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Mickelson Trail, Black Hills 1 Bike ride along the George S. Mickelson Trail from Edgemont to Deadwood. This 109-mile gravel and limestone trail traverses more than 100 converted railroad bridges, goes through four rock tunnels and past peaceful expanses of spruce and ponderosa pine forests. 2 Marvel at the rushing waters at Roughlock Falls Nature Area near Spearfish. Located in the breathtaking Spearfish Canyon, this gorgeous retreat offers incredible waterfall views and plenty of fishing holes, picnic spots and birding opportunities. 3 Snowshoe or cross-country ski at Pelican Lake Recreation Area near Watertown, where a designated trail loops around the campground, offering serene wintry views of Pelican Lake dotted with ice fishermen catching walleye and yellow perch. 4 fish: istockphoto/GeorgePeters; binoculars: istockphoto/sb-borg Reel in a big fish at Okobojo Point Recreation Area on Lake Oahe reservoir north of Pierre. Launch your boat from the ramp, or find the perfect fishing spot along more than 2,000 miles of shoreline to catch walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass. 5 Spot bald eagles along the riverbank at Chief White Crane Recreation Area near Yankton, where these majestic birds roost during the winter. Keep watch during the morning when they swoop down to feed on fish and waterfowl. 6 Rock climb the famous Needles in Custer State Park, where established routes along the faces of towering granite pinnacles, spires, crags and cliffs will excite novice and seasoned climbers alike. Guided climbing tours are available 7 Go birding at Hartford Beach State Park near Corona. From late spring to early summer, the habitats at this park—think tall grass prairies, meadows, forests and Big Stone Lake—are teeming with hawks, osprey, warblers, sparrows and more. 8 Kayak or canoe at Randall Creek Recreation Area near Pickstown, the starting point for 39-mile reach. Launch your boat from the ramp below Fort Randall Dam and paddle the winding Missouri River down to Running Water. 9 Ride horseback along the 5.1-mile trail system that meanders along the shores of the Cheyenne River at Sheps Canyon Recreation Area near Hot Springs. Its horse camp offers 11 campsites and a steel corral, making it easy to set up a home base. 10 Hike past Sloux Quartzite rock formations at Palisades State Park near Garretson. Take your pick from four trails that wind through the dramatic pink cliffs and spires, or scale to new heights by climbing these unique rock faces.
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