Sunday Gulch Trail is more challenging as hikers scramble across rocks to waterfalls. Lydia said,“ It’ s beautiful, but you need to be ready for that one because it is a challenge.”
Little Devils Tower also requires some rock scrambling, but Lydia said,“ That’ s one that I personally think has the most beautiful view of the Black Hill because you have Black Elk Peak there and the Cathedral Spires. The view is worth it, but you’ re going up.”
For those who want a longer journey, the Centennial Trail winds through the park. Hikers can either follow the trail for a short section or hike the entire trail from Wind Cave to Bear Butte.
A few trails are multi-use for mountain biking or horseback riding as well.
“ You never want to have a bad experience, so always plan to make sure you don’ t. Bring water, good hiking shoes and either have the map downloaded or we always recommend Avenza. That’ s a great app that’ s on your phone that can show you where you’ re at on trails. And then, let people know you’ re going out hiking, so if you get a late start or don’ t get back in time, people know where you’ re at,” said Lydia.
Hikers are also encouraged to carry rain gear since the weather can change quickly in the park, especially in the afternoons.
If hikers are up for a challenge, they can also join the Summer Trail Challenge in the park.
“ The Summer Trail Challenge started a long time ago as a way for us to introduce trails that weren’ t as popular. People always did the tried and trues and didn’ t always get out of their comfort zone to try other trails. So we created the trail challenge. This year, we really tried to stick more to our historical
Whether camping or passing through, Custer State Park visitors are encouraged to check out the daily summer programs at the visitor center.
trails that have a little bit of a story or history to them in celebration of America 250,” said Lydia.
Since Custer State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, hikers will likely come across some animals like deer, elk, bison or something else along the trail. Hikers are asked to give wildlife their distance and stay about 100 yards away.
“ The biggest one is if the animal changes its behavior. If it stops eating and looks at you, you’ ve gone into its personal bubble, so make sure you give it space. If there’ s no safe way to do it, turn around. The trail will be there another day,” said Lydia.“ Or if you feel comfortable walking a big circle off trail, you can go off trail, walk around the animal and then get back on.”
So whether you are in town for a week or live close by, come explore all Custer State Park has to offer this summer. Adventure is minutes away.
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