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Sylvan Lake Shore Trail

Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.6 (20)
  1. Areas
  2. SD
  3. …Western S. Dakota
  4. …Black Hills National Forest
  5. Black Elk Wilderness
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“A simple trail with spectacular views around Sylvan Lake. ”

Nate Jones
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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

Loop

6,165' 1,879 m

High

6,144' 1,873 m

Low

33' 10 m

Up

30' 9 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly An easy trail with little elevation. Nice picnic area and small boat rentals.

Description

This trail is a beautiful hike around the shore of Sylvan Lake. Sylvan Lake is considered the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park. Although only a mile long, this trail is a must do hike. All around the lake there are breathtaking views.

For visitors interested in climbing, Sylvan Lake has some great rock formations for bouldering. Once you are finished with your hike, you can cool down with a swim in the beautiful water or rent a small boat and paddle around the lake. When you get hungry, don't forget to eat your meal in the picnic area.

Contacts

Land Manager: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks - Bear Butte State Park

Shared By:

Nate Jones
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 20 votes

#4

in Black Elk Wilderness

#277

Overall
  4.6 from 20 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Black Elk Wilderness

#8

in South Dakota

#277

Overall
8 Views Last Month
5,852 Since Nov 11, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
28%
39%
33%
0%
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0%
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Photos

Some nice climbing on the rocks around Sylvan Lake.
Nov 11, 2015 near Custer, SD
Panorama of Sylvan lake. One of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. If you are near Mount Rushmore take the time to drive up here and check it out. There is a nice trail that goes around the lake.
Nov 11, 2015 near Custer, SD
One of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. About a 45 minute drive from Mount Rushmore, Lake Sylvan.
Nov 11, 2015 near Custer, SD
Sylvan Lake is utter glass in mid-March.
Mar 19, 2017 near Custer, SD
Sylvan Lake is beautiful!
Dec 16, 2015 near Custer, SD
Entrance/exit
Oct 7, 2020 near Custer, SD

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 14, 2023
Tyler Thieding
Sep 9, 2023
Brian L
1mi
Jun 27, 2023
Tracy Rudd
Oct 21, 2022
Stephen Pack
Aug 13, 2021
Brett Wolfley
Jul 30, 2021
David Fulmer
1.3mi — 0h 33m
Sep 9, 2020
Emely B
Jun 30, 2020
Caroline Ulczycki

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