Custer State Park in South Dakota offers a variety of easy hikes that are perfect for families with young children and those seeking scenic views of the surrounding mountains. From the serene Sylvan Lake Shore Trail to the family-friendly Prairie Trail, this park has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best easy hikes in Custer State Park, providing you with the details you need to plan your next outdoor adventure.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
- Length: 1.8 km
- Estimated Time: 24 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: A scenic walk around Lake Sylvan with great views, including a bit of rock scramble on the north end.
The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a must-visit for anyone exploring Custer State Park. This easy, 1.8 km loop takes you around the picturesque Sylvan Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. While the trail is generally flat, there is a short section on the north end that involves a bit of rock scrambling, adding a touch of adventure to the hike.
Prairie Trail
- Length: 3.4 km
- Estimated Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: A family-friendly trail with minimal elevation change, suitable for strollers and scooters.
The Prairie Trail is an excellent choice for families with young children or those looking for a leisurely stroll. This 3.4 km trail features minimal elevation change, making it easy for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is also suitable for strollers and scooters, ensuring that everyone in your group can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding grasslands.
Legion Lake Loop
- Length: 1.1 km
- Estimated Time: 14 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: A short, easy loop around Legion Lake with great views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
The Legion Lake Loop is a short, easy hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This 1.1 km loop takes you around the picturesque Legion Lake, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as bison, pronghorn, and deer. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Grace Coolidge Creekside Trail
- Length: 6.3 km
- Estimated Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: A paved trail suitable for strollers and scooters, crossing the creek via bridges several times.
The Grace Coolidge Creekside Trail is a great option for families and those looking for a longer, easy hike. This 6.3 km trail is paved, making it suitable for strollers and scooters. The trail crosses the creek several times via bridges, adding to the scenic beauty of the hike.
Black Hills Centennial Trail
- Length: 3.5 km
- Estimated Time: 52 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: A relatively short and easy trail with scenic views.
The Black Hills Centennial Trail is a 3.5 km hike that offers scenic views of the surrounding Black Hills. This relatively short and easy trail is a great option for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Custer State Park without a strenuous hike.
Park Information
- Park Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 am – 11:00 pm.
- Contact: 605.255.4515.
- Park Size: 28,733 hectares.
Custer State Park is open year-round, with the best hiking conditions typically occurring from spring to fall. Be sure to check the park’s website or contact the park directly for the latest information on trail conditions and any potential closures.
Conclusion
Custer State Park offers a wealth of easy hikes that are perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you choose to explore the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail, the Prairie Trail, or one of the other easy hikes mentioned in this blog post, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in this beautiful South Dakota destination.
References:
- AllTrails. (n.d.). Best Easy Trails in Custer State Park. Retrieved from https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/south-dakota/custer-state-park/easy
- Reddit. (2024). Looking for unique experiences around Custer State Park and Badlands. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/SouthDakota/comments/1bqta7q/looking_for_unique_experiences_around_custer/
- South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. (n.d.). Custer State Park Trail Mix. Retrieved from https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/csp23trail_guide.pdf
- Custer State Park Resort. (n.d.). Hiking. Retrieved from https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/hiking
- South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. (n.d.). Hiking, Biking and Horse Trails. Retrieved from https://gfp.sd.gov/csp-trails/.