Notch Trail

Interior, South Dakota

4.6/5

based on 15 reviews

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Distance

1.25 miles

Elevation Gain

131 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Spud Groshong

The Notch Trail in Badlands National Park is a 1.25-mile out-and-back hike with a rope ladder and a gorgeous view at the end.

Notch Trail is on the south end of the Door Trail car park.

The Trail sorta follows a dry river bed but there is also a actual trail you can also follow. It winds through the gulch and about half a mile or so you come to a 50 foot ladder. The ladder is a pretty easy climb up but can be a little more difficult on the way down.

Beyond the ladder is a bit about 50 yards or so the trail gets very close to the edge and those with a fear of heights may be sketched out too much, about 100 feet into this part my brother and i found an older woman tucked into the shade waiting for her friend who had gone on with out her cause she was afraid of falling.

After the cliff part you enter a gulch that feels like you could be on mars. It ends with a views of Cedar Pass and the prairie below

Also right in this part of the park are Door Trail (.75 miles)and Window Trail (.25 miles) both out and back.

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Notch Trail Reviews

Tyler Zink

Scout

Notch Trail

03/24/16

The scenery in the badlands is unreal and needs to be experienced at least once. This is a fun and different trail from the rest especially with the "ladder". The only issue I had was that it wasn't much a hike, it was short and didn't have the ending scenery that it potentially could of had.

4.0

Rex McD

Wanderer

Notch Trail

12/23/15

I have driven through the Badlands but never spent much time exploring there. However, I definitely plan to after reading about this hike! Spud, did you take this photograph? It's a great shot. Thanks for the inspiration!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Notch Trail

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Notch Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Window Trail

Castle & Medicine Root Trail Loop

Door Trail

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

Saddle Pass Trail

Backpack to Deer Haven in Badlands NP

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