Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in South Dakota

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in South Dakota. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in South Dakota that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Pet Friendly Custer State Park
Custer State Park Custer State Park offers 71,000 acres of amazing views and dog-friendly outdoor experiences in Custer, SD. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. The 18-mile Wildlife Loop allows pets and humans to explore the park and view the indigenous wildlife from the comfort of the car. There are also many dog-friendly hiking trails where pets are welcome to join the fun. Set out on a hike along Black Elk Peak Loop, a seven-mile route with stunning views of the cathedral spires and Black Hills wilderness. Visitors should note that dogs are not allowed at designated swimming beaches or in any park buildings (including camping cabins, lodges and comfort stations). See Details
Pet Friendly Sunday Gulch Trail
Sunday Gulch Trail The pet-friendly Sunday Gulch Trail is a popular hike in Custer State Park, located in Custer, SD. At nearly four miles in length, this trail is considered quite difficult as a bit of scrambling is required. The trail will take you near Sylvan Lake. In the beginning, you’ll traverse over large boulders down a valley to some great views of big granite spires and the northern Black Hills all around you. There are handrails to aid you in your journey along the pathway. You'll be pleased they're there on the way back down. Leashed pups are allowed to join, but make sure to clean up after them. See Details
Wind Cave National Park Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, SD is the seventh-oldest national park in the country. This pet-friendly park is home to an array of wildlife including bison, elk and prairie dogs. Leashed pets are welcome on the Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista Nature Trails. Pups may also join human companions at the Ranger Campfire Programs. For the safety of your pet and the wildlife, pets are not permitted in the backcountry. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and may never be left unattended. See Details
Badlands National Park Visit the dog-friendly Badlands National Park in Wall, SD. Pups must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times and are only allowed in developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas and other areas open to motor vehicles. Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed on the hiking trails in the park. Entrance fees apply for individuals without vehicles, and private vehicles and occupants for one week. See Details
Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead The Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead is the starting point for a pet-friendly hike around Sylvan Lake in Custer, SD. It's a 1.1-mile easy loop trail that'll take under 30 minutes to complete with Fido. The area offers opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming and fishing. See Details
Devil's Gulch Check out pet-friendly Devil's Gulch in Garretson, SD. Supposedly where Jesse James jumped the canyon, this middle-of-nowhere spot in South Dakota is a breath of fresh air and home to a lovely trail that leads to a picturesque gulch next to Split Rock Creek. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after to preserve the cleanliness of the creek. See Details
Little Devil's Tower Trailhead Little Devil's Tower Trailhead is a pet-friendly hike to take on with your pooch in Custer, SD. The trail is 3.6 miles in length and is best used between April to October, ending up at a rocky outcrop. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details
Roughlock Falls Trail Roughlock Falls Trail is pet-friendly. One of the most visited areas in South Dakota, this trail is located near Spearfish Canyon Lodge and is around 2 miles in length. The payoffs include the beautiful waterfalls, views across the Black Hills and the chance to spot the rare American dipper in its natural habitat. This trail is rated easy, which means most pups can handle it. Roughlock Falls Trail is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk. See Details
Legion Lake Loop Check out the pet-friendly Legion Lake Loop, a one-mile trail that goes past a store, cafe and beach in Custer, SD. This easy-to-moderate trail also features beautiful views of the lake. See Details
Black Elk Peak Black Elk Peak is a pet-friendly trail in Keystone. If you're visiting nearby attraction the Crazy Horse Memorial, spend an afternoon hiking up one of the greatest lookouts in the state. At just over six miles, the trail is no walk in the park, but the stone fire tower that blends into the rock provides unbelievable views from the top and makes the journey worthwhile. The trail is rated as moderate and can be completed in a few hours. See Details
Black Hills National Forest Leashed dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD. The forest is made up of rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grassland parks, streams and lakes. Fido is welcome to hike on any of the dog-friendly trails, however, dog owners should be aware that some trails are bike and horse friendly, too. Pups are not allowed in every campground, so guests should check the website for restrictions before planning their stay. The National Forest is open to the public free of charge. Some activities, campgrounds and parking areas do charge fees. See Details
George S. Mickelson Trail The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Custer! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Cathedral Spires Trailhead Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail is a pet-friendly hike in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This moderate to strenuous hike is just over 1.5 miles in length out-and-back and takes visitors along an enchanting trail with unusual rocky outcrops along the way. This hike is a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you're driving along Needles Highway. Dogs must remain on a leash as the area is frequented by a variety of animals, including mountain goats. See Details
Devils Bathtub Trailhead Visit Spearfish Canyon and take a dunk with your dog in the Devil’s Bathtub in Lead, SD. This dog-friendly, moderate trail is just over 1.5 miles out-and-back and has a natural rock slide into a pool. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners to discover this hidden gem in the Black Hills region. See Details
Jewel Cave National Monument Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, SD is a dog-friendly outdoor recreation area that welcomes four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome to unwind with their owners in the picnic areas near the visitor center and within the Jewel Cave Historic Area. While pets may walk along the roadways in the park, they aren't permitted on hiking trails, service roads, inside or near buildings or the cave. Pets must be on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. See Details
George S. Mickelson Trail The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Deadwood! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
George S. Mickelson Trail The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Hill City! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
George S. Mickelson Trail The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Hot Springs! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Ordway Trail (Aberdeen) The Ordway Trail (Aberdeen) is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Aberdeen! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Ordway Trail (Aberdeen). Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details
Hippie Hole Hippie Hole is one of the coolest hikes to take your leashed pup on in the Black Hills area around Rapid City, SD. This dog-friendly, moderate trail is just over 1.5 miles out-and-back with a payoff that includes a natural pool to swim in and a waterfall that hikers can leap from. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and can join you for a dip in the water. See Details
South Dakota