Worth it, ya'know! Sooo much top attractions here. The monumental Mt Rushmore, the friendly wilderness of the Custer State Park's wildlife loop, the awesome tranquility of Sylvan Lake, last but not least Crazy Horse's construction. And who could forget, the ominous night of Needles Hwy. I needed more than 1 day to soak it all in. Glad there are restrooms throughout this NF, along with some water bottle refill stations, cuz all this roadtrip sightseeing sure works up a thirst. Almost collided with a deer on my way out of Black Hills NF. We both swerved away each other simultaneously O_O My 5th animal crossing this trip! On your way to Black Hills, don't forget to pack fresh apples and carrots beforehand ;) Believe it! read more

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Black Hills National Forest is so beautiful! We hiked the 7.1 mile hike to Black Elk Peak starting from Sylvan Lake. The views are spectacular and we even got lucky and saw a mountain goat at the top. If you do this hike, I would recommend hiking shoes, a hat, and a water pack to stay hydrated. read more

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Beautiful natural landscapes! Gorgeous views! Got to take lots of beautiful photography!!

My son and I enjoyed the Black Hills while visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. It was awesome to see. I'm from Michigan where there are a lot of trees and State Parks but they can't hold a candle to the Black Hills. I would definitely recommend. read more

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I visited the Black Hills National Forest in early October, and it felt like the best time to visit!! It was sunny, breezy, but not many bugs or traffic on trails!! Both the plant life and rock formations were breathtaking, and the best way to get outside before the snow starts! There is also a wide variety of trails which I appreciated. There are many trail options of varying lengths, elevations, and difficulty for whatever your group needs! I would highly recommend if you're ever in the area-- 2 days is perfect to see the sights! read more

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One of my favorite places in the world. You need to go here. There is no review that will do it justice just go! IF you love nature and history, maybe some food and hiking than the Black Hills is for you!! I have been going every year since I was 4 or 5 and I never want to stop going back. There is something new to see and be amazed with around every corner. read more

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The majority of Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) lies in South Dakota, but a small portion also exists in Wyoming. Within BHNF is a wide range of places and experiences just about anyone can partake in such as: - Mount Rushmore - Custer State Park - Sylvan Lake - Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) - The "Wildlife Loop" (highly recommended) - Bear Country USA (technically, this is just outside of the boundaries, but again - highly recommended) - Needles Highway - 1880 Train - Crazy Horse Memorial - camping (tent and RV) - hiking - pretending to be an outlaw... & much, much more As you drive through the area, you'll see the aftermath of the pine beetle and its destruction of so many trees. Just know that this is a slow recovery process and there has been a decline in recent years of further demolition by the nasty creatures. We were here earlier this month (Sep. 2017), but I bet it's even more beautiful during the fall and winter months. I wish we had time to return more often. There's so much more hiking and camping we'd like to do. TIP - Before you go, visit the Forest Service's website to check on road construction delays, prescribed burns (controlled fires), and such: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/blackhills/home 2017 Yelp Challenge 94/100 read more

Black Hills National Forest - Parks Near Me - Custer, South Dakota

October in the Black Hills National Forest is just breathtaking... From the forest to the lakes, the spires and thru the mountainside tunnels, to snow covered canyons and waterfalls, national monuments and awesome vistas, autumn and winter meld together for a short period of time in a unique and magical manner seen by the lucky few. Glad to say I'm one of them! read more

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Beautiful place to visit. It was a rainy day so my husband and I drove it. We highly recommend it!

