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.
Places to swim in the Black Hills
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.
Exit I90 at Spearfish, South Dakota and head down the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway for a day of waterfall hikes. Rock Scramble up to Community Cave to find a secret small cave and waterfall. Take pictures of Bridal Veil Waterfall from the road. Go swimming and slide down the rocks at Devil’s Bathtub. Enjoy short (less than a mile) hikes to Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls along well maintained wooden boardwalk trails.
