Adventures
Hiking & Biking
Custer, South Dakota, offers over 6,000 miles of Forest Service land and a variety of biking trails for all levels, from scenic road biking to challenging mountain trails. Popular routes include the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail, known for its stunning landscapes and gentle slopes, and the 111-mile South Dakota Centennial Trail, which runs from Bear Butte State Park to Wind Cave National Park. Road bikers can enjoy scenic highways like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Trail passes are required for users 12 and older, and bikers should be mindful of shared trails with hikers and horseback riders. It's important to stay on designated trails, respect private property, and wear proper safety gear, especially when tackling more difficult backcountry routes.
Rock Climbing
The Black Hills has been a haven for rock climbers since the 1930s, with Custer's Needles area, pioneered by Jan and Herb Conn in the late 1940s, offering over 200 first ascents. Though climbing techniques have evolved, the tradition of ground-up route development remains, and while modern sport climbs are available, most routes require traditional protection. In addition to Custer State Park, climbers can explore the Mount Rushmore area and Spearfish Canyon, which offers limestone walls perfect for sport climbing. Devils Tower, just two hours away in Wyoming, is a world-famous crack climbing destination. Custer also has a rich bouldering history, with spots like The Thimble and Mount Baldy drawing enthusiasts. For beginners or those seeking guided experiences, Sylvan Rocks Climbing Service, established in 1989, offers expert guidance and gear. Climbers are advised to research local regulations and ensure they have the proper gear, as the Black Hills has diverse rules across its various climbing areas.
Off-Road Trips
The forest surrounding the city of Custer has become a very popular destination for ATV and off-roading enthusiasts.
For more information, please visit the Forest Service member's page.
Things to Remember about Off-Roading
All vehicles must be licensed if they travel on South Dakota roads. ATV's may not be used on the Interstate, Highways or other high-speed, marked roadways.
ATVs operated in state parks must be equipped with a horn, mirror, headlight, brake light, brakes and a license plate. Operators must be 14 years of age or older and possess a valid driver's license.
Eye protection is required of all users on public/park roads unless a windshield is in place.
Helmets are required of all users under 18 years of age.
Vehicle recreationists have a responsibility to care for the land by staying on designated motorized routes and following travel management regulations for the particular area in which they are riding.
Hunting & Fishing
Custer and the Black Hills offer exceptional opportunities for both hunting and fishing. The region is home to abundant trout in its streams and lakes, with brown, brook, and rainbow trout thriving in stocked and wild waters. The area is also a prime destination for hunting, with opportunities for big game like deer, antelope, and elk, though elk hunting is limited to residents through a lottery. Wild turkey hunting is particularly popular, especially in Custer, with hunters typically enjoying a 40% success rate. The Black Hills also provide opportunities for small game, pheasant, and waterfowl hunting. Fishing enthusiasts can explore 14 mountain lakes and numerous streams, as well as more than 50,000 stock dams, offering species such as bass, northern pike, and panfish. Both hunters and anglers must secure licenses, with regulations varying by species and season, and some fishing areas requiring permission for access to private property.
Air Tours
For a unique Adventure, view the beautiful Black Hills from the air. Booking a tour to fly over mountains, valleys, lakes, and prairies, is one of the best ways to view the Black Hills; home to elk, antelope, whitetail deer, buffalo, and mule deer. If you’re lucky, you might even see a mountain lion.
Water Sports
Get out on the water and explore the solitude of a mountain lake. Clear waters, sandy beaches, and picturesque rock outcroppings—you could spend all day here.
Horseback Riding
Custer and the Black Hills offer an ideal setting for horseback riding, with rugged terrain, maintained trails, and vast open spaces perfect for riders of all levels. The Black Hills National Forest is a popular destination, with nearly all Forest Service roads and trails open to horses, as well as horse camps, including one just east of Custer. The South Dakota State Game, Fish, and Parks department also operates horse camps along the Mickelson Trail and in Custer State Park. For an authentic Western experience, visitors can stay at working ranches in the area. When horseback riding, it's important to follow guidelines to protect the trails, ride single file, and pack out what you pack in. Riders should also be aware of minimum age requirements for guided rides and avoid sensitive areas that may contain historical or archaeological artifacts.
