Custer State Park Hiking Trails
Hiking is a must! Here are some of the best hiking trails in Black Hills National Forest.
Barnes Canyon Trail
Distance: 9.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Few places are more remote than the Barnes Canyon Trail. It’s an out and back trail with a steady incline. You’re very likely to see deer, squirrels, buffalo, and other wildlife common to South Dakota. It’s very shady.
Boundary Trail
Distance: 4.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
There’s no shade on this trail, as it’s largely a hike on the plains, but it’s the best place to hike if you want to see some buffalo. The trail is fairly flat and works as a morning walk.
French Creek Trail
Distance: 12.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
You’ll want a shuttle driver if you choose to hike this no-joke trail. While the hike seems totally normal, when you get to the Fisherman’s Flats the trail disappears and you are walking through the creek. Bring clothes that you can get wet in, and avoid this one when it’s cold.
Centennial Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Want to feel the burn? Centennial Trail is the hike in Custer State Park with the highest incline. It’s perfect for a more intense hike, and for people who like horseback riding or mountain biking.
Prairie Trail
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for birdwatchers, The Prairie Trail guides you around a steep hill. The openness of this trail offers prime birding opportunities. It’s also just a relaxing stroll through one of the flattest portions of Custer.
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop
Scenic drives are a dime a dozen in South Dakota, and Custer State Park is one of the best if you’re looking for a quick ride in the forest. While other drives may focus on the scenery alone, on this loop you’ll have the chance to learn about the local wildlife (and see some up close). Bison love walking on the roads here, and so long as you keep your distance, things should be okay.
The two major stops are the Buffalo RoundUp and the Wildlife Visitor Center. The entire drive without stopping is roughly an hour, so if you have the time, pull over for a while.
Best Hunting in Custer State Park
Custer State Park has an excellent hunting scene, but if you aren’t a resident of South Dakota, you sadly are not able to hunt on the grounds (unless you are hunting buffalo). Make sure you have the right hunting permit and tags if you want to land a prized buck this season.
Blue Bell Stables
Address: 13389 Lame Johnny Rd, Custer, SD
While hiking on your own two feet is fun and rewarding, horseback riding adds a different feel to the exploration of the mountains. Blue Bell Stables has guides who will take you to some of the most prominent horse trails in Custer State Park.
