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best fall hikes in the black hills

You really don’t have to look too hard to find the best fall hikes in the Black Hills.  The area is gorgeous all year long, but there is something special about autumn.  The crisp air and amazing fall colors makes for a an ideal time to be outdoors.

Spearfish Canyon

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway may just be one of the most popular fall drives in the the Black Hills.  And, the canyon is home to some of the best fall hiking you can find.  Any of the numerous waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon are perfect places to spend some quality time looking at fall foliage.  Roughlock Falls is probably the most well known, but the others are worth checking out too.

Devils Bathtub is a great hike any time of year, and fall is no exception.  Hiking along iron creek is a great place to soak in all the fall colors.  Or, if you are feeling energetic, hike the 76 trail and be rewarded with an amazing view from the top of the canyon.

Old Baldy is one of my favorite autumn hikes.  Just a short drive from Roughlock Falls, it is a long hike – be sure to have plenty of water, time and snacks.  Check out this video showing the drive.

Deadwood area

Mount Roosevelt is a great hike that the whole family can enjoy,  it is a nice loop that gives great vistas.  You can spot Bear Butte and the city of Spearfish along the trail.  An a clear day you can see all the way to North Dakota.

Just across the gulch, a hike to Seth and Martha Bullocks graves will treat you many fall colors.  Head up the hill to white rocks for a panoramic view of the area.

Custer State Park

Gorgeous fall colors can be found anywhere in the park.  I love to visit the lakes.  But, hands down the best fall hike is the Sunday Gulch Trail – you can thank me after checking it out.

Deerfield Lake

Just check out one of the picnic areas or hike around Deerfield lake.  I love this area because it is off the beaten path.  You often don’t have to “share” the lake with many people.  The water is so clear and the reflection of the fall colors in the water is certainly memorable.  If you are up for some exploring, the old Flag Mountain Fire tower is in the area

Pretty Much anywhere

There are so many great fall hikes in the Black Hills you really don’t have to look far.  Mount Rushmore or drive over to Devil’s Tower – you eyes will be rewarded.

Be prepared, a beautiful fall day can turn into a blizzard pretty quickly in the Black Hills.  Many hiking locations do not have water or services – plan ahead.  I always carry my Black Hills National Forest [Map Pack Bundle] with me – makes navigating the trail easy.

What is your favorite fall hike in the Black Hill’s?

 

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dinosaur hill rapid city

On a hill overlooking Rapid City, dinosaurs have hanging out since the late 1930’s.  These “life sized” sculptures have been attracting people to 940 Skyline Drive for generations.  This historic roadside attraction is listed on the Register of Historic Places.

The park is operated by the City of Rapid City and admission is free.  You are able to walk among the dinosaurs and you are also treated with great views of the city and the Black Hills.  The trail is somewhat steep in places and there are stairs too – so the area may not suitable for everyone.

If you are in the area, take some time to walk with the dinosaurs.  Just to the north of the park is M Hill, miles of trails great for hiking or biking – or even a little bouldering (vegan rock is popular).

This is a perfect place to let the kids run off some energy and plan the rest of your time in Rapid City.

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Rocket Park Spearfish South Dakota

Rocket Park in Spearfish is one of our family’s favorites.  Who doesn’t love a rocket ships that you can climb and play in?

The official name of the park is Evans Park, it has a picnic shelter and more play equipment.  The park is located on the northern end of the bike trail that meanders through Spearfish.  Turn off Evans lane at Fruitdale Street and then turn right on 3rd Street and you’ll find it.

There are so many options for enjoying nature in the Spearfish area.  The Lookout Mountain Park is right in town and offer acres of trails for hiking and mountain biking.  Spearfish Canyon is just waiting for you to explore it.  The are many hiking trails and waterfalls it is easy to fall in love with the canyon.  And, if you’d like to see Spearfish from a higher vantage point – hike to the top of Crow Peak.

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