The views at the top of Black Elk Peak are so beautiful! The trail leading up to the peak is a steady incline with one short stretch where it goes downhill. Due to the incline, I recommend wearing a water pack to make sure you stay hydrated. It's the highest point in South Dakota and you will want to spend some time at the top taking in the views! There are also plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and enjoy soaking in the views! read more

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It took me and my pals 3hrs and 15mins to come up and down this peak (fast paced group but took short breaks). I'm an athlete and my hips were very stiff by the end. This one's not for the weak !! We were in the clouds by the time we got up there (about 4:40p) but it was still so beautiful. Lots of photo ops along the way. read more

We're all doing our part to abide by social distancing, while trying to keep ourselves sane and healthy. Hiking the Black Elk Wilderness for 11hrs seemed like a good way to pull off "all of the above" & it was! First: Expect to spend +4hrs hiking just to the summit and back. Additional time for side trails & photography, if applicable. As a diehard shutterbug, it took me almost 5hrs to get to the top. It isn't a race, take in your surroundings. Pack accordingly. It may be warm at the bottom & you end up in snow falling at the top, not too mention the "breeze" whipping. Layers work best & I found myself changing in and out of them. WATER- bring plenty of water, as well as food & sanitary items needed. The only toilets are at the start/end so be prepared to rough it a bit. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. You will hit a Wilderness registration area and are required to register at that point, in order to continue. I would say it's a moderate trail. Along the way you can expect to encounter some wildlife- we had several deer encounters, nesting birds, chipmunks, squirrels, frogs and whatever else we didn't see! There are some magnificent views of the hills, rock formations & interesting vegetarian - fresh air & friendly faces. Easily among my favorites. read more

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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 read more

Black Elk Peak - At the top of the mountain - Hiking Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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This is now called Black Elk Peak... This place is absolutely gorgeous!! Definitely worth the hike. It is a bit tiring, but you definitely don't have to be really in shape to do it. Our little 20-lb dog made it just fine. The views are spectacular and breathtaking! Almost a 360 view of gorgeous landscape all around. Apparently it's the highest point between the Rockies and the Swiss Alps! Pretty cool!! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016962030360&ref=bookmarks https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-carnrick-9b162a142/ read more

This hike is absolutely breathtaking, and you don't need to be a big hiker to do it either. It's a relatively moderate hike and it is well worth it! It was the best hike I have ever taken! read more

Black Elk Peak - 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! - Hiking Near Me - Hill City, South Dakota