12 Scenic Trails To Explore In South Dakota, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Annie
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When you live in (or are visiting) South Dakota, it can be hard to figure out what to add to your bucket list, especially when there are so many incredible things to see and do. Never fear, your friends at Only in South Dakota are here, this time with a list of 12 can’t-miss SoDak trails. Here are 12 scenic trails in South Dakota, one for each month of the year.
Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore Unorganized Territory, SD 57751, USA
Located in the heart of the Black Hills, Black Elk Peak is billed as being South Dakota's highest point, which is made all the more unique by the fact that there is a turn-of-the-20th-century old stone fire tower at the top of the mountain! Please note: The trail is deemed moderate but can get trickier with any snow or ice. Use caution when hiking. Learn more about this epic hiking trail in South Dakota in our previous article.
Good Earth State Park Visitor Center, 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
There is never a bad time to hike around Good Earth State Park at Blood Run; however, we find its many short and sweet trails to be even more beautiful under a soft blanket of snow. Read more about the hiking trails that run through this beloved South Dakota state park.
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Devils Gulch, Garretson, SD 57030, USA
While the name may sound a bit morbid, Devil's Gulch is actually the opposite, as the trail is short and sweet (.5 miles, to be exact) and ends at a dramatic canyon. Even cooler? Devil's Gulch is downright legendary, as it is said to be the spot where Jesse James jumped 28 feet off a bridge and into the water below, once again evading law enforcement. Learn more about the trail that runs through this natural wonder in South Dakota in our previous article.
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Presidential Trail, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA
There is no better way to kick off the spring/soon-to-be tourist season than by waving "hi" to our Fab 4, which is EXACTLY what you can do when hiking this famous .9-mile Mount Rushmore loop! Nestled away inside the Mount Rushmore National Monument, the Presidential Trail is suitable for novices and experts alike and gives you a close-up view of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt. Read more about this easy trail in South Dakota.
George S. Mickelson Trail, Deadwood, SD, USA
Are you ready to walk or ride 108 miles? Not really? No problem, as you can hop on or off the 108-mile-long George S. Mickelson Trail - which follows the tracks of an old Burlington Northern Railroad route - anytime you want! Discover why the George S. Mickelson Trail is one of the best hikes in South Dakota.
Sica Hollow State Park, 44950 Park Road, Sisseton, SD 57260, USA
Sure, the Trail of the Spirits is beautiful and full of shady spots, but you may want to watch your step, as the seemingly peaceful path is said to still be inhabited by its original residents. You have been warned. Do you agree that this is one of the scariest hikes in South Dakota?
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Sunday Gulch, West Pennington, SD 57730, USA
It's our seventh month of hiking, which means we have worked our way up to more strenuous trails like Sunday Gulch. Spanning three miles, Sunday Gulch may not sound daunting but features steep hills and staircases. While this may not sound too enticing, the surrounding landscape makes all of the hard work worthwhile. Learn more about this scenic trail in South Dakota in our previous article.
Cascade Falls, Northeast Fall River, SD 57747, USA
In the summertime, when the weather is high, there is no better short and sweet trail than the one that leads to Cascade Falls (AKA the Old Swimming Hole)! Boasting 67-degree spring-fed water and smooth rocks to slide down or lounge upon, there is no better place for cooling off in SoDak. Take a peek at the adventure that awaits on this picturesque path that leads to a swimming hole in South Dakota.
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Notch Trail, Interior Township, SD 57750, USA
There is never a bad time to visit the Badlands; however, we think it's best in late summer when temperatures are a bit more comfortable, and you can safely climb the 1.5-mile trail's ladder without worrying about ice! Get a glimpse of the fun that awaits on this stairway to nowhere trail in South Dakota.
Roughlock Falls, South Lawrence, SD 57754, USA
My personal favorite fall hike is Roughlock Falls... can you see why? Not only are the falls themselves downright stunning, but so is the two-mile loop that goes to and from the waterfall. Read more about this waterfall hike in South Dakota.
East Falls Park Drive, E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Thanksgiving has come and gone, so it is time to kick off the holiday season at the one and only Falls Park! Featuring 355,926+ LEDs and lights, 270 trees, and 275 light poles, there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by walking around this paved trail. Follow this picturesque path that leads to the tallest waterfall in South Dakota.
Mount Roosevelt Road, Mt Roosevelt Rd, South Dakota, USA
Birding, wildlife sightings, and jaw-dropping views await at the aptly-named Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route, which spans a mere one-mile and makes for a perfect year-end hike!
What are your favorite scenic trails in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments! For even more must-take hikes, check out The 10 Gorgeous Hikes Everyone In South Dakota Must Complete.
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More to Explore
Hiking In South Dakota
Are there any kid-friendly trails in South Dakota?
Exploring South Dakota is easy and fun for the whole family, including the kiddos. Bring the kids along on one of the many kid-friendly trails in South Dakota, including:
- Follow the half-mile Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore, a fun and beautiful South Dakota trail that will give you an up-close view of the presidents.
- Kiddos and adults love the Notch Trail because it includes a climb up a ladder.
- Marvel at Roughlock Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South Dakota. It sits along a picturesque 2.1-mile out-and-back trail of the same name.
- The Wind Cave Canyon Trail wanders 3.8 miles and is teeming with wildlife – from bison to elk.
- Explore Badlands National Park on the four-mile Medicine Root Loop Trail.
What are the best winter hikes in South Dakota?
While winter in South Dakota can be rough, winters are also spellbindingly beautiful. When the weather allows, stop that cabin fever in its tracks by embarking on one of the best winter hikes in South Dakota:
- The Black Elk Trail in Custer is rather long at eight miles, but it boasts absolutely stunning views.
- Visit Badlands National Park, home to several trails, including the quarter-mile Fossil Exhibit Trail.
- Wait until you see the views along the Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route in Spearfish.
Featured Addresses
Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore Unorganized Territory, SD 57751, USA
Mount Roosevelt Road, Mt Roosevelt Rd, South Dakota, USA
East Falls Park Drive, E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Roughlock Falls, South Lawrence, SD, USA
Notch Trail, Interior Township, SD 57750, USA
Cascade Falls, Northeast Fall River, SD 57747, USA
Sica Hollow Road, Sica Hollow Rd, Red Iron Lake Township, SD, USA
Sunday Gulch, West Pennington, SD 57730, USA
Devil's Gulch Park Road, Devil's Gulch Park Rd, Garretson, SD 57030, USA
George S. Mickelson Trail, Deadwood, SD, USA
Good Earth State Park Visitor Center, 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
Mount Rushmore, Mt Rushmore, Mount Rushmore Unorganized Territory, SD 57751, USA