Free guide: 25 hikes near Montreal
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The 3 Best Hiking Trails in South Dakota: our selection

3 ideas. Reasons to pick each one.

Compare 3 hiking ideas in South Dakota: their region, the duration and the level, then open the trail page for the details.

See the 3 hikes

How to pick the best hiking trails for you?

Three guideposts to compare the ideas in this selection.

The experience

Outings with a good mix of moods and challenges in South Dakota.

The scenery

Panoramas, forests and remarkable natural settings.

Who it suits

Outings for different levels and moods, from a serious challenge to an easy stroll.

Our 3 hikes in South Dakota

See all trails in South Dakota

  1. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

    Black Hills & Badlands

    10 min Easy

    See the trail page
    Mount Rushmore, South Dakota trail - hiking in Black Hills & Badlands

  2. Bear Butte, South Dakota

    Black Hills & Badlands

    1 hr 30 min Moderate

    See the trail page
    Bear Butte, South Dakota trail - hiking in Black Hills & Badlands

  3. George S. Mickelson Trail

    Black Hills & Badlands

    3 hr 45 min Moderate

    See the trail page
    George S. Mickelson Trail trail - hiking in Black Hills & Badlands

How to choose yours?

Bear Butte, South Dakota trail - hiking in Black Hills & Badlands

By season

Fall colours, snowy summits, spring flowers: every season offers a different experience.

Explore all regions

Before you book your day

Access, booking, dogs and weather: check the trail page and the site manager.

See our practical tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a hike suits my level?

Each trail page gives the level (easy, moderate or hard) and, when it is known, the duration. Compare them with your experience, then add time for breaks and the way back.

Do some trails in South Dakota require a booking?

It depends on the site. Some trails are in parks that charge an access fee or require a booking: the trail page says so when the information is known, and the site manager's own website remains the reference.

Can I bring my dog?

The trail page says whether dogs are allowed, when the information is known. Always check the site's rules, especially about leashes.

Good ideas, ready to go.

Free guide: 25 hikes under 2 hours from Montreal

Distance, elevation, parking and season for each one. The ones we go back to ourselves.

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