This run down Battle Creek leads through scenic Black Hills terrain offering some thrilling class III-IV (V) rapids along the way. At high water there is a potential 17-foot class V falls located about halfway down the run to be aware of. During the summer It is a fun swimming hole for cliff jumping and playing around.

Split Rock Creek offers some of the best white water paddling in all of South Dakota when water levels are sufficient in the spring and after heavy rainfall. The scenic river offers some class I-II rapids and is easily accessible. This stretch of the river starts from the put-in at Rock Creek Park in the north end of Garretson and covers almost 6 miles to the take-out at the Rd. 257 bridge.

Split into an overnight adventure, the Niobrara River is considered one, if not the most extreme river in the state. It is not very deep throughout, but flows quite fast. There are three marked portages: the first being a campground at Smith Falls (the largest waterfall in the state), and the remaining two mainly for canoes to get around dangerous rapids. The first day of paddling is fairly calm and allows for scenic views of springs and waterfalls along the river's edge. The second day is more challenging; involving larger rapids and obstacles to maneuver. It's highly recommended to study the course ahead of time to make note of all hazards. One hazard in particular is about six miles downstream from Smith Falls; go left around Fritz Island to avoid risk of capsizing over a rock ledge on the right. Finally, be sure to exit the river at least 100 yards before the final bridge, as just in front lies a large hole and dangerous rapids. Note that the launch site charges a daily access fee.

Two long sections of the Missouri River are listed on the National Register of Wild and Scenic Rivers and provide some excellent opportunities for experienced paddlers. This run covers part of the second section starting from Myron Grove Access and ending at a take-out at Ponca State Park on the Nebraska side of the river. The large river is prone to rough waters with wind and there are segments with strong currents that require skillful paddling. This section also has some large sandbars and islands to navigate around but they do provide some good camping spots. There are multiple alternate take-outs located along the run that can be used for emergency take-out or to customize a shorter trip if needed.

Although it doesn't look very pretty at the beginning, this trip gets better as you go into it. At the put-in, be ready for a 300-yard carry down on a trail to a sandbar. At the beginning of your adventure, it is not nature scenery. It gets better as you go along. You may hear diesel motors driving irrigation pumps and there is a gravel operation visible from the river. Downstream you will see prairies with grassland and wooded hill and bluffs. Be watchful, the bottom does get rocky with pink quartzite rocks pocking from a clay cliff. The take out is right after a small island. Beginners stay to the left of the island, just pass it is a dam.

Two long sections of the Missouri River are listed on the National Register of Wild and Scenic Rivers and provide some excellent paddling for experienced paddlers. This run covers the first section starting just below Ft. Randall Dam and ending at the take-out at Running Water. The large river is prone to rough waters with wind and there are segments with strong currents that require skillful paddling. There are multiple alternate take-outs located along the run that can be used for emergency or to customize a shorter trip if needed.

Two long sections of the Missouri River are listed on the National Register of Wild and Scenic Rivers and provide some excellent opportunities for experienced paddlers. This run covers part of the second section starting just below Gavins Point Dam and ending at a take-out at Myron Grove Access. The large river is prone to rough waters with wind and there are segments with strong currents that require skillful paddling. This section also has some large sandbars and islands to navigate around but they do provide some good camping spots. There are multiple alternate take-outs located along the run that can be used for emergency take-out or to customize a shorter trip if needed.

There are great opportunities to view wildlife on this paddling adventure due to the lakes and marshy river habitats. The Minnesota River begins near the Minnesota-South Dakota border at Big Stone Wildlife Refuge home to a variety of animal life the Minnesota-South Dakota border. Wildlife that you might come across on your paddle include, great blue herons, western grebes, white pelicans, ducks, bald eagles, geese, otters, cranes owls and hawks.

Lake Traverse lies along the border of Minnesota and South Dakota and is probably the southernmost body of water in the Hudson Bay watershed. The lake was made by a large glacier that scraped out the land during the last ice age. Fishing is excellent on this part of the lake since there are a variety of fish species including walleye, smallmouth bass, pike and largemouth bass.

This 780 acre lake is the largest and deepest water body in the Black Hills area at about 150 feet in depth. The southern access begins starts at the Pactola Campground off Custer Gulch Road. Brown and Rainbow trout, along with largemouth bass are primary found while fishing here. There is a $5 vehicle day use fee, and rentals are available at the full service marina store on the northern side of the reservoir.