The trails at Sylvan Lake provide some of the best views in all of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Hike the easy and flat 1.1 Lake Shore Loop around Sylvan Lake, and add in the 3.1 mile Sunday Gulch Loop for a fun but challenging hike past a creek with several small waterfalls and then up into the mountains of the Black Hills. Other trail options also include Little Devil’s Tower, my favorite viewpoint within the Black Hills, and Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) which is the highest point in elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail to Black Elk Peak gains 1350ft, making it a tough trail. Little Devil’s Tower is shorter with less elevation, but involves a significant rock scramble at the end. There is also a spur trail to Cathedral Spires, a unique set of towering rocks.
Oberg Mountain is a 2.5-mile loop hike with a gradual elevation gain of 500ft. This is a relatively easy hike with amazing views around the entire loop of the surrounding hills, Lake Superior, and Oberg Lake.
Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.
Vacation Ideas to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - Plan a trip for your family.. This post includes favorite hikes, places to visit, and ideas on where to camp.
Belly of the Dragon is an amazing manmade water culvert under US-89 that is being carved slowly into a slot canyon by the water moving through the sandstone. Although it’s just a water culvert under US-89, this is a cool, free place to stop and spend 20-30 minutes on the way to Zion National Park from Kanab.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a unique place to explore nearby Zion National Park with minimal crowds despite its beauty. Explore the sand dunes by foot, rent sand boards to sled down them, or schedule a UTV tour to drive over them. This is an awesome park to spend 1-2 hours at with young children.(in a non-summer month).
Red Reef Trail is a stunning hike within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, about 30 minutes northeast of St. George, UT. This hike is a relatively easy 1.7-ish mile out-and-back trail that includes pictographs and Moki steps for anyone with a bit of extra courage. There are also preserved three-toed dinosaur footprints accessible from the same trailhead.
Kanarra Falls is a moderately easy out-and-back 3.6 mile hike to a slot canyon that features 4 waterfalls. The first mile is mostly along a jeep road, followed by a half mile with lots of creek crossings. The last third of a mile of the hike is in the slot canyon, and requires hiking through the water. Wear hiking boots or water shoes that can get wet, and bring at least one hiking pole to prevent falls due to unstable rocks in the moving water. Also wear sunscreen and bring extra water to drink as the first mile of the hike is quite exposed to the sun.
Hippie Hole is a fantastic swimming hole off the beaten path in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This short 0.6 mile out and back hike is moderately difficult just due to the rock scrambling needed on the return trip back up to the parking lot. There is a rope to use for anyone brave enough to try cliff jumping. Even in the middle of the summer, expect the water to be extremely cold.
The trails at Sylvan Lake provide some of the best views in all of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Hike the easy and flat 1.1 Lake Shore Loop around Sylvan Lake, and add in the 3.1 mile Sunday Gulch Loop for a fun but challenging hike past a creek with several small waterfalls and then up into the mountains of the Black Hills. Other trail options also include Little Devil’s Tower, my favorite viewpoint within the Black Hills, and Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) which is the highest point in elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail to Black Elk Peak gains 1350ft, making it a tough trail. Little Devil’s Tower is shorter with less elevation, but involves a significant rock scramble at the end. There is also a spur trail to Cathedral Spires, a unique set of towering rocks.
Cascade River State Park is a true hiking experience through the Northwoods of Minnesota. A 1.2 mile loop hike will take you past several waterfalls, and you can explore further along the river by taking each of the spur trails. Additionally, Cascade River has a 1.5 mile shoreline along Lake Superior that can be hiked along the rocks - a feature that is very rare and a wonderful way to experience Lake Superior up close.
Split Rock Lighthouse is the second MN State Park as you head north on Hwy 61 from Duluth along the North Shore of Lake Superior. This state park includes Pebble Beach, a fantastic beach full of small, flat, smooth rocks, absolutely perfect for skipping. There is a hike up to the lighthouse, or you can drive to a second parking lot right next to the lighthouse.
The best long hike in the park is Split Rock River, which takes off from a small unmarked parking lot 2.5 miles south of the main park entrance. This trail goes past the namesake “split rock” and several small waterfalls which occur in the Split Rock River. The trail ends with views high in the bluffs of the park overlooking the valleys and Lake Superior.
A complete overview of hiking at Gooseberry State Park, the first of several MN parks along the Hwy 61 North Shore of Lake Superior. Gooseberry includes trails to four waterfalls including Upper, Middle, Lower, and Fifth Falls. The River View Trail heads out to Agate Beach and Lake Superior. And the Gitchi Gummi Trail includes views of Lake Superior from the cliffs along the shoreline.
Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.
Looking for a place to stroll, sit quietly and enjoy the sound of nature without any crowds? Or maybe you are looking for a challenging place to climb up and down bluffs and ignore the traces of civilization? Both are options at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in MN, where you will lose cell phone coverage and be able to walk away from some of the stress in your life. Read more for recommendations on the best hikes in the park.
