Have you heard of the urban legend regarding the iconic Jesse James and his epic leap to escape law enforcement? If you are a SoDak native, you are sure to have heard the tale, but if you are not, you should know that the legendary outlaw is said to have once used the footbridge over the canyon to successfully evade arrest, making the area even more popular. Though the alleged incident happened in 1876, you can still visit the site and hike the trail leading to the best canyon in South Dakota:

Welcome to the Devil's Gorge, the "Home of Beauty, History, and Legend."
TripAdvisor/Happy Explorer
Featuring a short and sweet .5-mile out-and-back trail, Devil's Gulch highlights the beauty of eastern South Dakota via the area's lush landscape and mature trees.
TripAdvisor/Happy Explorer
While the natural foliage is one reason to visit, the gulch (or canyon) is the real star of the show, as it is arguably the most dramatic in the state with its jagged rocks and cliffs.
TripAdvisor/ELKW

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Can you imagine leaping off this 1800's footbridge into the cold water below? Neither can we.
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Please note: While the Devil's Gulch is open-year round, it is best used between April and October, when the weather is the most predictable.
TripAdvisor/ELKW
Admission to the historic Devil's Gulch is free.
TripAdvisor/ELKW
To access Devil's Gulch, take I-90 to Exit 410 and turn north onto Hwy. 105 for 7 miles. Turn left and take Dows Street for a half-mile, then turn right onto Main Street, another right onto 5th Street, and left through the gate into Devil's Gulch Park.
TripAdvisor/ELKW

Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota? Nominate it here! For even more can’t-miss SoDak hikes, check out The 10 Gorgeous Hikes Everyone In South Dakota Must Complete.

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Devils Gulch, Garretson, SD 57030, USA