hiking
views
walking
kid friendly
wild flowers
birding
nature trips
trail running
forest
wildlife
The clear mountain waters are inviting, and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered. Bring your family to Custer State Park, and let yourself run wild. Custer State Park in the Black Hills encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife. Within the park, you'll discover a world of adventure!
did what many do, connect from cathedral spires. can't beat it.
Awesome especially when you add the Little DT final leg.
Definitely agree that this is more than a 3 mile trail. 4.4 sounds about right. Think of this as rather 2 different trails: one hike goes up a granite mountain and provides beautiful views of probably the entire park (this may be a reason to choose this one as your first hike in Custer). The other hike is along the creek bottom and back along the hillside.
Loved this trail! It will be more than moderately difficult for some and not recommended for pets or young children! If you have either of those, stick to Sylvan Lake trail adjacent to it. Also, I didn't encounter any poison ivy as someone mentioned previously. I just hit this trail on 7/19.
Loved this! Do this counter-clockwise, so that you he climb down at the beginning and the more gradual ascent is the latter 2/3 (although even that is a lot of up-and-down). We loved the boulders w/ stream, the creek bed and the granite-gravel trail--all with gorgeous views of the spires in surrounding hills. Like said below, not for dogs or small ones, but all others will love this trail :-)
This is a very nice hike running along a creek. Multiple creek crossings. Easy trek for beginners and this with young kids.
There is a TON of poison ivy. I would definitely recommend bringing dove soap along and wash off when done hiking. Besides the poison ivy, my family enjoyed it. There is a lot of climbing in the last part so keep that in mind. Our favorite part was definitely the first part with the rocks and the mini waterfalls.
It was hard but good. The board at the beginning says it's 3 miles, but don't believe that! This app says 4 and my phone said something like 4.4. I would do it again though.
Amazing view from top while not too strenuous of a hike!
great hike - beautiful scenery, diversity in activity on the trail, some wildlife (cute, not scary) and you can grab a drink at the lodge when you are done. I would rate this on the more difficult end of moderate and would advise against it for most dogs, young children or people with mobility issues.