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 fi sh and waterfowl. Rock climb the famous Needles in Custer State Park, where established routes along the faces of towering granite pinnacles, spires, crags and cli s will excite novice and seasoned climbers alike. Guided climbing tours are available. 6 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. 7 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 o ers 11 campsites and a steel corral, making it easy to set up a home base. 10 Hike past Sioux quartzite rock formations at Palisades State Park near Garretson. Take your pick from four trails that wind through the dramatic pink cli s and spires, or scale to new heights by climbing these unique rock faces. TravelSouthDakota.com 23
South Dakota Vacation Guide SD Vacation Guide 2017: Page 23