Truly spectacular. Just drive and have patience and you will see truly spectacular sights and make wonderful memories. We loved the drive and stopping as we went to see various things. Imagine being one of the first to see this spectacular sight! It was truly soul enriching. read more

You must throw yourself into the Black Hills. Many have driven through the region on I-90 and told themselves that they have seen the Black Hills. Not so. Until you take a day or more to explore deep into the hills you have not experienced the hills. There are several aspects of the region that are worth exploring. The natural beauty: You have to get deeper into the hills, take a hike or bring along a mountain bike (recommended) and explore some trails. Visit Spearfish Canyon, or bike the George Michelson Trail. The Black Hills are truly a rugged area and much of it remains fairly wild. It is easy to see how Crazy Horse disappeared into the hills to evade capture. The history: First there is the geological history, then the Native American history and of course the major clashes and atrocities that took place in the region as the area was exploited/settled. The current culture and recreation: There are a number of unique and interesting little towns in the area. Spearfish, Hot Springs and Hill City are among my favorites. Laid back little towns with abundant recreational opportunities. Deadwood. It has gone very touristy but you can still visit some historic sites and witness actors portraying the murder of Wild Bill Hickock and the subsequent trial. Of course there is Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Personally, I find Crazy Horse more compelling and I enjoyed my visit there more. Oh and did I mention the little town that explodes into a week-long spasm of partying and debauchery? Sturgis. Populated with bars and roadhouses with well earned names like The Knuckle, The Loud American and Full Throttle Saloon. read more

I love the black hills. So many hikes and so much to enjoy. Not overcrowded and lots of joy. read more

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Stunningly beautiful!!! Watched over 300 Bison walk around! Lots of little babies too! These animals are stunning. Pictures do no justice. You have to see it to understand their beauty. The visitors center has an interactive map showing the location of the Bison. If you visit, Bison watching is key. The lakes and natural beauty here is breathtaking. The park has so much to offer in terms of trails, fishing, and wildlife watching. Take a dip in one of many lakes. Lots of food and overnight accommodations around the entire park. This is a place I suggest visiting to escape every day stress, and a unforgettable vacation. Lots of activities for kids as well. read more

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My of my FAVORITE places in this country hands down. I love BH National Forest. It is absolutely beautiful.

BEAUTIFUL, loved Crazy Horse, and the national forest. Had a great time the week we spent in the Black Hills, want to return SOON!

Oh my gosh I love this place so much. Beautiful no other mountains like this! Do everything you can here. Do it all!

Multi-terrained expanse of wilderness with the grand Mt. Rushmore as its centerpiece. But don't forfeit seeing a beautiful part of the country's interior by just zipping in and out of the monument to four historic national molders of the country's bedrock. The Black Hills presents terrific opportunities to roll around impressive terrain on superbly maintained park highways or to get out and make your own unique memories, whether by cycling, fishing or hiking. There's a signpost on I-90 as you travel through the Berkshires in Massachusetts, alerting you to the sad reality that you won't hit another elevation even as modest as this on the interstate until you reach South Dakota. So the change in topography you encounter as you enter the Black Hills couldn't be more significant: 1750 miles have passed under your wheels before the earth has buckled up again to reach this height. And sometimes national parks and wilderness areas are very hit and miss when it comes to catching glimpses of their signature wildlife. Not here. The park will treat you to swarms of wild horses and bison, which congregate in natural areas of their own choosing. There's also excellent nightlife, though a bit on the unrefined side, to be found in the hopping town of Sturgis, which is a biker's (not cyclist's) mecca. Deadwood and Lead have retained their old West heritages if you want to explore some American history that likely was bypassed in the school textbooks. Certainly a part of the country you don't want to spend your life overlooking, as it caters to many distinct aspects of Americana and is very much an important component of America the beautiful. read more

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We had so much fun driving utvs for a week on vacation. It is such a beautiful place with so many cool and interesting things to see. It's a must stop! read more

How and where do I even begin? This place is so gorgeous! It's such a "hidden" gem in the midwest. It's like having the desert and open land/prairie all in one place. Words cannot describe it's beauty! I really wanted to just stop in the middle of the road, wear a beautiful flowing dress and run with the wind. The are many viewpoints on the scenic drive and would highly recommend stopping for a picture-perfect photo op. There are a ton of bison as well so stop and look. It does get crowded in the summer months but I'd say go early mornings or later in the season if you want to avoid large crowds. I wished I had more time to backpack and camp out but heard of many awesome things about it! There are these stupid horseflies that bites and it hurts so bug spray is highly recommended. read more

