Welcome to Hot Springs, SD, your ultimate BASE CAMP for uncovering the wonders of the Black Hills in South Dakota. Ensuring the utmost care for both our cherished visitors and esteemed residents is our highest concern. We kindly request that you explore responsibly.
Golfing, Hiking and Biking
OUT DOORS
Golfing, Hiking and Biking the Southern Black Hills from your base camp in Hot Springs SD.
WELCOME TOSOUTHERN HILLS GOLF COURSE
Placed within the contours of the southern Black Hills, Southern Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal course offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
Originally designed as a 9 hole course, Southern Hills expanded to become a premier public golf destination for the experienced and recreational golfer alike.
Boasting over 380 feet of elevation change, including one par 3 with a 35' tee to green difference, Southern Hills Golf Course offers a challenge, but also rewards players with its natural beauty and seamless integration into the local topography.
With five different teeing areas, including a new junior tees, all levels of players can enjoy our unforgettable course.
Hiking and Biking Trails Near Hot Springs South Dakota
Imagine a path where Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane still once roamed; where bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders can explore spruce and ponderosa pine forests; and the very young, the very old and people of all abilities can enjoy.
For more information, contact the
Mickelson Trail office at
605.584.3896
The Centennial Trail&George S. Mickelson Trail
The Centennial Trail and the Mickelson Trail are off-road dream trips for bicyclists. Both are slightly more than 100 miles long and are maintained, mapped and equipped with trail-heads and other amenities.
Five trail-heads provide access to the Centennial Trail in the northern Black Hills.The five trail-heads are the Alkali Creek Trail-head (BLM), Elk Creek Trail-head, Dalton Lake Trail-head, South Boxelder Trail-head, and the Pilot Knob Trail-head. The north portion of the Centennial Trail is approximately 37 miles long, and is open for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
The Mickelson Trail is 109 miles long and runs from Edgemont to Deadwood South Dakota. It contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. There are 15 trail-heads, all of which offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets, and tables.
Note: Poor to non-existent cell phone coverage on the trail.
Photos courtesy of: SD Tourism, Visit Rapid City, Recreating With Kids,
Papa & Nana On the Go & One Mile At a Time.
TIPS FROM BIKERS:
Experienced bikers offer these suggestions for flat-landers who hope to pedal through the Black Hills:
- Be prepared for the high elevations: you’ll have less lung capacity than you do back home. Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen.
- Take a map or GPS if you explore back country forest trails because the routes don’t always go north and south.
- Try to avoid busy roads like Hwy 385 or Hwy 16. The Black Hills are blessed with many secondary paved roads and scenic routes where speeds are limited to 35 mph.
- Beware of buffalo, especially lone bulls in Custer State Park. You might also encounter cattle along the Mickelson Trail or Centennial Trail but they are seldom aggressive.
- Mountain lion sightings are rare and no confrontations have been reported with bikers. But if you do see one, make a lot of noise and it will likely slink away.
- Rattlesnakes may be encountered (though rarely) in lower elevations. Keep your distance and they’ll keep theirs.
