South Dakota Hiking Trails

Falls Park is located north of downtown Sioux Falls. The park covers 123 acres and an average of 7,400 gallons of water drops 100 feet over the course of the Falls each second. It includes the visitor information center and observation tower, Falls Overlook Cafe, the Queen Bee Mill, several permanent sculptures, seasonal Farmers Market, playgrounds, walking paths and an open air shelter. It is home to Winter Wonderland, a display of holiday lights and decorations every Christmas season. Park hours are 5 a.m.-12 midnight.

Granite Sports is the oldest outdoor specialty store in the Black Hills. Our shop in Hill City carries gear and clothing for rock climbers, hikers, backpackers and campers. The Granite Sports team includes avid outdoor enthusiasts and climbing professionals who test and wear our products. We also carry a wide variety of tasteful, well-made casual clothing and footwear for everyday life. We welcome you to come in, check out our merchandise, or just hang out. You can shop from our website, too.

Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park (HLMP), a non-profit, privately-operated park, is home to more than 20 miles of world-class recreational trails on 300 acres of impeccable Black Hills terrain near historic downtown Rapid City. The HLMP trails have offerings for hikers, bikers and runners of all skill levels, from gently-graded, wide singletrack for beginners and families, to technical-advanced, rock-strewn terrain for more challenge. (Contact HLMP by email, or Rapid City Parks & Recreation by phone.)

Good Earth State Park southeast of Sioux Falls is an important cultural and historical site as well as a unique nature retreat adjacent to the most developed and populated part of our state. The site itself is one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the United States. The most recent addition the state park system, Good Earth offers prime opportunities for birding and hiking.

Hilger's Gulch in Pierre includes a 1.1 mile lighted walking trail along with attractive flower gardens and a scenic view of the South Dakota State Capitol. During holidays and special events, the park is decorated with a United States flag display. Governor's Grove is located on the west slope of the gulch and contains hundreds of trees and 28 monuments dedicated to former governors of South Dakota including the Gates of the Counties, which are constructed of stones native to each county in South Dakota. During the winter months, Hilger's Gulch is a popular spot for sledders. For more information, contact the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy incredible views of Rapid City and the surrounding area from the Skyline Wilderness Area. This 150-acre park features numerous walking, biking and hiking trails. Its trail system is a network of secluded, single-track trails. Skyline Wilderness Area is a public park that is owned and maintained by the Rapid City Department of Parks & Recreation. Park hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m., daily.

The first crossing for the Watertown-to-Pierre stage line crossed the river here on American Indians' traditional rock river crossing. Belchers Ford, as the site was called, had a hotel for tourists. The park is named after Frank I. Fisher, the first permanent European settler in Spink County who lived at this site.

The famous Deadwood Sheriff, Seth Bullock, built the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower in 1919 as a dedication to President Theodore Roosevelt, his close friend of many years. Bullock wanted to create a memorial of his friend’s life and a place where people could view wide open spaces that both Bullock and Roosevelt had become so fond of during their lives. Now part of the United States Forest Service and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Friendship Tower is located just north of Deadwood. Head one mile north on U.S. Highway 85 to the turn off for The Lodge at Deadwood resort. Turn left as if going to the resort but keep right and follow Forest Road 133 approximately .2 miles to the Mount Roosevelt Picnic Area (which has five picnic sites). The Mount Roosevelt Trail is approximately one mile round-trip up a moderately sloped trail from a gravel parking area to the Tower. Operational house are sunrise to sunset, year-round. (The phone number is for the U.S. Forest Service office in Custer.)

Located at 22nd Avenue S and 32nd Street S on the southern edge of Brookings, the Dakota Nature Park and its Larson Nature Center are primarily for the use of programs and activities sponsored or affiliated with the Brookings Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department. The area is open year-round to use for activities such as fishing, canoeing/kayaking, bird-watching, hiking, biking and picnics, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The many trails have benches scattered along them providing a perfect place to sit and enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature. Park hours are 6 a.m.-11 p.m.