The view from the top is amazing but brace yourself for a 3 hour hike or longer depending on how fast you walk! Bring plenty of snacks and water so you can take your time without getting famished ! Their are different trails for any type of hiker weather you are experienced or a rookie which makes this place great and family friendly ! read more

Black Hills National Forest - Parks Near Me - Custer, South Dakota

Broken Arrow camping for those who bring their horses to ride multi trails but not necessary as you can just stay in your RV or their cabins. Dog freindly. Very beautiful & clean environment. Stumbled across while at Sturgis today so took the time to visit owner. read more

I love being out here riding my Harley's when Im at sturgis. It's the best place to zone out, relax and enjoy the scenery. You have the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife, stop, take in the ambient, relax.... God, I love this place. read more

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We to drive the Wildlife Loop. We only saw Burros and Buffalo (at a distance) but it was a beautiful drive. read more

Black Hills National Forest - Parks Near Me - Custer, South Dakota

This place is awesome!! Spent several days backpacking. We used two less-traveled trails on purpose so we'd be more isolated...but these trails are not kept up super well (especially Grizzly #7). It was a fun hike, just rougher than we expected. There are a few nice places to camp along the way, but be sure to be within walking distance to water! We did a day hike to Harney (now, Black Elk) Peak. That is definitely worth it!! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016962030360&ref=bookmarks https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-carnrick-9b162a142/ read more

This National Forest encompasses so many state parks, national monuments and so much more. My friends and I did so much in the 4 days we were here , but still felt like it was not enough. Some of the things we did: Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt Rushmore, Needles Highway, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Wind Cave National park, Custer State Park, Wildlife Loop and other random hiking trails along the forest. Every single hike or visit was absolutely worth it. I have nothing but good things to say about this place. It wasn't as crowded as expect visiting in early summer. Lots of nice restaurants around the area as well. I suggest bringing layers as it can get pretty windy around here and a lot of water. Black Hills National Forest is perfect for adventurers or all levels. read more

Six of us from San Diego just spent a week in the Black Hills (5/1 - 5/6). We lodged in Lead, SD at The Barefoot Resort and started each excursion from there. We did all the "required" touristy things including Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needle Highway, Wildlife Loop, etc., plus a guided horseback ride. We experienced three inches of snow in Lead, some rain, lots of sun, 50 degrees one day, 70 degrees the next and 75 the next. The scenery, weather and wildlife were spectacular. Lots of bison, deer, antelope and wild donkeys. The guided horseback ride (Andy's Trail Rides) in Lead was exceptional and highly recommended (see reviews). To compare, we were two in shape couples in our seventies and one couple in our fifties. We were all in agreement and concluded the following: FOOD: Very good in most places but you MUST visit the Alpine Inn in Hill City if you like German food. WEATHER: nearly perfect - all four seasons in five days. ATTRACTIONS: Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse as expected - touristy but informative and necessary. Wildlife Loop the best. CONCLUSION: Absolutely do this before or after school gets out if you can. We experienced zero crowds and zero traffic - everything was a breeze and we didn't have to wait for anything. Locals told us the summer season is extremely crowded, noisy and boisterous with many tour buses and screaming kids. read more

Fun, but if you are short on time skip and take the short route to see the buffalo herds.

The black hills are beautiful but there's one thing that becomes apparent when you explore a little more, especially when you start doing hikes such as the one to harney peak, and I'm sure this is a problem with other 'forests' as well... they keep trying to combat the beetle problem by cutting down more trees, but these forests were designed to burn. The entire way up to Harney peak the amount of dead debris on the forest floor is just enormous, and there's no way they have enough manpower to pick up all the dead vegetation. Like it or not, forests have to burn, and they will burn, there's nothing they can do about it. Frankly all the uprooted dead trees laying around is rather unattractive too, as are the dead trees still standing. The harney peak area seems to me so overdue for a burn, and I'm sure it's indicative of what the rest of the forest is like, and other forests in the US for that matter. It may do short term harm, but the trees will grow back and the forest will be fresh and new again. It will burn, it's just a matter of when. read more