Grab your hiking gear and get ready for an adventure into the backcountry of Custer State Park! The park boasts some of the best natural scenery within the Black Hills, and event participants have the wonderful opportunity to view the landscape through a series of guided hikes.
Teaming up with the American Hiking Society (AHS), Custer State Park is offering three special hikes in conjunction with National Trails Day. Each hike takes participants through a mixture of habitats, as well as exposes hikers to the beauty of western South Dakota. Using a combination of recreation and education, park naturalists will motivate participants to look beyond the scenic vistas. The hikes are geared to tell the stories behind the scenery and share the reasons why Custer State Park is such a significant public resource.
Registration is not required for any hikes; however, a valid park entrance license is required on all vehicles. Interested participants should wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots and dress according to the weather. Furthermore, snacks and bottled water are recommended for each hike and can be purchased at nearby concession facilities.
National Trails Day highlights the importance of trails across the country. Events are being hosted in all 50 states, and tens of thousands of hikers will take to the outdoors for some recreational excitement. Please join us for an interpretive and educational exploration of Custer State Park.
9:00 a.m. Wading Through Rocky Spires (3 miles)
Cathedral Spires Trail (Easy to Moderate)
Meet at the Sylvan Lake General Store, located at the north end of Needles Highway (Highway 87)
1:00 p.m. Trek the Tower (3 miles)
Little Devil's Tower (Moderate to Strenuous)*
Meet at the Sylvan Lake General Store, located at the north end of Needles Highway (Highway 87)
*Note: this trail is not recommended for individuals with physical limitations or health-related issues. For more information, contact the Peter Norbeck Center at (605) 255-4464.
2:00 p.m. Riparian Retreat (3 miles)
Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Trail (Easy to Moderate)
Meet at the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center
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