Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking at Sylvan Lake

The trails at Sylvan Lake provide some of the best views in all of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Hike the easy and flat 1.1 Lake Shore Loop around Sylvan Lake, and add in the 3.1 mile Sunday Gulch Loop for a fun but challenging hike past a creek with several small waterfalls and then up into the mountains of the Black Hills. Other trail options also include Little Devil’s Tower, my favorite viewpoint within the Black Hills, and Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) which is the highest point in elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail to Black Elk Peak gains 1350ft, making it a tough trail. Little Devil’s Tower is shorter with less elevation, but involves a significant rock scramble at the end. There is also a spur trail to Cathedral Spires, a unique set of towering rocks.

Hiking at Sylvan Lake
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking Oberg Mountain

Oberg Mountain is a 2.5-mile loop hike with a gradual elevation gain of 500ft. This is a relatively easy hike with amazing views around the entire loop of the surrounding hills, Lake Superior, and Oberg Lake.

Hiking Oberg Mountain
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Hiking Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.

Hiking Caribou Falls
Adventure
Kimberly Clark
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Vacation Ideas to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - Plan a trip for your family.. This post includes favorite hikes, places to visit, and ideas on where to camp.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
Inspiration
Kimberly Clark
Why I Hike

Plan your next hike, reduce some stress, and fall in love with Nature

Why I Hike

Black Hills things to do

Exploring Caves Under the Black Hills

Exploring Caves Under the Black Hills

When planning a trip to the Black Hills, realize that some of the world’s longest and densest cave systems in the world are underfoot. Both Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park are phenomenal places to experience. Caves require tours, which fill up quickly, and require some pre-planning. Additionally, both caves within the Black Hills have been infected with White-Nose Syndrome, and our mosquito-eating friends need us to take special precautions of ensuring clothing and footwear are limited to only one cave entrance, ever. Please plan accordingly to care for our bats.

Hippie Hole - Black Hills, South Dakota

Hippie Hole - Black Hills, South Dakota

Hippie Hole is a fantastic swimming hole off the beaten path in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This short 0.6 mile out and back hike is moderately difficult just due to the rock scrambling needed on the return trip back up to the parking lot. There is a rope to use for anyone brave enough to try cliff jumping. Even in the middle of the summer, expect the water to be extremely cold.

Hiking along Spearfish Canyon

Hiking along Spearfish Canyon

Exit I90 at Spearfish, South Dakota and head down the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway for a day of waterfall hikes. Rock Scramble up to Community Cave to find a secret small cave and waterfall. Take pictures of Bridal Veil Waterfall from the road. Go swimming and slide down the rocks at Devil’s Bathtub. Enjoy short (less than a mile) hikes to Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls along well maintained wooden boardwalk trails.