Outdoor Adventure

Recommended Hikes Near Custer
 

• Badger Clark Historic Trail (1 mile loop) Charles Badger Clark (1883 -1957) was the first poet laureate of South Dakota. This short trail winds behind his historic cabin.
• Cathedral Spires Trail (1.5 miles one-way) This moderate to strenuous trail is a one-way hike that winds through the ponderosa pines. Along the trail you find the Cathedral Spires/Limber Pine Area which is a Registered National Natural Landmark.
• French Creek Nature Area (12 miles one-way) French Creek is the where gold was first discovered in the Black Hills. This moderate hike takes you along the meandering creek into a granite gorge. Big Horn sheep are often seen in this area.
• George S. Mickelson Trail (109 miles): This rails-to-trails project starts in the northern Black Hills and ends at the southern tip. Built along the historic Burlington Northern Railroad line, hikers will find gentle slopes, low grades and over 100 converted railroad bridges. There are several outfitters and trailheads located along the route. In Custer, the Mickelson Trailhead is located in Harbach Park across the Chamber of Commerce building.
• Harney Peak (7,242 ft. summit): There are multiple trails that lead to the Harney Peak summit. The easiest is the southern approach from Sylvan Lake, which has just over a 1,000 foot elevation gain over the three and a half miles. The northern approach is longer and more difficult, but is considered by some hikers to be more scenic. This five-mile route.