Find trailheads in the Black Hills, from easy nature walks to hiking, horseback riding, and biking single track. Discover scenic routes through forests, granite peaks, and lakes, across the breathtaking South Dakota landscapes with photography opps.
A Centennial Trail access point near Mount Rushmore, with horse-trailer parking and a scenic loop into the Black Elk Wilderness past granite formations.
Keystone, SD,
The northernmost Forest Service trailhead on the Centennial Trail near Nemo, a non-motorized access point with canyon-rim views toward Bear Butte.
12545 Runkle Rd Piedmont, SD, 57769
Part of the 125-mile trail traversing the heart of the Black Hills.
Rapid City, SD, 57701
The trailhead for a 3.7-mile loop at Cook Lake near Sundance, WY, past cliff-swallow mud nests in the limestone bluffs above Beaver Creek. Wildlife-rich.
Sundance, WY,
A quiet OHV trailhead ~35 miles southwest of Custer, with a scenic 2.5-mile 62-inch loop into the Red Canyon country of the far southern Black Hills.
Edgemont, SD,
An easy 1.4-mile trail into a limestone canyon in Wind Cave National Park, past a prairie dog town with bison, elk, and raptors. No dogs; no fee to enter.
GGP2+5Q Hot Springs, SD, 57747
An easy ~1-mile lakeshore trail circling Cook Lake in Wyoming's Bear Lodge Mountains, with stairs, a creek crossing, and herons, osprey, and bald eagles.
The easternmost trailhead of the historic Flume Trail near Rockerville, the start of a flat, family-friendly walk along an 1880s mining flume bed.
Rapid City, SD,
An out-and-back 2.1 mile hike to local caves, a swimming hole, creek crossings, stone bridge, and wildflowers — hidden gem near Rapid City, South Dakota.
11675-11283, Nemo Rd, Rapid City, SD, 57702
Crow Peak Trailhead near Spearfish, SD offers a challenging summit hike with sweeping Black Hills views—ideal for experienced hikers seeking a rewarding climb.
Spearfish, SD, 57783
Drive or hike to this historic fire lookout in Custer, South Dakota, with incredible 360-degree Black Hills views. Still actively used by the Forest Service.
Lead, SD,
Hop on Trail 7 just south of Deadwood — your entry to 350 miles of Black Hills snowmobiling. Sweeping forests, elevation gain, and panoramic views.
SD,
Hike this popular trail at Sylvan Lake leading to South Dakota’s highest peak with scenic summit views and historic charm. Considered moderately challenging.
Keystone, SD, 57751
Hike 1.5 miles up one of the scenic and iconic trails in the Black Hills to view the granite Cathedral Spires inside Custer State Park in the Black Hills.
Custer, SD,
An easy, mostly flat, paved path along Grace Coolidge Creek through a peaceful valley in Custer State Park— perfect for families, bikes, and bison sightings.
Little Devil’s Tower is a scenic 3-mile hike with stunning Black Hills summit views. Moderately challenging, located near Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.
A ridge climb to a sheer granite outcrop — with views of Black Elk Peak, the Needles, and beyond. Great hike for families, wildlife viewing, and photography.
A 3.2-mile paved connector linking the Mickelson Trail to Custer State Park. Considered easy and scenic, it's perfect for families and photo opps!
A top favorite of locals and tourists, Sunday Gulch is a 3.5-mile rugged hike through a scenic gorge with a trailhead behind the dam at Sylvan Lake.
Scramble over granite boulders, cool off in crystal-clear water, and hike through a slot canyon — all in a 1-mile loop around Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.
