South Dakota

Looking for the best hiking in South Dakota? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around South Dakota. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near South Dakota

  • Keystone, South Dakota

    Rock Climb at 1880 Wall

    0.1 mi / 150 ft gain
    There 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...
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  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake Overview

    2.7 mi / 167 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota

    Great Bear Valley Trail

    5.0
    1.05 mi / 141 ft gain
    Great Bear Ski Valley is a ski area in Sioux Falls that also has wooded trails that run throughout the property. The trails are free to hike and offer a secluded, private place to get outside and away from the city.  In the winter, the trails can be used to cross country ski as well. We found th...
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  • Keystone, South Dakota

    Sylvan Lake Shore Trail

    5.0
    1.1 mi / 39 ft gain
    Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Custer, South Dakota.
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  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Explore the Skyline Wilderness Area

    3 mi / 0 ft gain
    Dividing Rapid City's East and West sides, the Skyline Wilderness Area is a 150-acre park that features numerous walking, biking and hiking trails. This area can also be enjoyed as a beautiful drive that offers one of the best views of Rapid City.  The road stretches about two miles long and giv...
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  • Madison, South Dakota

    Hike Abbott Trail

    2.7 mi / 95 ft gain
    Abbott Trail is located at Lake Herman State Park in South Dakota. The park itself is beautiful and offers many things to do, including canoe rentals, camping, parks, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Abbott Trail is 2.7 mile hike that works for all skill levels. At the trail head, there is a gaze...
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  • Dell Rapids, South Dakota

    Walk the Sioux River Red Rock Trail

    2.6 mi / 49 ft gain
    The Sioux River Red Rock Trail is located in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. It is a 2.6 mile paved out and back trail that runs along the Sioux River. This trail offers great views of the river, red rock formations, and even a waterfall. It is great for all skill levels, and dogs are allowed on leash...
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  • Black Hawk, South Dakota

    Hike Botany Canyon

    5 mi / 807 ft gain
    After reaching the trailhead, the first couple miles are forest service road. You'll want to follow the main FSR, do not branch off onto any of the smaller dirt roads. The turn off to go down into the canyon is very easy to miss. It will be on your right hand side after a small patch of trees, th...
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  • Interior, South Dakota

    Saddle Pass Trail

    5.0
    0.78 mi / 240 ft gain
    Saddle Pass Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Interior, South Dakota.
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  • Brookings, South Dakota

    Dakota Nature Park Trail

    4.0
    1.72 mi / 46 ft gain
    Dakota Nature Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Brookings, South Dakota.
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  • Custer, South Dakota

    Fly Fish French Creek

    0.5 mi / 15 ft gain
    The creek has two main sections, there is Upper French Creek and Lower French creek, the upper/lower refer to the section of creek above or below Stockade Lake. The better fishing is below Stockade Lake. There you can find numerous sections of the creek that are on public land and easily accessib...
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  • Garretson, South Dakota

    Explore Devils Gulch Park

    4.0
    0.5 mi / 29 ft gain
    Devils Gulch Park is located in Garretson, South Dakota, about a half hour from Sioux Falls. It’s free to visit, and is a great spot to hike or picnic. There are trails along the river and cool bridges to walk across.  Along with trails, there’s a covered picnic area right when you pull in. A nea...
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  • Vermillion, South Dakota

    Hike the Clay County Park Nature Trail

    2.1 mi / 68 ft gain
    Clay County Park Nature Trail is located in Vermillion, South Dakota and includes a 2.1 mile loop hike that runs along the river. At the trailhead, you will find a lookout and picnic area, along with public bathrooms. The trail itself winds through prairie grasses and forests, and at times goes r...
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  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    M Hill

    1.56 mi / 381 ft gain
    M Hill is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Rapid City, South Dakota.
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  • Canistota, South Dakota

    Hike Otter Stream Trail

    1.2 mi / 45 ft gain
    Otter Stream Trail is located in Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area. It has a lake, campground, and hiking trails. Be advised that there is an entrance fee. This trail wraps around beautiful grasslands and into shaded forests. The trail sits across the street from Lake Vermillion, and scenic v...
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  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota

    Bur Oak, Riparian, Grand Ravine, and River Lookout Loop Trail

    3.39 mi / 295 ft gain
    Bur Oak, Riparian, Grand Ravine, and River Lookout Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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