Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
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Top Spots in and near Black Hills National Forest
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Keystone, South Dakota
Rock Climb at 1880 Wall
0.1 mi / 150 ft gainThere are 2 walls named the 1880 Wall, one is the East Wall and the other is the West Wall. To get there you will need to follow Old Hill City Road, either from Hill City or from Keystone. If coming from Keystone it is about 3.8 miles heading west. There is a pullout right off the road and next t...Read more -
Keystone, South Dakota
Horse Thief Lake Trail
4.05.27 mi / 1132 ft gainHorse Thief Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Keystone, South Dakota.Read more -
Custer, South Dakota
Cathedral Spires in the Black Hills
4.81.65 mi / 200 ft gainThis is a moderate hike with a huge payout in the form of some of the Black Hills' most beautiful features — tall granite spires rising hundreds of feet above the surrounding terrain, reaching a maximum height of 6,860 feet. Starting from the Cathedral Spires Trailhead --where you may be treated...Read more -
Rapid City, South Dakota
Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake Overview
2.7 mi / 345 ft gainThis hike cuts the popular Spring Trail Flume Trail Loop in half, making a beeline for the overlook of Sheridan Lake. It guides you alongside and over the gorgeous clear creek waters via a series of footbridges. Crossing the creek by way of rock hopping for the more adventurous hiker makes this t...Read more -
Keystone, South Dakota
Hike to Ingersoll Abandoned Mine
2.50.5 mi / 4990 ft gainDrive into Keystone, take a right on Old Hill City Road, drive for a little over two miles, you'll pass both Kemp's Kamp and the K Bar S Lodge, and look for Echo Valley Dr. on your left. As soon as you pass Echo Valley Dr, keep your eyes out for a pull off on the right. Once you get to the trailh...Read more -
Keystone, South Dakota
Mt. Rushmore Profile View
Cool little pull off area to get a shot of Washington’s face from the side between the mountains. There is a pull off on both sides of the road and a popular spot to stop and photograph this unique perspective of Mt. Rushmore. For the loop trail to see more of the sites of Mt. Rushmore, check o...Read more -
Keystone, South Dakota
Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore
4.70.71 mi / 137 ft gainThe closest possible access to Mount Rushmore National Monument is achieved by walking the Presidential Trail, which takes you to the bottom of the rock pile below the carving. This loop trail is just shy of 1 mile and offers a unique perspective with a chance to view some wildlife. Expect ther...Read more -
Custer, South Dakota
Hike the Custer Skywalk to Big Rock Observation Point
0.6 mi / 370 ft gainPark on the South end of 6th Street at Harbach Park in Custer, just 2 blocks off Main Street. The entrance to the trail is marked by an archway and a "Custer Skywalk" sign. The path is a dirt/small gravel trail that has stairs built into the hillside. To get to the first observation point it is a...Read more -
Rapid City, South Dakota
Hike to Falling Rock Overlook
0.5 mi / 50 ft gainThe beautiful hike is a tremendous spot to get out of town and enjoy the scenery and a great view of Rapid Creek down in the canyon below. Parking is right off Falling Rock Rd. then the trail is a very well marked path through the trees, easy to follow, and leads you right to the edge of limesto...Read more -
Custer, South Dakota
Hike through Hell Canyon
5.3 miThe Trailhead lies down in the canyon bottom, just one mile west of Jewel Cave National Monument and 13 miles west of Custer. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the parking lot, which is right off the highway and boasts a spacious gravel lot to park in. Since the trail is a loop, you can go either ...Read more -
Custer, South Dakota
Tour Jewel Cave
4.00.5 mi / 20 ft gainEstablished in 1908, Jewel Cave National Monument is home to over 179 miles of mapped cave passages. The cave features larger chambers and more interesting formations then nearby Wind Cave NP, and much of it is covered in spar crystals.A guided tour is the only way to see the cave system unless y...Read more -
Custer, South Dakota
Hike the Stockade Lake Trail
1.2 mi / 500 ft gainThe trail starts near the East side of Stockade Lake just outside Custer, South Dakota. The trail is a 1.2 mile loop, and climbs up to 5,650 feet above sea level. The trail is easy to follow and is well worn. Also the trees have blue diamonds nailed to them for even easier route finding. Once you...Read more -
Keystone, South Dakota
Hike Iron Creek Trail #15
2.4 mi / 200 ft gainThe trail is accessible from 2 different spots, both give you the opportunity for a scenic drive to get there. The approach from the Northeast side is on Iron Mountain road a beautiful scenic Black Hills highway, and you will be very near Lakota Lake. The Southwest trail head is a more rugged dr...Read more -
Keystone, South Dakota
Hippie Hole
4.80.3 miWhile making your way to the parking area, you'll keep right for the most part. You'll also need a high clearance vehicle or the patience to drive very slowly. The dirt road to the trailhead is full of dips, holes, rocks, and essentially could be a close relative of off roading. If you do not hav...Read more -
Rapid City, South Dakota
Hike to the Stratobowl Rim
2 mi / 100 ft gainThe winding trail to the Stratobowl is a gradual and easy hike, which is perfect for the whole family or for a quick excursion if you don't have a lot of time. It is roughly a mile to the Rim overlook, where there is a plaque commemorating the November 11th, 1935 balloon flight that launched 72,3...Read more -
Hermosa, South Dakota
Stargaze at Spokane Ghost Town
Great all year long but, especially stunning when the galactic center of the Milky Way is visible from Spring to Fall, Spokane Ghost Town is a local favorite and a hidden gem. Set up your camera, and light paint some old buildings! The ghost town was originally a mine founded in the late 1800's w...Read more
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Go Great Places in South Dakota
In the Mount Rushmore state, travels to South Dakota are full of one-of-a-kind adventure with wide-open spaces as endless as the horizons. Between legendary landscapes and scenic drives, you can always find space that shifts life into park. When you’re ready, go great places.
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