Best Hiking Trails in the Black Hills: 10 Must-Do Hikes in South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to some of the best hiking trails in the Midwest. From granite peaks and scenic waterfalls to creek crossings and family-friendly adventures, there’s a trail here for every type of hiker.
Whether you’re planning a Black Hills vacation, searching for family-friendly hikes near Rapid City, or looking for your next outdoor adventure, these are some of the best Black Hills hiking trails we keep coming back to year after year.
This list includes trail difficulty, trail length, what to expect, and who each hike is best suited for so you can choose the right adventure for your group.
1. Black Elk Peak Trail
Location: Black Elk Wilderness, Custer State Park
Distance: About 7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Best For: Experienced hikers, families with older kids, visitors wanting iconic Black Hills views
Black Elk Peak is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Black Hills and for good reason. At 7,242 feet, it is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains and offers some of the best panoramic views in South Dakota.
The most common route starts near Sylvan Lake and follows a scenic trail through pine forest and granite formations before reaching the historic stone fire tower at the summit.
If you are looking for a classic Black Hills hiking experience, this trail belongs at the top of your list. There are several different routes you can take to get to the top and if you’re looking for a longer, less busy route, starting at the Willow Creek trailhead and coming from the North is a great option.
What to Expect
- Steady elevation gain
- Rocky terrain in places
- Incredible summit views
- Busy summer weekends
- Cooler temperatures near the top
Good to Know
Bring plenty of water and start early during summer months to avoid crowds and afternoon heat.
Check out our video on Black Elk Peak Trail!
2. Sunday Gulch Trail
Location: Custer State Park near Sylvan Lake
Distance: 4 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best For: Adventurous hikers, teens, experienced families
Sunday Gulch Trail is one of the most adventurous hikes in the Black Hills. Instead of simply walking a trail, hikers climb through a narrow canyon filled with boulders, creek crossings, stone steps, and handrails.
This trail is especially fun for kids and teens who enjoy climbing and exploring, but it can be slippery and steep in some sections.
What to Expect
- Creek crossings
- Boulder scrambling
- Wooden stairways and handrails
- Narrow canyon scenery
- Potential for wet feet
Good to Know
Wear shoes with good traction. This trail can become slippery after rain or during high water flow.
Check out our video on Sunday Gulch Trail!
3. Cathedral Spires Trail
Location: Custer State Park near Sylvan Lake
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Photographers, shorter scenic hikes, granite scenery lovers
Cathedral Spires Trail features some of the most recognizable granite formations in the Black Hills. Massive rock spires tower above the forest and create one of the most photographed hiking areas in South Dakota.
The hike is relatively short, but rocky terrain and elevation changes keep it interesting.
What to Expect
- Granite rock formations
- Forest scenery
- Rocky trail sections
- Great photography opportunities
Good to Know
Morning and evening light create some of the best photo conditions along this trail.
Check out our video on Cathedral Spires Trail!
4. Little Devils Tower Trail
Location: Custer State Park
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Adventurous hikers, older kids, rock scrambling
Little Devils Tower Trail is one of the best hikes in the Black Hills for people who enjoy a little adventure mixed into their hiking experience.
The trail climbs steadily through forest before reaching granite rock formations near the summit. The final stretch includes scrambling across rocks with rewarding panoramic views waiting at the top.
What to Expect
- Forest hiking
- Granite scrambling
- Scenic overlooks
- Moderate elevation gain
Good to Know
This trail combines well with nearby hikes like Cathedral Spires or Black Elk Peak for a full day of exploring.
Check out our video on Little Devils Tower Trail!
5. Notch Trail
Location: Badlands National Park
Distance: About 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Families with adventurous kids, visitors to western South Dakota
Although technically outside the Black Hills, the Notch Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in western South Dakota.
The trail follows a canyon before climbing a famous wooden ladder that leads to a dramatic overlook across the Badlands landscape.
What to Expect
- Wooden ladder climb
- Exposed canyon terrain
- Cliffside views
- Unique Badlands scenery
Good to Know
Summer temperatures in the Badlands can become extremely hot. Morning hikes are recommended.
Check out our video on Badlands Trails!
