2019-01-16 18:47:30
TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME Roll down the car windows, lean into the breeze and joyfully inhale the fragrance of ponderosa pines as you set out on one of the highways and scenic byways. Cruise the extensive network of backcountry lanes that make the Black Hills and Badlands of western South Dakota a driver’s delight. The 70-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway in Custer State Park threads its way around pigtail bridges, through one-lane rock-walled tunnels and ascends to the uppermost heights of the Needles. The route is considered one of the most outstanding byways in America and is made up of Needles Highway (SD 87), Iron Mountain Road (U.S. 16A), Horse Thief Lake Road (SD 244) and Sylvan Lake Road (SD 89). The Northern Hills are home to Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Towering limestone palisades line U.S. Hwy 14A as it twists through the 19-mile gorge between Spearfish and Lead. Hikers find wonder exploring the side canyons and bicyclists love the wide shoulders and uniform 3 percent grade. Meander through other area favorites — Badlands Loop Scenic Byway (SD 240), U.S. Hwy 385 through the Black Hills and U.S.Hwy 44, also known as Rimrock Highway, stretching from Rapid City to the junction of U.S. 385. The Wyoming Scenic Byway (U.S. Hwy 85/585) sprawls from Newcastle north to Sundance and Devils Tower.
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