2023-01-23 03:45:45
BRING YOUR SHOES, WATER BOTTLE, AND CAMERA. LET'S GO! Find yourself immersed in nature and all of the relaxing sights, smells, and sounds that come with it. Our region offers a wide variety of trails to fit your style. Experience them on a bicycle, horseback, snowmobile, cross-country skis, or on your own two feet. THE SCENERY If unique landscapes are at the top of your wish list when looking for a great trail, boy, do we have a couple you will want to see. We suggest you head to Palisades State Park where irregular Sioux quartzite formations tower over a flowing creek. Bring your gear! These spires and cliff walls offer a variety of routes for any level climber. We also recommend Gavins Point Recreational Trail and Chalk Bluff Multi-use Trail at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. These trails follow the chalkstone bluffs along the Missouri River, and there are opportunities along the way to get great water views. Pro tip: explore these trails at sunset and experience the breathtaking golden glow of the chalkstone bluffs. ATV TRAILS Sometimes it's more fun to go fast. Talsma's Trail Park, along the bluffs and ravines of the Missouri River, is THE place to kick up dust and mud with your ATV. WINTERTIME WANDERING When the snow falls and the frosty trees sparkle, our region turns into a winter wonderland. It can feel downright magical when you get to be the first one to explore an area with fresh powder. Experience places unseen from the road when you snowshoe or cross-country ski. Many of our recreation areas offer trails perfect for this that start and end at heated warming shelters. If you snowmobile, you're in luck! Southeast South Dakota has hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails that make up the East River Trails System. For maps, visit gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling. BIKING See more in less time on your bike! Some routes are smooth, paved, and offer a relaxing, scenic ride. Others are hilly dirt trails that will challenge your abilities and get your adrenaline pumping. Rent a bike from the City of Mitchell, ACE Bike and Fitness, or Hotel on Phillips, to name a few. HORSEBACK RIDING Looking for an equestrian trail? Try out Big Sioux Recreation Area and Clay County Park. If you're also looking to camp with your horses, we recommend Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, Newton Hills State Park, and Union Grove State Park. HISTORY Spice up your hike with a bit of history when you visit Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve, Big Sioux Recreation Area, and Beaver Creek Nature Area. The historic buildings at these locations are a fun addition to a beautiful hike. Head to Spirit Mound to stand where Lewis and Clark stood 200 years ago. BIRDWATCHING Did you know that eastern South Dakota is a stopping place for millions of birds following the Central and Mississippi migratory flyways? The variety of habitats this area offers (woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and grasslands) is the perfect environment for over 300 species. So pick up a pair of binoculars, download our birding guide, and head to our trails to see some beautiful birds in their natural habitats! We recommend starting at Union Grove State Park or Newton Hills State Park. SCAN HERE TO DISCOVER MORE Learn more at www.southeastsouthdakota.com/outdoor-adventure/trails-and-more.
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Happy Trails
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