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Hiking trail guides are available at the visitor centers,
park entrance stations, and at resort facilities. Besides
the following trails, hiking is allowed anywhere in Custer
State Park. Some areas may be posted closed due to resource
management concerns.
- Trails are marked by blue diamonds fastened to trees.
In addition the Centennial Trail is marked by gray diamonds
and brown fiberglass posts.
- Poison Ivy is often found along trails, especially near
streams.
- See our Backpacking Tips.
- See our Day Hiking Tips.
Hiked
Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions of these trails:
| Badger Clark Historic Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile loop |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
The trailhead is .5 miles south of US 16A on Custer State Park #9. |
| Description: |
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| Cathedral Spires Trailhead / Cathedral Spires Trail #4 |
| Distance: |
2.5 miles one-way to Harney Peak |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
This trailhead is located 2.5 miles east of Sylvan Lake on the Needles Highway. |
| Description: |
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| Little Devils Tower Trailhead / Cathedral Spires Trail #4 |
| Distance: |
3 miles one-way to Harney Peak |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
The trailhead is located 1 miles east of Sylvan Lake on SD Highway 87 (Needles Highway). |
| Description: |
This is a spur trail branching off of trail #4 which ascends to the unique rock formation known as Little Devils Tower. |
| South Dakota Centennial Trail |
| Distance: |
111 miles one-way |
Rating: |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
- Badger Hole Trailhead
Located .5 miles south of US Highway 16A on Custer State Park Road #8. 4.2 miles to French Creek Trailhead. Moderate to strenuous.
- French Creek Trailhead
Located 3 miles from Blue Bell Lodge on Custer State Park #4. 10.3 miles. Moderate.
- Iron Creek Trailhead
Located north of SD Highway 87 (Needles Highway on Custer State Park #359). 7.3 miles to Badger Hole Trailhead. Moderate.
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| Description: |
This multi-use trail spans the length of the Black Hills from Bear Butte State Park in the north to Wind Cave National park in the south. Approximately 22 miles of the trail are located within Custer State Park. Three trailheads provide access points to Custer State Park's portion of the trail. Multi-use trail.
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| Sunday Gulch Trail |
| Distance: |
2.8 mile loop |
Rating: |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
The trailhead is reached by following the Sylvan Lake Trail behind the dam to the top of Sunday Gulch. |
| Description: |
Ice may be present along the trail into early June. |
| Sylvan Lake / Harney Peak Trail #9 |
| Distance: |
6 miles round trip to Harney Peak |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
Near Sylvan Lake. |
| Description: |
This is the most traveled and easiest route to Harney Peak. The trail is marked by blazes cut into the trees with a number 9 branded onto them. |
| Sylvan Lake Shore Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile loop |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
The trail may be picked up at various points along the lake's shore. |
| Description: |
While most of this trail is relatively flat, a portion contains steps and crosses exposed rocky areas. |
Not Hiked
- Cathedral Spires Trail #4
- French Creek Natural Area Trail
- George S. Mickelson Trail
- Grace Coolidge Walk-in Fishing Area
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- Lovers Leap Hiking Trail
- Prairie Trail
- Stockade Lake Hiking Trail
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