Rock Climbing the Needles, Custer State Park Jewel Cave National Monument BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION Biking, Mickelson Trail ADVENTURES AHEAD 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. 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. 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. 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. Outdoor Activities Continued on page 46 44 // #DiscoverBlackHills
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2021 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 44
