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Black Elk Peak

5.0 (9 reviews)

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At the top of the mountain
Joe S.

This is the highest point in South Dakota and highest point east of the Rockies in the United States. We took the 4.5 hour hike round trip up to Black Elk Peak. This was formerly named Harney Peak. It was renamed due to political correctness. You may still see reference to Harney, so just know it is the same place. We took the long loop that was trails 4 and back on 9. Amazing hike, but it gets steep and challenging. I did see some older people and kids at the top, but know your limits before attempting this. Bring water and snacks. There is a lookout/fire tower at the top. View is the best in all of South Dakota. You will be tired and sore after hiking this. We started in the trail at 7:30 am to avoid the heat and crowds. The parking lot fills up and it can be hard to park due to the lake and popularity. I would give this ten stars if

The tower built by the CCC. AMAZING
Madeline H.

Amazing hike. Can't recommend it enough. I would do it again and again if my life allowed for it. Seriously can't wait to go back and do it again. I want to take everyone I love so that they can experience it too.... Absolutely worth it when you get to the tower too. Loved it. Breathtaking.

View on the way up
Elisabeth P.

We went hiking here during our stay in Custer state park and it was truly one if the best hikes I've been on. We started at the Sylvan campground trailhead, although there are other trailheads that converge I believe. It's 3.5 mile hike one way and the beginning part is relatively easy and the end moderate. Overall, I find it to be a very doable hike for multiple levels. It may take some longer than others, but certainly doable. I think it took us a few hours total and that's with a good 1/2 at the top. The first part of the hike has beautiful forest scenery with plants and trees and fun mushrooms and flowers. There are some amazing views on the way that you'll have to stop for. The second part is more mountainous, rock formations and less trees. As you approach the lookout you go in through a rock tunnel. The lookout itself is magnificent! Built out of rock and wood, you can go all the way to the top of the lookout for one unbelievable view. The bottom of the lookout is neat too with a couple of empty rooms no longer in use. You can take a path from here behind the lookout to the pump house where there is a peaceful water reservoir that is protected from wind. All in all, unbelievable hike! Don't miss it if you're in Custer area.

Map of the Harney range near Sylvan Lake
Eric E.

I hiked/climbed Mt. Harney on the morning of September 13, 2013. My journey began at Sylvan Lake around 9:30am. The hike to the summit from here is roughly 4 miles, so with side jaunts aside it's about an 8 mile round trip hike. The morning air was a cool 54 degree's so I wore layers and breakaway's for adjustments. Just a mile into my climb the top layer came off as my heat buildup started. It didn't take long to get up to a level where I had a nice overlook, but overcast conditions limited that going forward. Visibility diminished the higher I climbed due to the fog and sporadic drizzle. I continued the marked path which is very easy to follow and well traveled. On my way up I recorded and photographed several segments. Passed about 30 people up to the summit, the majority of which were going the same way. About half way to the summit a peak called 'Little Devils Tower' sits off to the right of the path. It's aptly named for its similarity to the real tower in WY. As I ascended higher the temps were dropping a tad, but I was sweating too much to consider layers. The biggest difference was the final ascent, which is maybe a half mile. Temps dropped dramatically over the last half mile to the top, and a misty rain and constant fog enveloped the area. When I arrived at the building atop Harney the temps plummeted. A fellow hiker with a thermometer said it was 36 degree's and it felt like it! I spent a few minutes at the top looking at the building and shooting a short video. Since there was absolutely no visibility and I was starting to freeze, I started my way back. My hike back was nice and relaxing until about the final mile or so, when the mist-rain turned to a subtle drip, then a full rain. By the time I got back down to the Sylvan Lake I was drenched. It took me about an hour and forty five minutes to climb up and about an hour and fifteen minutes to climb down. It was unfortunate to have inclement weather but that didn't divert from the accomplishment that I set out for, and that was to climb to the top of Mt. Harney.

The view was breath taking the entire hike. The hike was long but it wasn't very hard at all. I would make this hike again!

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Roughlock Falls - Sign

Roughlock Falls

4.5(17 reviews)
39.0 mi

Since this trail can easily be a long or a short hike, we decided to go for the short way. We…read moreparked in the parking lot close by the falls and just walked around, and we're delighted to see that there were when was a small waterfall through and a little further down, it placed to sit down and dip your toes in-- the water is super cold! We were very happy to see that it was a paved walkway. There was a restroom, although we did not use it because of the smell. If you really need to use it, though, I guess it's there. We did not end up using our stroller, but we did see somebody in a wheelchair there, so it is a great and accessible option. I would recommend this place to any, and everybody. It's absolutely beautiful and chasing waterfalls in South Dakota has now become one of my favorite things.

We started down Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls,…read moreand Roughlock Falls. Roughlock Falls was our last stop. If you drive pass the trailhead parking lot and keep going down to the end, after you pass the "Roughlock Falls" sign, you will see a parking lot that will lead you closer to the falls. It's 1.5miles from the trailhead but this location only took us a total of 35mins with photos in between. Not difficult, just a few zig zags. We had youngest of 4 to 70s and we all made it. These falls are described as low cascading falls. It's not up high.

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Roughlock Falls - Tree trunk

Tree trunk

Roughlock Falls - The second pool of the falls

The second pool of the falls

Roughlock Falls - Gorgous!

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Gorgous!

Black Elk Peak - hiking - Updated October 2026

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