2021-01-20 10:14:54
Nature’s Ultimate Playground Rising from an ocean of prairie, the Black Hills and Badlands offer an oasis of outdoor recreation opportunities. Explore the raw beauty of picturesque lakes and waterfalls, rivers prime for fishing, trails begging to be hiked and biked and mountainsides home to lush playgrounds. With equipment rentals, lessons and plenty of friendly faces willing to show visitors the way, it’s easy to add a bike ride, fishing trip or kayaking excursion to your vacation. CAVING There’s plenty to discover beneath the surface in the hundreds of miles of underground caves throughout the Black Hills, from rare, intricate rock designs to massive chambers. These subterranean landscapes are one of the final frontiers for adventure-seekers. Many of the region’s caves have paths with handrails and lights that illuminate the formations and provide various levels of accessibility to these stunning cave-scapes. ROCK CLIMBING Tackle granite spires in the Sylvan Lake district, dance up routes in the Rushmore area, bask in the year-round climbing of Spearfish Canyon or plug gear on the 835-foot face of Devils Tower. With hundreds of plotted climbing courses for all skill levels, the Black Hills are a rock climber’s dream. BICYCLING The Black Hills are a cyclist’s paradise. From the long, crushed limestone and gravel George S. Mickelson Trail to wide-shoulder highways, in-town paths and rugged mountain bike tracks, you’ll find every type of terrain imaginable. FISHING With 18 fishable lakes and over 300 miles of fishable rivers and streams, it’s clear why casting a line is one of the most popular activities for locals and visitors alike. The Black Hills combines some of the best small stream fly fishing in the country with unsurpassed scenery at Rapid, Spearfish, Castle, Spring and French creeks. Find fish ready to bite at Sheridan, Pactola and Angostura lakes, and smaller water bodies, like Stockade, Sylvan, Center, Legion, Deerfield and Bismarck lakes and Rocky Point Recreation Area. Walleye is the state fish, but rainbow trout, northern pike, yellow perch, sunfish, brook trout and largemouth bass are also highly sought-after catches. Before planning your fishing trip, check with the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for fishing limits and licenses. HIKING & BACKPACKING The uncrowded, natural surroundings of Western South Dakota are ideal for walking, hiking and backpacking. Black Hills National Forest and the state and national parks contain over 450 miles of trails. Hiking trails range in length and difficulty. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic loop, a challenging trail run or a multi day hike, your trek will transport you to awe-inspiring landscapes. Top trails include the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail, miles of trails in Custer State Park and designated trails in Badlands National Park. The 111-mile Centennial Trail is another favorite. Reaching 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak is one of the most popular Black Hills hikes. The summit is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest peak east of the Rockies. Several trails lead to the historic fire lookout tower perched atop the peak, providing a breathtaking five-state panoramic view. HUNTING Join in the tradition of hunting in Western South Dakota. Friendly hosts, private lodges and over 30 developed camping areas welcome you to this hunting haven. Hunt big and small game, including turkey, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, antelope and game birds. Local hunting guides provide exceptional hunting experiences with ample opportunities to get the game you’re after in key areas. For licensing and tag registration, call South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks. WATER SPORTS Explore the many mountain lakes scattered throughout the Black Hills by motorboat, stand-up paddleboard, canoe or kayak. Waves and waterways are everywhere to suit thrill chasers and chill seekers alike. Be rewarded with distinct experiences and dramatic scenery when water skiing, tubing and even scuba diving in the Black Hills’ lakes, rivers and creeks. To learn more about outdoor activities, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/outdoor-recreation. George S. Mickelson Trail Named for the former governor who endorsed its construction, the George S. Mickelson Trail runs through the heart of the Black Hills, connecting Deadwood with Edgemont. The 109-mile pathway made of crushed stone follows a historic rail line, incorporating over 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels. The trail passes through national forest and privately-owned land. Rich with gold mining history, this historical trail is one of the premier rail trails in the west. The gentle slopes of the trail beckon runners, bikers, hikers and horseback riders of all abilities. Fifteen trailheads offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets and tables. Trail passes are required. To learn more about the Mickelson Trail, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/mickelson-trail. Off-Road Adventures The Black Hills National Forest boasts one of the largest motorized trail systems in a national forest open to vehicles no more than 62 inches wide. It consists of over 3,600 miles of open roads — over 650 miles are designated trails for all types of Off-Highway Vehicles — and has 21 designated motorized trailheads. All motor vehicles traveling on motorized trails in the South Dakota portion of the Black Hills National Forest must have a Motorized Trail Permit. Purchase permits from local vendors, Black Hills National Forest Service offices or the Black Hills Visitor Information Center. Local rental companies are ready to equip your off-road adventures. To learn more about off-road adventures, view or download the Black Hills & Badlands Off-Road Adventures Guide at blackhillsbadlands.com/off-road.
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