Get Out There

Don’t let colder weather keep you indoors—bundle up and take advantage of the scenic beauty!

Think the Black Hills are best enjoyed during the warm summer months? Don’t let colder weather keep you indoors; there’s plenty to do this time of year— you might just have to dress in layers!

Hiking

There are more than 450 miles of hiking trails in the Black Hills National Forest. Favorite spots include Black Elk Peak, Cathedral Spires, Little Devils Tower, and the Mickelson Trail. You’ll marvel over majestic granite peaks and frozen lakes. Beautiful Spearfish Canyon features prime fall foliage viewing and when the leaves are gone, awe-inspiring frozen waterfalls and creeks.

Frozen waterfalls inspire hardy visitors to try their hand at ice climbing, while others prefer the solitude of snow-covered trails for hiking or snowshoeing.

Ice Fishing

All lakes within the Black Hills National Forest are open to ice fishing as soon as they freeze over and the ice is safe (typically mid-December). Prime spots include Sheridan Lake, Deerfield Reservoir, and Pactola Reservoir in the Central Hills; Roubaix Lake in the Northern Hills; and Stockade Lake in the Southern Hills. If you’ve never tried it before, look for shallow water, where fish are close to the surface, and never take the ice depth for granted—always test the location before driving onto or drilling into the ice.

Skiing & Snowshoeing

South Dakota isn’t a prime skiing destination, making Terry Peak Ski Resort one of the region’s best-kept secrets. With 150” of annual snowfall, freshly-groomed slopes, and the highest vertical drops east of the Rockies, the mountain is a popular winter getaway for locals and visitors alike.

Ski season usually begins around Thanksgiving weekend and runs through late March or early April. For a more leisurely experience, strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis and explore nearly 60 miles of trails throughout the Black Hills National Forest. Area sporting goods shops have a large selection of gear; if you’re a novice, consider renting from a ski shop or winter recreation outlet first.

60 miles of trails are available to snowshoers and crosscountry skiers in the Black Hills National Forest.

Snowmobiling

With 350 miles of marked, mapped, and groomed snowmobile trails, the Black Hills have garnered national attention as a premier snowmobiling destination. The network of trails meanders through ponderosa pine forests, canyons, and open meadows, and includes pit stops for gas and warming shelters. Trails are usually open from December 15 to March 31, but dates might change based on snow conditions.

Biking

The Centennial Trail, stretching from Bear Butte State Park to Wind Cave National Park, offers 111 miles of single-track riding options for mountain bikers and fat tire enthusiasts, with trailheads throughout the Hills that make great starting or stopping points. Other popular biking trails include the Mickelson Trail, Storm Mountain, Buzzards Roost, and ominously named (but quite rideable) Bone Collector in the town of Hisega.

The rugged cliffs of Spearfish Canyon are beautiful yearround, and winter is no exception. Hit the road for a scenic drive—and be sure to check out the frozen waterfalls.

Geocaching

For a free adventure that doubles as a good old-fashioned treasure hunt, the Black Hills area offers thousands of hidden caches throughout the region. Some are easy to find, while others require quite a bit of searching. This is a great family-friendly adventure perfect for anybody with a smartphone or GPS device. If you’re into the thrill of the hunt visit geocaching.com for a list of cache coordinates and treasure location information.

Scenic Drives

If it’s simply too cold out, the beauty of the Black Hills can be enjoyed from the comfort of your automobile. Spearfish Canyon is a must-see in the fall, when autumn colors paint the surrounding hillsides vibrant shades of gold and crimson. Take the 22-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (Route 14A) and allow yourself plenty of time to pull over and take pictures. Don’t miss out on the canyon’s picturesque waterfalls! The Needles Highway (US Hwy. 87), with its world-renowned granite spires and ponderosa pine forests, is another fantastic fall drive—be sure to complete it before snow closes it for the season (typically in mid-October). The 70-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway features majestic “pigtail” bridges, granite tunnels, tight curves, and prime wildlife viewing.