Often overlooked as a winter activity, snowshoeing is a fun way to explore the outdoors and see the best that winter has to offer. With snowshoes, trekkers are able to walk along the surface of deep snow that would be otherwise impossible to travel through, allowing snowshoers to access areas that are normally difficult to reach.
In the Black Hills, this translates to unbelievable views of snowcapped mountains, peaceful solitude and encounters with the area wildlife that’ll last a lifetime. The best part of it all? Snowshoeing requires very little technical training. There’s no all-day classes, no board waxing and no downhill drama. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!
Where to Go
There are nearly 60 miles of marked and mapped trails in the Black Hills National Forest that are great for snowshoeing, even for beginners. The winter scenery is breathtaking and, except for some wildlife, you’ll likely have the forest all to yourself. Try these popular trails, or speak with park staff to get recommendations based on trail conditions.
- Centennial Trail
- George S. Mickelson Trail
- Flume Trail around Sheridan Lake
- Big Hill Trail in Spearfish
- Crow Peak in Spearfish
- Iron Creek in Spearfish Canyon
- Roughlock Falls Trail in Spearfish Canyon
Where to Rent
Don’t have snowshoes? Not a problem! There are several places in the Black Hills where you can check out a pair to rent and pick up any additional equipment you may need for your winter excursions.
Guided Hikes/Events
For a guided snowshoeing experience, take part in one of the snowshoeing events put on by South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks. These ranger-led events offer hands-on instruction and snowshoe training within a group and are great for all skill levels. The hikes are 3 miles and free to attend with a trail pass.
- Jan. 16 Mickelson Trail Snowshoe Hike
- Jan. 30 Mickelson Trail Snowshoe Hike
- Feb. 13 Mickelson Trail Snowshoe Hike
- Feb. 27 Falls Snowshoe Hike
For more ways to explore the Black Hills and Badlands, take a look at our Outdoor Recreation page.
