Favorite Outdoor Spaces
Depending on the weather you can hike, snow shoe, cross country ski, run or bike. Non motorized access to the trails and forest is open year round.
You can hike this one year round. Ice cleats recommended for winter hiking.
36 locals recommend
Black Elk Peak
You can hike this one year round. Ice cleats recommended for winter hiking.
Known for miles of groomed ski trails, Big Hill is a center of winter activity for skate skiers, classic cross country skiers, fat bikers, snowshoers, and snow man makers. Offers great hiking trails throughout spring, summer and fall.
Big Hill Trailhead
Tinton RoadKnown for miles of groomed ski trails, Big Hill is a center of winter activity for skate skiers, classic cross country skiers, fat bikers, snowshoers, and snow man makers. Offers great hiking trails throughout spring, summer and fall.
Poet’s Table
24581 SD-87Great hike to escape the crowds.
Needles highway is closed to traffic during the winter months, allowing foot traffic, snow shoeing or cross country skiing (depending on snow accumulation). Amazing views.
25 locals recommend
Needles Highway Scenic Overlook
South Dakota 87Needles highway is closed to traffic during the winter months, allowing foot traffic, snow shoeing or cross country skiing (depending on snow accumulation). Amazing views.
This hike is a favorite year round. Terrain and elevation changes provide a variety of forest wonders!
7 locals recommend
Lovers Leap Trail
U.S. 16AThis hike is a favorite year round. Terrain and elevation changes provide a variety of forest wonders!
Family friendly hike with limited elevation changes. Fun creek crossings and great places to stop and play along the way.
Grace Coolidge Creek
Family friendly hike with limited elevation changes. Fun creek crossings and great places to stop and play along the way.
Centennial Trail
Centennial TrailFrom Custer, the Hell Canyon Trailhead is approximately 11 miles west on Highway 16. This trail is maintained for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. No motorized use is allowed. The 1/2 of mile of trail climbs at a steep pace with one switchback until you top out on the limestone crest. This trail follows a bench below limestone cliffs and provides outstanding views of Hell Canyon and the surrounding area. The last 2 miles follows a two-track road along the bottom of Hell Canyon drainage.
Hells Canyon
From Custer, the Hell Canyon Trailhead is approximately 11 miles west on Highway 16. This trail is maintained for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. No motorized use is allowed. The 1/2 of mile of trail climbs at a steep pace with one switchback until you top out on the limestone crest. This trail follows a bench below limestone cliffs and provides outstanding views of Hell Canyon and the surrounding area. The last 2 miles follows a two-track road along the bottom of Hell Canyon drainage.
Little Devils Tower Spur Trail is a 3.6 mile out and back trail located near Custer, South Dakota that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. In summer months start early to avoid the heat. In winter months bring traction shoes or ice cleats.
Little Devil's Tower Trail
518 South Dakota 87Little Devils Tower Spur Trail is a 3.6 mile out and back trail located near Custer, South Dakota that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. In summer months start early to avoid the heat. In winter months bring traction shoes or ice cleats.
Located in Custer, Big Rock Park is approximately 73 acres, including Pageant Hills, of undeveloped land which was part of the original township that was purchased and donated to the city for the purpose of parks and recreation. The hike up to the top of Big Rock is well worth the view. Years ago Native Americans would camp on Pageant Hill during the local Gold Discovery celebration. Besides being a great spot for sledding in the winter, Pageant Hill is also the location of the Custer Volunteer Fire Department 4th of July Fireworks.
Big Rock Park
38 Mount Rushmore RdLocated in Custer, Big Rock Park is approximately 73 acres, including Pageant Hills, of undeveloped land which was part of the original township that was purchased and donated to the city for the purpose of parks and recreation. The hike up to the top of Big Rock is well worth the view. Years ago Native Americans would camp on Pageant Hill during the local Gold Discovery celebration. Besides being a great spot for sledding in the winter, Pageant Hill is also the location of the Custer Volunteer Fire Department 4th of July Fireworks.
Just beyond Cheyenne Crossing is Eagle's Cliff. In winter months Eagle's Cliff is a great place to cross country ski and snow shoe.
22 locals recommend
Cheyenne Crossing
Just beyond Cheyenne Crossing is Eagle's Cliff. In winter months Eagle's Cliff is a great place to cross country ski and snow shoe.
Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. There are more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four hard rock tunnels along the 109 mile route.
The trail is open dusk to dawn. Trail passes can be purchased at trailheads. For more information
see https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s--mickelson-trail/
Mickelson Trail
Mickelson TrailIts gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. There are more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four hard rock tunnels along the 109 mile route.
The trail is open dusk to dawn. Trail passes can be purchased at trailheads. For more information
see https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s--mickelson-trail/
Harney Park is located just outside of Hill City. The park space offers open recreational areas, fishing, bird watching, and occasional visits from big horn sheep. In the wintertime, the pond serves as the area’s premier frozen forum for broomball and ice skating. No skates? No worries. You can borrow skates from the shed by the pond.
23935 US-385
23935 U.S. 385Harney Park is located just outside of Hill City. The park space offers open recreational areas, fishing, bird watching, and occasional visits from big horn sheep. In the wintertime, the pond serves as the area’s premier frozen forum for broomball and ice skating. No skates? No worries. You can borrow skates from the shed by the pond.