South Dakota

Lake Alvin is a beautiful lake outside Sioux Falls that is surrounded by pines and prairies. Its proximity outside the city means it is very quiet and very calm. The water is perfect for kayaking or canoeing, and there are multiple trails leading to shore to carry them in easily.   The park itsel...

Hitting a trifecta of awesome, the Pactola Reservoir is not only an incredibly scenic lake with the best fishing in the state. It also hides a history of lawlessness and prosperity underneath its beautiful waters. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this 785-acre reservoir houses a multit...

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...

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...

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...

Dakota Nature Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Brookings, South Dakota.

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...

Saddle Pass Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Interior, South Dakota.

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...

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...

Falls Park in Sioux Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the area, and for good reason. It is a beautiful park in the heart of the city, spanning 123 acres and consisting of waterfalls, trails, a lookout, and a café.  Paved sidewalk trails run all around the falls and offer great looko...

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is located outside Vermillion, South Dakota and consists of a 1.4 mile hike up to the top of a prairie mound. Lewis and Clark made the trek years ago, making it a historical marker to visit and see. Beautiful wildflowers line the trail, mixed in with acres of prairie...

M Hill is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Rapid City, South Dakota.

Kiwanis Trail runs along the south side of Lake Mitchell in South Dakota. Along with a hiking trail, there is also a trail specifically for mountain biking. The hiking trail is about two miles long and is a pretty easy hike for all ages. Along the hike, you'll wind through forests, plains, and ri...

Leaders Park Trail is located in Leaders Park in Sioux Falls. Park on the street at the "Leaders Park" sign and head to the right, where you will find the start of the mountain biking trail. The trail consist of a 1.6 mile loop full of slopes, inclines, prairie grasses, and forests. The park is c...

Horse Thief Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Keystone, South Dakota.