Address: Black Hawk, CO 57718

Have you had a chance to hike the beautiful Botany Canyon (AKA South Stagebarn Canyon)? Do you have any tips for newbies who may be checking it out for the first time? Let us know in the comments! While you are visiting the Black Hawk area, be sure to also visit These 7 Restaurants In South Dakota Might Be Microscopic But They’re To Die For.

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