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

Hiking with kids

Hiking at Sylvan Lake

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 Cascade River State Park

Hiking at Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park is a true hiking experience through the Northwoods of Minnesota. A 1.2 mile loop hike will take you past several waterfalls, and you can explore further along the river by taking each of the spur trails. Additionally, Cascade River has a 1.5 mile shoreline along Lake Superior that can be hiked along the rocks - a feature that is very rare and a wonderful way to experience Lake Superior up close.

Hiking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Hiking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse is the second MN State Park as you head north on Hwy 61 from Duluth along the North Shore of Lake Superior. This state park includes Pebble Beach, a fantastic beach full of small, flat, smooth rocks, absolutely perfect for skipping. There is a hike up to the lighthouse, or you can drive to a second parking lot right next to the lighthouse.

The best long hike in the park is Split Rock River, which takes off from a small unmarked parking lot 2.5 miles south of the main park entrance. This trail goes past the namesake “split rock” and several small waterfalls which occur in the Split Rock River. The trail ends with views high in the bluffs of the park overlooking the valleys and Lake Superior.

Hiking at Gooseberry State Park

Hiking at Gooseberry State Park

A complete overview of hiking at Gooseberry State Park, the first of several MN parks along the Hwy 61 North Shore of Lake Superior. Gooseberry includes trails to four waterfalls including Upper, Middle, Lower, and Fifth Falls. The River View Trail heads out to Agate Beach and Lake Superior. And the Gitchi Gummi Trail includes views of Lake Superior from the cliffs along the shoreline.

Hiking Valley of Fire State Park

Hiking Valley of Fire State Park

To see the majority of Valley of Fire State Park, plan for 4 hikes starting with Seven Wonders (and combining it with White Domes Loop). On your way back down the road, stop at both parking lots for Rainbow Vista and Mouse’s Tank. Lastly, head towards the East Entrance to Elephant Rock.

Hiking Caribou Falls

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 at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Hiking at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Looking for a place to stroll, sit quietly and enjoy the sound of nature without any crowds? Or maybe you are looking for a challenging place to climb up and down bluffs and ignore the traces of civilization? Both are options at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in MN, where you will lose cell phone coverage and be able to walk away from some of the stress in your life. Read more for recommendations on the best hikes in the park.

Black Hills: Family Adventure Guide

Everything you need to know about planning a trip to South Dakota’s Black Hills - Including guides to the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop, Sylvan Lake, Black Elk Peak, Jewel Cave, and Wind Cave.