 There are many ways to explore southeast South Dakota any season of the year. One is on the extensive trail systems offered at many of the state parks and communities throughout the region. Just pick your favorite mode of transportation: bicycle, horseback, cross-country skis, snowmobile or your own two feet. Southeast South Dakota trails range from meticulously groomed, paved and level surfaces, to terrain suitable for only the most extreme mountain biker or hiker.
A variety of guided "Walk and Talk" hikes are available at the state parks or take along your favorite bird, animal or plant book and make your own nature walk.
There are also parks that offer designated equestrian trails, some with camping facilities especially for horseback riders including a spot to bed the horses after a long day's ride.
ADAMS HOMESTEAD & NATURE PRESERVE HIKING/BIKING/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Located: 4 miles north of Sioux City, Iowa, 2 miles southwest of McCook, Exit 4 off I-29. Trails: The nature preserve includes wildlife observation blinds and more than 7 miles of biking and hiking trails. View native plant species and one of the oldest cottonwood groves in South Dakota. A trail meanders through a century old homestead including home, barns, church and school house. Guided golf cart tours available by reservation for visitors with physical limitation.
BEAVER CREEK NATURE AREA HIKING
Located: 5 miles southeast of Brandon off I-90, Exit 406. Trails: Access to much of this park is by foot trail only. The park has minimal development and showcases the area's woodland slopes, native prairie and creek bottoms. Great area to view a variety of wildlife. Historic cabin. Annual Homesteader Day Harvest Festival held the Sunday after Labor Day.
BIG SIOUX RECREATION AREA
HIKING/BIKING/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING/SNOWMOBILING
Located: 4 miles south of Brandon off I-90, exit 406. Trails: Big Sioux Recreation Area lies on the bankis of the Big Sioux River and offers some of the best examples of the tallgrass prairie in eastern South Dakota. Approximately 5 miles of trails ramble through woodland and prairie. A bicycle trail connects with nearby Brandon. Winter hosts cross-country skiers and snowmobilers that gather at the warming house. GPS trail.
BIG SIOUX RIVER
RECREATION TRAIL AND GREENWAY
HIKING/BIKING
Located: Sioux Falls. Trails: The trail begins at Falls Park and loops around the city to the Outdoor Campus on the southern end of Sioux Falls. Walk, jog, bike or rollerblade your way along the Big Sioux River as it flows through Sioux Falls. The River Greenway offers a paved bike trail that winds through scenic urban and wildlife areas.
LAKE HERMAN STATE PARK
HIKING/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Located: 2 miles southwest of Madison off SD 34. Trails: Hiking trails in the summer which lead through grass prairie, wetlands and historic sites. In the winter you will find five miles of cross country skiing trails.
LEWIS & CLARK RECREATION AREA
HIKING/BIKING/BRIDLE/SNOWMOBILING
Located: 6 miles west of Yankton off SD 52. Trails: Lewis & Clark Recreation area provides 6 miles of paved scenic bike trails that follow beautiful Lewis & Clark Lake on the Missouri River. A 1.2 mile nature hiking trail along the bluffs of the Missouri. The nature trail begins near the boat ramp at the Gavins Point Campground. A scenic overlook aat the top of the trail offers a beautiful view of the lake and the chalk rock bluffs. A multi-use trail on the sloping bluffs along the Missouri River offers equestrian riders, hikers and mountain bikers a choice of three different loops with varying degrees of difficulty.
LAKE MITCHELL
HIKING
Located: Lake Mitchell campground, 1 mile north of Mitchell on Highway 37. Trail: A scenic trail follows Lake Mitchell, connecting the picnic shelter, the beach and the campground area.
LAKE VERMILLION RECREATION AREA
HIKING
Located: 5 miles south of I-90 at Montrose Exit 374.
MITCHELL TRAILS
HIKING/BIKING
Northridge Park Trail: A 1/2 mile concrete trail. Trail extends from Northridge Park to 15th Ave. to 11th Ave. to Capital Street. Dry Run Creek Park Trail: This asphalt trail runs from Minnesota St. to Burr St. for 1.1 miles. This park includes tennis courts, picnic shelters and a skateboard park. Dakota Wesleyan University Trail: A 1/2 mile concrete trail encircling beautiful DWU campus. Highway 37 Truck Route Trail: A 2.2 mile trail from N. Minnesota & 23rd St. to Ohlman St. This trail is concrete and runs near Cadwell Sports Complex.
NEWTON HILLS STATE PARK
HIKING/MOUNTAIN-BIKING/BRIDLE
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Located: 6 miles south of Canton off County Road 135. Trails: The Woodland Trail is listed in the registry of National Recreational Trails and crosses dense basswood and oak forests, as well as open grasslands. Also a great trail for bird-watchers. Hikers, mountain-bikers and horseback riders share the trails and must respect the rights of other trail users. Don't miss the Observation Tower. A climb to the top promises an amazing view of the area. Breathtaking displays of fall color can be enjoyed September through early November.
PALISADES STATE PARK
HIKING
Located: Near Garretson; 7 miles north and 1 west of I-90, Exit 410. Trails: Four trails twist and turn through scenic quartzite formations along Split Rock Creek. Historic sites along the trail include a historic bridge designated as a National Historic Structure. A challenging climb awaits the more adventurous outdoorsman on towering Sioux quartzite spires and sheer cliff walls.
SIOUXLAND SNOWMOBILE TRAIL
SNOWMOBILING
The Siouxland Trails offer 121 miles of snowmobile trails around the region to Sioux Falls, Dell Rapids, Renner, Coleman, Madison and Hartford.
SPIRIT MOUND HISTORIC PRAIRIE
HIKING
Located: 5 miles north of Vermillion off SD 19. Trails: Stand where Lewis and Clark stood 200 years ago, by taking the three-quarter mile trail to the summit of Spirit Mound, near Vermillion, where over 300 acres of prairie are being restored to native grasses. The view is sure to spark your own adventurous spirit. Interpretive signs along the trail transform the hike into a memorable learning experience.
SPRINGFIELD RECREATION AREA
HIKING/BIKING
Located: 1 mile east of Springfield, off SD 37. Trails: Winding trails along the Missouri River.
YANKTON'S AULD-BROKAW TRAIL
HIKING/BIKING
Located: Yankton. Trails: This trail parallels Marne Creek, winding through the heart of Yankton. The trail links schools, parks and the Rotary Nature Area, where you will find the Outdoor Classroom. Amenities found along the trail include a pergola with a picnic area and several benches to relax. You can also hop off the trail at Webster School and explore the Historic Homes District.
UNION GROVE STATE PARK
HIKING/BRIDLE
Located: 11 miles south of Beresford off I-29. Trails: A secluded and scenic trail for hikers and horseback riders with a wide variety of trees and other plant life along the trail. Horseback riders have 150 acres of rolling hills at their disposal.
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