South Dakota has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. Here are just a few of them.
These links were found through Internet search. I would love to have some first-hand recommendations. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.
Federal
State
Local
Private
Miscellaneous
Federal
Badlands National Park
The barren and rugged badlands of this 244,000 acre national park contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. Today, the park now protects mixed-grass prairie habitat for bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
Phone (605) 433-5361 Accessibility Maps
Door Trail 0.25 mile “boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” and to a view of the Badlands.”
Window Trail 0.25 mile. “short trail leads to a natural window in the Badlands Wall with a view of an intricately eroded canyon.”
Fossil Exhibit Trail 0.25 mile “Fully accessible boardwalk trail features fossil replicas and exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area. “Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills rise from the adjacent grasslands into a ponderosa pine forest. Described as an “Island in the Plains,” the Forest has diverse wildlife and plants reaching from the eastern forests to the western plains.
Here is their website. Phone (605) 673-9200 Brochure and Map
There are quite a few trails rated “Easy”, but not rated wheelchair accessible. Trails with difficulty ratings Check out this blog of Top 7 Black Hills Family Hikes
Roughlock Falls Nature Area 1 mile Map “Bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing and picnicking can all be enjoyed in the nature area.”
Veterans Point Trail 0.75 mile paved trail among large ponderosa pines. Restrooms and fishing piers. At times, this trail is under water. Call first.
Osprey Trail (Black Hills Trail #58) has two loops, one .8 mile and another 1.5 miles.
Map & Brochure It is described as easy, but you should call first 605-343-1567 or 605-574-2534 to inquire about obstacles and trail condition.Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge’s wetland resources create a sanctuary within the semi-arid Great Plains landscape.
Here is their website. Phone (605) 685-6508 Map
Brian, from the refuge, describes the trails as relatively flat, mowed grass. “Not truly accessible trails but relatively flat, short, and easy hikes.”
Pelican Island Trail 0.25 mile “This walking trail provides visitors with the rare opportunity to view American white pelicans nesting on two islands within Pool 9 on the Refuge. During late April and early May, visitors will see thousands of white pelicans located on these islands. There are great blue heron, snowy and cattle egret, double-crested cormorant, and black crowned night heron rookeries on the islands as well.”
0.25 mile loop around the display pond. “Large willows, cottonwoods, and other shrubs often provides the opportunity to observe warblers and other birds species not commonly found in our grasslands and wetlands.”Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge
“Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge is a place of wetlands, grasslands, and riverside forests. During spring and fall migrations, clouds of waterfowl and shorebirds darken the sky.”
Here is the Refuge website. Map Phone (605) 487-7603 Images
?? “At the Complex headquarters, a short nature trail meanders along the wooded shore of Lake Andes, passes through a series of small prairie ponds, skirts the edge of Owens Bay, and returns through native grassland uplands. The abundance of waterfowl and grassland birds make this an excellent trail for birding. ” One of the photographs shows a stretch of boardwalk which is maybe 4 inches or so above the dirt trail. That might be difficult for a power chair. Call to learn more.Nebraska National Forests and Grassland
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area
“The Nebraska National Forest encompasses nearly 1.1 million acres of land in central and northwest Nebraska and in central and southwest South Dakota. The administrative units comprising the Nebraska are the Nebraska and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests and the Buffalo Gap, Oglala, and Fort Pierre National Grasslands.”
Here’s the website for the Nebraska National Forests and Grassland. The Pine Ridge National Recreation Area lies within it. Pine Ridge is described here by SummitPost.org and on Oh Ranger.com.
For questions about trails in the Oglala National Grassland or Nebraska National Forest you can call Mike Watts at 308-432-0390 or the Chadron Office at 308-432-0300.
Here are some suggestions from Mike Watts. Use discretion – remember that one person’s Easy is another’s Challenging.
“……..a few sections of trail and areas to hike that are scenic and relatively easy.
1. Soldier Creek Campground, South Fork Trailhead. The Trooper Trail follows the drainage of the South Fork of Soldier Creek for about 3 miles before it heads up into the hills. This part of the trail is relatively level with rolling terrain. There are a few short steep sections and a few small creek crossings. This section of the trail is in the Soldier Creek Wilderness.
2. Soldier Creek Campground, Middle Fork Trailhead. A two track unmarked trail follows the Middle Fork of Soldier Creek drainage. The two track enters the Wilderness after 1 ½ miles and continues for about another 1 ½ miles before it heads up into the hills. This is level to gently rolling. A variation of this is to take a two track trail that forks in the sidebar up the North Fork of Soldier Creek about ¼ mile from the campground. This 2 track is relatively level for about 1 mile before it intersects the Boots and Saddle Trail.
