Hikes in the Black Hills

The Black Hills are a small but significant mountain range in the southwest corner of South Dakota. The range has beautiful pine forests and granite formations. Compared to the prairies to the east, the Black Hills are much more rugged and feel like “The West.” Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial are all popular destinations in the Black Hills.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore

Hiking in the Black Hills

Crazy Horse VolskmarchCrazy Horse Volskmarch
This roughly 5-mile hike (designed as a 10-kilometer feat) ventures up onto the Crazy Horse Memorial for up-close views of the massive carving and is only open to the public a few days a year.
Rankin Ridge TrailRankin Ridge Nature Trail in Wind Cave Park
This one-mile loop hits the highest point in the park at a lookout tower with views over the east side of the Black Hills.

 

Camping in the Black Hills

Bismarck Lake CampgroundBismarck Lake Campground
This 23-site lakefront campground is conveniently located in Black Hills National Forest near the city of Custer and the area’s outdoor attractions.

 

View South Dakota trails and campgrounds in a larger map
hikespeak
Latest reports in South Dakota
South Dakota

Bismarck Lake Campground
in Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills | Campgrounds | South Dakota
Bismarck Lake Campground Black Hills National Forest South Dakota Camping
Bismarck Lake is a small, secluded 23-site campground in Black Hills National Forest, less than five miles east of Custer, South Dakota. While some sites offer obstructed views of the lake below, most sites are nestled back in the woods among ponderosa pines and large boulders. A lakeside boardwalk with benches and an elevated seated area leaves from the campground and offers greats spot for... Read more.
Tagged with · Black Hills · Custer · Tent Camping
By: Published: Last updated: January 7, 2019
South Dakota

Rankin Ridge Nature Trail
in Wind Cave National Park

Black Hills | South Dakota | Trails | Wind Cave Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Rankin Ridge Trail Hike Wind Cave National Park Black Hills South Dakota Rankin Ridge Fire Tower Lookout Tower Hike
Rankin Ridge forms part of the southeast edge of the Black Hills and at 5,013 feet in elevation, it is the highest point in Wind Cave National Park. A lookout tower rises above the ridge top, which can be reached via a 250-foot ascent on a 0.55-mile long single track. Take a wide dirt trail back down the ridge to form a one-mile loop. Although this hike is short, it is not short on rewards.... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Black Hills · Custer · Free Trails · Lookout Towers · National Parks · Nature Trails · Summits
 Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 250 feet
By: Published: Last updated: April 19, 2018
South Dakota

Crazy Horse Volksmarch
in the Black Hills

Black Hills | South Dakota | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Crazy Horse Memorial Hike Black Hills South Dakota Crazy Horse Volksmarch
It is not every day that you can hike to the top of a 563-foot tall granite carving honoring an American legend. Actually, you can only do this hike a few days a year when the active construction on Crazy Horse Memorial is suspended so that the public can get a close look. The hike passes through forests and fields below the work-in-progress memorial and follows the same road used by... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Black Hills · Crazy Horse Memorial · Memorials
 Distance: 4.75 miles · Elevation change: 775 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 26, 2021
South Dakota

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
in Badlands National Park

Badlands | South Dakota | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail Badlands National Park hike
Beneath the natural fortress known as Badlands Wall, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail presents easy access to South Dakota's badlands and has views across the Great Plains. This pleasant half-mile lollipop loop passes through a juniper forest elevated along the Badlands Wall, a 100-mile long ridge spanning across the park. The start of the loop is wheelchair friendly, but steps lead to the highest... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Badlands · National Parks · Nature Trails
 Distance: 0.5 miles · Elevation change: 300 feet
By: Published: Last updated: April 27, 2017
South Dakota

Notch Trail
in Badlands National Park

Badlands | South Dakota | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Notch Trail Badlands National Park hike Notch Hike South Dakota
This trek travels up a badlands canyon to an overlook with massive views over the Great Plains. The hike is 1.33 miles round trip with 125 feet of elevation gain. This hike does not have a boardwalk to follow, just a dirt trail and a steep wooden ladder. Notch Trail also traces a cliff's edge so it is not a good option for hikers with a fear of heights. For those interested in a little... Read more.
OK! Add to trails I’ve hiked
OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Badlands · National Parks
 Distance: 1.33 miles · Elevation change: 125 feet
By: Published: Last updated: January 10, 2018
← Older Entries