Custer State Park encompasses over 70,000 acres of the Black Hills’ fantastic granite peaks, rolling plains, and pine forests. There are fantastic trails throughout the park, although some are grueling mountain climbs. For an accessible trail run, our favorite option is the path around Sylvan Lake. These beautiful blue waters are surrounded by spires of granite, as well as a smooth dirt path. The loop is just over a mile long, but runners looking for more mileage can hop on the Sylvan Lake-Harney Trail, which leads to Black Elk peak. The Black Elk trail eventually gets quite steep for running, but the first couple of miles are fairly easy going.
Matthew Paulson via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Features:
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Essentials
- 1 mile (1.6 km), with optional additions
- 88 feet
- Sylvan Lake Parking Area
- Rt. 87
Current Weather & Forecast
Rapid City, US
12:21 pm,
Jun 13, 2026
broken clouds
13°C
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Other Routes in Rapid City/Black Hills, SD
The “Swanny” Trail is a paved multi-use path which follows the Rapid Creek through Rapid City. Nearly the entire 8-mile trail forms a sort of linear park extending from downtown. Good loop options incorporating the major downtown parks.
A nice variety of trail running close to the center of Rapid City. Up to 12 miles of trail to choose from, but the Skyline Trail is a good option. Hilly!
15 miles southwest of Rapid City, the Storm Mountain trail system offers something for everyone. The double track forest roads are the most accessible choices for running.
A large dog and sporting park in the southeast part of Rapid City. The park features a playground, sporting fields, a BMX park, and a ~2 mile concrete loop trail.
Wherever you go in the Black Hills, the Mickelson Trail is never far off. Hop on any section of this 108 mile rail trail for a fun out and back. The trail is mostly gravel but it's an easy, wide surface The trail map has excellent details on trail segments and distances.
It’s a short novelty run, but the 1 mile “Presidential Trail” around Mount Rushmore offers great views of woodland scenery and the famous carvings.
This Black Hills tourist attraction features a wide gravel road leading to the carving of a Lakota leader. Approximately 5 km out and back.
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