3. From Chadron State Park take the paved loop road to the top of the loop. Take the gravel road to the Black Hills Overlook. After approximately 2 miles the road dead ends at a parking lot on Forest Service land. From the parking lot take the Black Hills Overlook Trail. The trail follows ridges through an old burn area and is level to gently rolling with a few short steep pitches. After about 1 mile the trail begins to get steeper as it drops in elevation just before the trail forks. The right hand fork will take you down to the Chadron State Park Campground. The other fork will take you to down to the Outrider Trailhead on Forest Service. Both of these forks are approximately 1 mile.
4. Approximately 5 miles south of Chadron on Highway 385 turn east on King Canyon Road. Continue east across a cattle guard onto Forest Service Road 733. After about ½ mile on Road 733 a high clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended. Approximately 1 ½ miles from the start of Road 733 at the top of a hill you can access a section of the Pine Ridge Trail that follows a ridge through an old burn area. Parking is available next to the road. Follow the trail to the north for about 1 ½ miles. This section of trail is mostly level to gently rolling. There are a couple of short steep pitches. After about a mile when you reach a fork in the trail take the left fork out to an overlook.”Oglala National Grassland
The Oglala National Grasslands are in the northwestern corner of Nebraska, north of Crawford. “Find your way to the Hudson-Meng Bone Bed site where you can take a tour and learn about the history of this area, walk through the unique features of the Toadstool Geologic Park, or just spend some quiet time in the wide open spaces of the 94,000 acres of mixed grass prairies. ”
Described in Britannica. The Grassland is in both South Dakota and Nebraska. The headquarters is in Chadron, NE but the visitor center is in Wall, South Dakota. Two trails are mentioned but with no indication of difficulty.Here is the Grasslands’ website. For questions about trails in the Oglala National Grassland or Nebraska National Forest you could call Mike Watts at 308-432-0390 or the Chadron Office at 308-432-0300.
? The Toadstool Geologic Area in the grassland has a one mile interpretive loop. However, according to NebraskaTravels.com, it might be too difficult to include on this site. Mike Watts of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands says that the first 1/3 mile of the trail used to be accessible, but it has suffered a lot of erosion.Wind Cave National Park
Below the rolling prairie grasslands and forests of this national park lies Wind Cave “one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. Named for barometric winds at its entrance, this maze of passages is home to boxwork, a unique geologic structure.” The cave was a sacred place for many American Indian tribes. The park’s 33,851 acres includes pristine remnant prairie habitat, home to bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs and the re-introduced black-footed ferret.
Accessibility Written scripts are available for the hearing impaired and sign-language rangers may be available. Here is the Park Website.
Accessible Cave Tours Call ahead 605-745-4600 for information and to make arrangements. There are fees charged for these services.
“The visitor center and the cave are accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. However, cave trails are dimly lighted, often narrow, and may be wet and slippery in certain areas. There are numerous stairs along all of the tour routes. Persons with vision impairments should be cautious when entering the cave. Bringing an extra flashlight could assist visitors with vision impairments see steps and ceiling areas better” Call ahead 605-745-4600 for information and to make arrangements for a Special Cave Tour. There are fees charged for these services.
Trails Phone 605-745-4600 Map
These trails are described as easy but have some elevation gain and loss. Check with the Visitor Center to be sure they are suitable for your needs.
? Wind Cave Canyon 1.8 mile former road through limestone cliffs and forested hillsides. Most of this trail is flat, but you do go over one small hill. Map
? Elk Mountain 1.2 miles around the Elk Mountain Campground. Guide Map
? Rankin Ridge 1 mile nature loop with great views from the top. Judging from the map, there may be a steep stretch. Check first. Map
? Prairie Vista 1 mile interpretive loop from visitor center. Map
State
South Dakota Parks & Recreation Trail ADA Classification
The second page of this document gives the trail classification criteria and the remaining pages list the trails in the State Parks with their classification, length and surface material. Category A trails appear to be wheelchair accessible. The description for Category B sounds like easy walking, but it is always a good idea to check with park management before going.Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
This preserve encompasses 1,500 acres along the Missouri River in southeast South Dakota. The “Preserve features close to 10 miles of limestone trails that wind through prairie, forest and along the riverbank. With over 100 species of birds, a variety of native plants and a number of different animals, visitors are immersed in nature. ”
Here is the Preserve website. Location Map Trail Map and Guide Phone 605.232.0873
“Adams features close to 10 miles of trails that wind through prairie, forest and along the riverbank. With over 100 species of birds, a variety of native plants and a number of different animals, visitors are immersed in nature.”