6. Little Elk Creek Trail
Location: Near Piedmont, South Dakota
Distance: 5.4 Out and Back (can easily add additional mileage)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best For: Families, dogs, creek exploration
Little Elk Creek Trail is one of the best family-friendly hikes in the Black Hills during hot summer months. The trail follows the creek through shaded canyon scenery with plenty of opportunities to cool off in the water. Dogs love this trail and you will typically see alot of furry friends on this trail.
You can reach Dalton Lake by walking an additional mile down a gravel road past the turn-around point. The 111 mile Centennial Trail passes by Dalton Lake so plenty of opportunity to add more mileage if you’re so inclined!
What to Expect
- Creek crossings
- Water access
- Shaded hiking
- Rocky exploration areas
Good to Know
Water shoes or shoes that can get wet are highly recommended.
Check out our video on Little Elk Creek Trail!
7. Grace Coolidge Trail
Location: Custer State Park
Distance: 5.6 out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Young children, casual walks, relaxing scenery
Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Area is one of the best easy hiking areas in the Black Hills for families with younger kids.
The trail follows the creek and includes several wooden bridges that children love crossing. You can start at either end of the trail. But we enjoy starting at Center Lake and will go for a swim after our hike!
What to Expect
- Easy walking paths
- Creek access
- Wooden bridges
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Good to Know
This area is also excellent for picnics and relaxing near the water.
Check out our video on Grace Coolidge Trail!
8. Mount Roosevelt Trail
Location: Near Deadwood, South Dakota
Distance: About 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Quick scenic hikes, families, history lovers
Mount Roosevelt Trail is a short but rewarding hike leading to the historic Friendship Tower overlooking the northern Black Hills.
The gradual uphill climb is manageable for most hikers and offers beautiful forest scenery along the way.
What to Expect
- Short uphill hike
- Historic stone tower
- Scenic overlook
- Forest trail
Good to Know
This is a great option if you want a shorter hike with rewarding views. There are several picnic tables in the area so its a great spot for lunch or dinner!
Check out our video on Mount Roosevelt Trail!
9. Spearfish Falls Trail
Location: Spearfish Canyon
Distance: Less than 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families, photographers, quick scenic stops
Spearfish Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in the Black Hills and makes a perfect stop while exploring Spearfish Canyon.
The trail is short and accessible, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.
What to Expect
- Waterfall views
- Shaded canyon scenery
- Short walking trail
Good to Know
This trail can easily be combined with nearby hikes like Roughlock Falls or Devil’s Bathtub.
Check out our video on Spearfish Falls Trail!
10. Spring Creek Loop Trail
Location: Near Rapid City, South Dakota
Distance: About 2.7 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best For: Families, creek-hiking, summer adventures
Spring Creek Loop Trail is part of the 23 mile historic Flume trail . The trail winds through peaceful forest scenery while following Spring Creek for portions of the hike, creating a relaxing mix of shaded trails, flowing water, and fun exploration opportunities.
One of the highlights for kids is the old tunnel along the trail, which adds a little extra adventure to the experience. Between the creek access, and changing scenery, this trail keeps younger hikers engaged the entire time.
The loop offers a good balance of easy walking with just enough variety to keep things interesting for adults too.
What to Expect
- Creekside hiking
- Forest scenery
- Historic tunnel
- Mild elevation changes
Good to Know
This trail is especially beautiful in spring and early summer when the creek is flowing stronger and the surrounding vegetation is green and lush. It’s a great option for warmer days thanks to the shade and nearby water access.
Check out our video on Spring Creek Loop Trail!
Why Hiking in the Black Hills Is So Special
One of the things that makes hiking in the Black Hills unique is the variety of landscapes packed into a relatively small area. In a single weekend you can experience:
- granite peaks
- waterfalls
- pine forests
- canyon trails
- creek hikes
- scenic overlooks
- rock scrambling adventures
Many of these trails are also excellent for families and provide opportunities for kids to explore nature in a hands-on way instead of simply walking from point A to point B.
Whether you are searching for easy hikes in the Black Hills, family-friendly trails near Rapid City, or adventurous South Dakota hiking trails, there is something here for everyone.
