Hiking in Custer
At 5,318 feet above sea level Custer is a natural playground for anyone who loves to hike. You’ll find a variety of trails in the area that offer easy to strenuous climbs. Located just outside the Custer Chamber of Commerce building you’ll find two trailheads—the Skywalk Trail leads you to the top of the Custer sign and the other takes you to the 109-mile Mickelson Trail.
Located inside Custer State Park, hikers will find some of the best trails in all the Black Hills. Wander along mountain lakes, through rolling prairies and up forested mountain peaks as you explore the natural beauty of western South Dakota. Trail maps can be obtained at the Peter Norbeck Visitors Center or by visiting the Custer State Park website.
Located near Sylvan Lake- recently featured in Disney’s “National Treasure: Book of Secrets—you’ll find one of the trailheads leading to the summit of Harney Peak. Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, was named in the late 1850s in honor of General William S. Harney, a Black Hills Military commander. The 7,242 summit is also where Lakota medicine man, Black Elk, had his powerful vision of the Battle of the Little Big Horn and the Massacre at Wounded Knee. Harney Peak is located in the Black Elk Wilderness of the Black Hills National Forest. Trial maps for the Black Hills National Forest can be obtained at the Visitor Center located at Pactola Reservoir or downloaded from the Forest Service website.
Things to Remember When Hiking
-
Elevation changes can mean changes in the weather. Be sure to dress in layers and have hats, sunglasses and sunscreen along. Afternoon thunderstorms are very common in the summer.
-
Hikes vary in length and difficulty. Know your limits and be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.
-
For your own safety, leave a message with someone about the trails you will be hiking and your estimated time of return.
-
Pack out what you pack in. Please help us keep the Black Hills beautiful so others may also enjoy them.
-
Be a responsible hiker by staying on designated trails and roads. Remember Tread Lightly
-
Do not feed the wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Mountain lions do live in the Black Hills, and while encounters are rare, be prepared in case you come across one. Remember- DO NOT RUN. Instead maintain eye contact with the lion and become aggressive by throwing objects or waving sticks. Make loud noises by yelling and do what you can to appear as large as possible. For more information read the Game, Fish and Park brochure “Yes, Mountain Lions Live in South Dakota.” You can find this publication at the park office located along the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park or any other SD GF&P office in the Black Hills.
