The Black Hills has a large network of mapped and marked trails, groomed from December 15 through March 31. This designated network features parking, pit stops, and warming shelters. Download a pdf version of the Statewide Snowmobile Map here.
Fat Tire Biking For those unfamiliar, fat bikes are mountain bikes that you can ride all year long on different types of trails. The differences that “fatties” offer are very interesting. The wide tires provide more traction in both dirt and snow, and allow a rider to climb uphill like no other bike can. The bigger tires—some as wide as 5 inches—can float through sand and snow, which is why they have become the favorite for winter riding. (https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/blog/2018-01-11/skinny-fat-biking-black-hills)
Snowshoeing Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the Black Hills and can offer solitude during the winter months. Snowshoes are made in different sizes and weight classes. This activity provides excellent exercise. Always tell someone where you are going and what time you plan to be back. Make sure to dress in layers, a backpack with winter gear, a repair kit, drink a lot of fluids, and carry extra socks. Using poles can be a great help while snowshoeing, especially with balance. It is also a good idea to stretch beforehand, as snowshoeing requires you to use different muscles than normal hiking would. Snowshoeing is most enjoyable with cold temperatures and fluffy, powdered snow with a good base (if snowshoeing in warm temps, the snow will stick to your gear, creating an uncomfortable and heavy situation.) Practice good snowshoeing etiquette; avoid groomed cross country ski trails and other areas where snowshoeing is not allowed. Where to Go: Mickelson Trail Jewel Cave National Monument Custer State Park (Park, Trails, and Needles Highway) Black Hills National Forest Land Licensing: An entrance license is required for all Custer State Park Visitors License required for use of Mickelson Trail Where to Rent Snowshoes: Jewel Cave National Monument – Free checkout available at the Visitor Center Custer State Park – Free checkout available at the Main Visitor Center Special Notes: Jewel Cave National Monument – During the off-season, the monument is open Thursdays through Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Facility hours may change due to staffing levels, inclement weather, or new guidance related to COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the monument online at www.nps.gov/jeca. Loaned snowshoes only to be used within Jewel Cave boundaries; visitors are encouraged to be back to the Visitor Center by 4 pm. The monument requires at least 4 inches of snow on the ground before loaning out the snowshoes. The snowshoes are loaned out on a first-come first-serve basis - reservations are not available. Custer State Park – Snowshoes can be rented free of charge late-December, January, February, and March. Visitors can use snowshoes anywhere in the park for up to 7 days. Custer State Park recommends at least 4 inches of snow on the ground for snowshoeing. Cross-Country Skiing Cross-country skiing provides excellent exercise during the winter months and can be enjoyed at certain locations throughout the Black Hills. Make sure to dress in layers; overheating is possible if dressed too warm. Moisture-wicking clothing is encouraged. Also, take a pack with you (everything you would bring with you during a summer hike plus winter gear), keep skis in tune, and bring ski wax (if needed). Before cross country skiing, stretch beforehand in order to decrease muscle soreness and increase flexibility. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and also bring water with you. Always tell someone where you are going. Where to Go: Mickelson Trail Needles Highway in Custer State Park Beaver Creek Ski Trails (nearest groomed cross country ski trails from Custer) https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recreation/wintersports/recarea/?recid=62799&actid=91 Licensing: An entrance license is required for all Custer State Park Visitors License required for use of Mickelson Trail Ice Fishing Ice fishing is a popular winter activity and the Southern Black Hills offer unique fishing opportunities found nowhere else in the state. There are approximately eight hundred miles of streams and 38 reservoirs in the Black Hills Fish Management Area. Where to Go: There are 5 great lakes located within Custer State Park that can be used for ice fishing. Sylvan, Stockade, Legion, Bismarck and Center Lakes are all great places to spend a beautiful winter day fishing! What to Know: Remember to check ice thickness before going out on a lake!! A Few Important Things to Know:
Licensing Information: In South Dakota, all individuals over the age of 16 are required to have a fishing license. License Fees: Available for purchase at Ace Hardware in Custer:
Licenses may also be purchased online at https://apps.sd.gov/gf79license/login.aspx Additionally, when fishing within Custer State Park a park license is required:
For more information visit: https://gfp.sd.gov/ Ice skating is a great way to get and enjoy the outdoors during the winter months and there are plenty of lakes and streams throughout the area that offer great skating right here in the Southern Black Hills! When going ice skating remember to dress in layers. Some suggestions include: long socks, that keep the rims of ice skates from chafing against your calves, long pants, gloves, long sleeved shirts, a sweater or sweat shirt, a winter coat and a hat that covers the ears. Young children should also wear for safety. Ice Safety Reminders: Always check for Ice thickness before going out! Remember ice needs to be 4” thick to hold 1 person. If you are on foot and feel the ice begin to crack beneath you, remember these steps:
If YOU fall through the ice: Try not to panic. DO NOT remove your winter clothing.
For winter outdoor recreation tips: https://www.custersd.com//blog/Winter-Outdoor-Recreation-Safety-Tips
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