South Dakota Fall Colors Guide

Fall in South Dakota is a glorious time — the chill in the air, the cozy scent of campfires, the rustle of leaves on the trail and, of course, the amazing array of colors that unfold across the state. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive or hiking in nature, here’s your guide to finding the best fall colors throughout South Dakota.

When is the Best Time to See Fall Colors?

Prime fall foliage season in South Dakota is mid-September through mid-October, depending on the area of the state. High-elevation regions like the Black Hills typically reach their fall peak earlier, with lower-lying areas following a week or two behind. If you’re planning to visit leaf-peeper hot spots like Spearfish Canyon and Black Hills National Forest, be on the safe side and book your travels early, as accommodations can fill up in the height of fall.

Spearfish Canyon

Hands down, Spearfish Canyon is one of the best places in the state to view fall foliage. One visit and you’ll see what all the fuss is about! Golden aspen and birch trees pop against an emerald background of spruce and pine, while the idyllic Spearfish Creek tumbles along the canyon bottom below. Follow hiking trails to misty waterfalls, pause for a picnic at a scenic overlook or cruise the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon State & National Scenic Byway to take in all the autumnal beauty between Spearfish and Cheyenne Crossing.

Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway

Spectacular in any season, this twisting route transforms into a vibrant palette for fall leaf-peepers. Made up of two historic roads, Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, the byway gives you a front-row seat to some of the Black Hills’ best views and brings you to the doorstep of the region’s most iconic attractions, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial®.

Vanocker Canyon

For some of the most dramatic fall colors in the northern Black Hills, wind down the 18-mile Vanocker Canyon Road from Sturgis to Nemo. Every bend reveals mountainsides layered in contrasting autumn shades, with glimpses of the bubbling Elk Creek. The Sturgis Trail System just south of town offers an extensive network of hiking trails under a canopy of shimmering yellow leaves.

Palisades State Park

In southeast South Dakota, the dramatic pink Sioux quartzite cliffs of Palisades State Park provide a stunning backdrop for autumn leaves in splashy shades of red, orange and yellow. Get dramatic views of the cliffs and their crown of foliage by kayaking on Split Rock Creek. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, climb those cliffs with the help of a local outfitter.

Sica Hollow State Park

A striking landscape of rolling hills and rugged ravines, Sica Hollow State Park is a favorite leaf-peeping spot in the northeast Glacial Lakes & Prairies region. "Sica" (pronounced SHE-cha) is a Lakota word meaning evil or bad — but don’t let that scare you off. Natural phenomena, like red-hued streams and glowing stumps, inspired eerie legends among local Native tribes. Wander the Trail of the Spirits, a National Recreation Trail, to see some of the park’s prettiest and most mysterious sights.

Newton Hills State Park

Just south of Sioux Falls, Newton Hills State Park is popular for hiking, camping and birding (more than 200 species wing through the park annually). Its dense forest — a lush oasis amid the open prairie — makes it one of the Southeast region’s prime locations for fall leaf-peeping. Wildlife is also abundant, and bow-hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park October 1-April 30. Learn about hunting licenses in South Dakota.

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

South Dakota’s second-most-visited state park becomes a leaf-peeper’s delight in the fall. Boaters and watersports enthusiasts swarm the 25-mile Lewis and Clark Lake to enjoy the season’s last warm days, but the colorful foliage that rings the lake hints at fall’s sure approach. Take advantage of excellent fall camping weather at the park’s 409 paved campsites and 19 camping cabins.

The Best Ways to Experience Fall Color

Scenic Drives

On every side of the state, scenic drives show off dramatic vistas and monumental attractions decorated in a kaleidoscope of fall color. As already mentioned, Spearfish Canyon State & National Scenic Byway and Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway are two standouts on the west side of the state, while the central and east parts of South Dakota are home to extraordinary drives like the Native American National Scenic Byway and I-29 Cultural Corridor. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the perfect windows-down weather, too.

Explore More Scenic Drives

Wildlife Spotting

One sure sign of fall in South Dakota is the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival. On the last Friday in September, watch as cowboys and cowgirls corral upwards of 1,300 bison — a ground-shaking spectacle that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Old West. Wildlife encounters abound throughout South Dakota, so keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, antelopes, prairie dogs and other critters as you explore our state and national parks.

Fall Festivals & Events

From big cities to small towns, South Dakota does it up for fall. Bring the family to a harvest festival, complete with hayrides and corn mazes. Autumn is prime pumpkin- and apple-picking time, and you’ll find no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.

Explore Harvest Festivals & Other Fall Events

Hunting Season

Central and northeast South Dakota boast some of the best pheasant-hunting grounds in the world, and avid hunters travel from afar to Hunt the Greatest each fall. The traditional season opens on the third Saturday in October, so make plans to secure your hunting license. In addition to pheasant, hunting seasons for duck, grouse, deer and several other species also open in the fall.

Learn About Hunting in South Dakota

Start Planning Your South Dakota Fall Vacation

Ready to put the Mount Rushmore State on your fall itinerary? Browse our wide variety of places to stay, from RV and tent campgrounds to lodges and cozy cabins. Find information about getting to South Dakota, whether flying or driving. And get more inspiration for things to see and places to go by browsing our free Vacation Guide.