The Lake Loop, Homestead Trail, and River Loop are labeled wheelchair accessible on the trail map.
“Guided golf cart tours are available by reservation for visitors with physical limitations, contact the park for details.”Angostura Recreation Area
“Angostura Reservoir is a water-lover’s haven with breathtaking, scenic views. Offering crystal clear waters, 36 miles of shoreline, and some of the finest sandy beaches in the state, the area boasts many water sports and summer fun activities – camping, boating, fishing, and swimming.” It is in western South Dakota.
Here is the Area website. Trail Map & Guide Walking Map Phone 605.745.6996
? Reservoir View Bike Trail, asphalt. The guide says this is 3.2 miles on “moderate hilly terrain”. However, the mobility guide gives it an A rating which means the grades are from 0 to 5%. It describes the trail as 1.9 miles. Call for clarification.Chief White Crane Recreation Area
Chief White Crane Recreation Area lies at the edge of Lake Yankton in southeast South Dakota.
Here is the Area website. Phone 605.668.2985 Trail Map
Chief White Crane Trail from the Yankton website: “1 mile, 9’ wide crushed asphalt surface, flat grade. This trail travels throughout the Chief White Crane Recreation Area and connects to the Deer Boulevard Trail and is a short distance from the Lake Yankton Prairie Trail.”Custer State Park
The 71,000 acre Custer State Park in the Black Hills of western South Dakota encompasses granite peaks, rolling plains , clear mountain waters and open ranges.
Here is the Park website. Phone 605-255-4515 Map Trails Guide
Creekside Trail 2 miles “This paved trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek and offers a variety of scenery.”
? Sylvan Lake Shore Trail I mile loop. “This trail makes a complete loop around Sylvan Lake, and is among the easiest trails in Custer State Park. Enormous granite formations line portions of the lake making it one of the most picturesque in the Black Hills. While most of this trail is relatively flat, a portion contains steps and crosses exposed rocky areas. Sections of the trail are not be suitable for strollers.”Farm Island Recreation Area
“Located east of Pierre, Farm Island attracts all types of visitors – campers, swimmers, hikers, anglers, bird watchers and bicyclists. … easy access to Lake Sharpe and popular beaches and trails…”
Here is the Area website. Phone 605-773-2885 Trail Map and Guide
? Nature Exploration Trail 3 miles. Gravel/limestone. Although the website does not show this trail as ADA (it describes it as “Easy, appropriate for all ages”), it is given an A rating in the State Parks’ trail rating system. You might want to call first to be sure.George S. Mickleson Trail
“The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998. Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills.” “Electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and select e-bikes are allowed on the trail….All trail users age 12 and older are required to have a trail pass (except on the trail within the city limits). ”
Phone 605.584.3896 Here is the website. On TrailLink Map Map and elevations
“The trail is 109 miles long and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. ” “A majority of the trail does not exceed a 4% grade, but parts of the trail are considered strenuous.”
Trolley On The Trail “Trolley rides allow those with physical limitations to experience the beautiful George S. Mickelson Trail. The rides are held throughout the summer and are approximately four hours long. Reservations are required”Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Dry pasture in the 1930 and a 9,000-acre marsh by 1980, this lake is now over 20 feet deep from heavy rains and snowmelt from the mid-80s It is a National Natural Landmark and is in northeast South Dakota.
Here is the Area website. Phone 605.847.4893 Trail Map and Guide
Park Tour Trail 1.25 milesLewis & Clark Recreation Area
This recreation area on the Missouri River, near Yankton is “…is one of the state park system’s most popular resort parks.”
Here is the Area website. Trail Map and Guide Phone 605-668-2985
Lewis and Clark Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail 7 miles asphalt. Multi-use “Mostly flat. Easy, appropriate for all ages.”North Point Recreation Area
“Located on the shores of the Missouri River just above Fort Randall Dam, North Point Recreation Area provides a spectacular river view.”
Here is the Area website. Phone 605.487.7046 Map
North Point Trail about 1.5 miles on asphalt and gravel “Easy, mostly flat with a few moderate grades” Call for more information.
Local
City of Brookings Parks & Recreation Phone 605-692-2708
Dakota Nature Park 135 acres phone at Larson Nature Center 605-693-2233
Map and Brochure Facebook
“Dakota Nature Park is a place where nature prevails, and all humans are guests.” Pretty well all the facilities in this park are ADA. Call first for more information or special requests such as your bucket list desire to paddle a kayak. They will accommodate you!
Middle Pond Trail 0.5 mile, East Pond Trail 1.1 mile, and the Overlook Trail
Private
Miscellaneous
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in South Dakota.
Wheelchairtraveling.com is an outstanding resource