Drive in the Black Hills

Scenic Drives and Byways in the Black Hills

Among the many spectacular Scenic Drives in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota, two have been designated National Scenic Byways. Three other routes have earned South Dakota State Scenic Byways status. These roads are sure to turn your vacation drive through Black Hills National Forest into a sightseeing adventure of wilderness, wildlife and waterfalls. National Geographic Travler named the Black Hills of South Dakota a drive of the lifetime, as you pass thorough on these amazing scenic byways.

The Southern Hills are laced with specially-engineered, super-scenic highways. The 70-mile Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway recently has been named as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in America.

Spearfish Canyon’s Highway 14A is designated as a National Scenic Byway. The Canyon’s thousand-foot-high limestone palisades tower to the right and left of Highway 41A as it twists through the 19-mile gorge.

US Highway 385 — sometimes called the “Black Hills Parkway” — is the longest road in the Black Hills, winding through dense Ponderosa pines and around scenic mountain lakes. Towns along the route are fun places to stop: Hill City, Custer, Deadwood and Lead. Along the way, you’ll drive by beautiful Pactola Lake and nearby Sheridan Lake, both popular fishing and camping destinations.

Highway 240, the Badlands Loop Road, is a State Scenic Byway. Take Exit 110 or 131 off of I-90. This 35-mile drive will take you through the National Park’s most dramatic formations. It’s worth the drive, or even a short walk to get the best views. Nearly 30 scenic overlooks offer great photo opportunities, and a hike along one of the many trails will get you a birdseye view of the Badlands.

Highway 44, also known as Rimrock Highway, stretches 18 miles from the western edge of Rapid City to the intersection of US 385.





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