Best Trail Running in South Dakota

Trying to find the best trail running in South Dakota? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

South Dakota, Spearfish

00 :46 hrs
0.9 mi
38.13513 ft
Easy

This is a short route that goes along Spearfish Creek on relatively flat terrain. The tree-lined trail is wide and has easy access for all visitors to enjoy the spectacular water fall views. You'll want to park at the parking area on the left side of the road when you're traveling south from Savoy.

2

South Dakota, Lawrence County

02 :01 hrs
8.5 mi
317.7577 ft
Moderate

This route starts at the Englewood Trailhead at Brownsville Road and travels northward all the way to the end of the Mickelson Trail at Deadwood. You'll start out going alongside Whitewood Creek and traverse downhill through narrow canyons while enjoying views of the Homestake Gold Mine. There are also three other trailheads that are stationed between Englewood and Deadwood. Be sure to purchase a Mickelson Trail pass at a self-service station along the trail or online.

3

South Dakota, Spearfish

00 :58 hrs
4.9 mi
115.71179 ft
Easy

The Spearfish Recreation Trail travels over 5 miles through the heart of Spearfish providing access to multiple parks, green spaces, and town attractions. The City of Spearfish is located just north of the Black Hills National Forest and much of the trail is lined with trees and follows a small creek. The concrete multi-use pathway does climb if riding from the south but is gradual and makes for a fun return ride. The trail is accessed from multiple spots making it easy to customize shorter outings on the trail as well.

4

South Dakota, Hill City

07 :46 hrs
14.6 mi
235.04553 ft
Moderate

The entire Mickelson Trail is 109 miles long and has a total of 15 trailheads, 4 rock tunnels, and several railroad bridges. The surface of the route is mostly crushed limestone and packed gravel, along with some sections of dirt road. This route starts in Hill City and travels northward through the Black Hills National Forest to the Mystic Road Trailhead. You'll enjoy the scenery while going alongside a section of Crooked Creek and while coming into the historic mining town of Mystic. You can make this a half-day one way trip or a full-day out and back trip. Be sure to purchase a Mickelson Trail pass at a self-service station along the trail or online.

5

South Dakota, Pennington County

03 :08 hrs
6 mi
136.71033 ft
Hard

If you are looking for a long and scenic trip in the Badlands, then Sheep Mountain Table will be a great destination for you. The route follows along the old Sheep Mountain Road and is located south of the town Scenic, and off of Bombing Range Road. You'll travel through several different landscapes and gradually climb to a large mesa with a grass-topped summit. There are also great views of surrounding pinnacles and spires.

6

South Dakota, Hughes County

01 :16 hrs
4.7 mi
1.97229 ft
Easy

LaFramboise Island is a scenic island located on the Missouri River that offers undeveloped natural area for visitors to enjoy. The historic island was mentioned in the journals of Lewis and Clark and is a great destination for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. A small network of singletrack trails on the island can be used to customize trips of varying distances. This ride follows multiple trails through dense forest to complete one long loop that covers a good portion of the island. The terrain is very flat with practically no elevation change and no technical sections making it a great choice for beginner riders.

7

South Dakota, Mitchell

00 :44 hrs
2.8 mi
7.104645 ft
Moderate

The Kiwanis trail is a short but fun singletrack trail located on the southwest side of Lake Mitchell. The trail is well-established and easy to follow and is a good choice for beginner and intermediate riders. The trail has lots of small ups and and downs but no major climbs or descents. There are a few tight stretches as well as some fast flowing sections of trail.

8

South Dakota, Custer County

03 :39 hrs
8.8 mi
204.70935 ft
Hard

The Centennial Trail is over 100 miles long and was built in 1989 to represent the 100th anniversary of South Dakota's statehood. This part of the trail begins at the Highland Creek Trailhead near the Custer State Park boundary fence. You'll travel through the dense ponderosa pine forest in the rolling Black Hills, along with meadows that are near the creeks. Most people will do this route as a one-way day trip with necessary vehicle arrangements, but it can also be done as an out and back. Custer State Park requires a park entrance license for each vehicle.

9

South Dakota, Hughes County

00 :29 hrs
1.4 mi
1.1794739 ft
Easy

LaFramboise Island is a scenic natural island located on the Missouri River that offers undeveloped natural area for visitors to enjoy. The historic island was mentioned in the journals of Lewis and Clark and is a great destination for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. A small network of trails on the island can be used to customize trips of varying distances. This short loop follows an interpretive nature trail on the northwest side of the island and is a great option for a short introduction to the island.

10

South Dakota, Edgemont

09 :23 hrs
32.6 mi
462.81213 ft
Easy

The entire Mickelson Trail is 109 miles long and has a total of 15 trailheads, 4 rock tunnels, and several railroad bridges. The surface of the trail is mostly crushed limestone and packed gravel, along with some partial dirt roads. It begins at the town of Edgemont and journeys northward through the Black Hills National Forest along abandoned rail lines, wooden bridges, and then passes by a gravel pit before getting to the town of Pringle. Most people make this a one way day trip with extra vehicles or accommodations at each trailhead. Be sure to purchase a Mickelson Trail pass at a self-service station along the trail or online.

See more adventures..

Explore complete list