In addition, the first section of this hike follows a creek bed that has water in the rainy season, making a small oasis with the most plant life of the three trails. At the base of the ladder is an open area with some great large rocks for toddlers to climb on. It includes a climb up a steep log ladder, but you can make the base of the ladder your turnaround point for an easy and still worthwhile hike. However, Notch Trail is more strenuous and is considered moderate in difficulty. (Guess how it got its name!) At the end of the trail, like the other two, there’s a view across the White River Valley. The third and final trail from the parking lot is Notch Trail. And if you’re still wondering how the trail got its name, take your time here! Benches are available here for resting, nursing and snacking. The quarter-mile roundtrip is on a flat boardwalk leading to an opening in the Badlands Wall looking out over a canyon and the craggy formations of the opposite wall. Wonder how it got its name? You won’t have long to wait for the answer. Returning to the parking lot, Window Trail is the next in line. Feel free to wander a bit – you’ll feel like you are walking on the moon! However, getting lost is not impossible, so it’s best to keep a numbered marker in sight. Numbered markers lead you out and away from the crowds for another half-mile. From the end of the boardwalk, there is a step down to the hard cracked mud of the Badlands and the start of the best part of the trail. At this overlook, you’ll find benches, interpretive signs and the Badlands stretching out before you. It gets its name from the “door” in the Badlands Wall at the end of the first quarter-mile of flat boardwalk. Starting with Door Trail, this hike begins from the northernmost trailhead. Each trail has its own unique character that you will not find anywhere else in your travels, which will fascinate both kiddos and adults. Together, they make for an easy-to-moderate 2.5-mile roundtrip in three sections from their shared parking lot. Door, Window and Notch Trails (Interior, SD)ĭoor, Window and Notch Trails are three out-and-back trails near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in Badlands National Park. Trail review and photo contributed by Jessica Featherstone. Toilets and drinking water are available at Sylvan Lake, but do bring plenty of drinking water on the trail.There is plenty to do at the Sylvan Lake day use area, making it the perfect area to start and end in.A Vehicle Pass costs $20 and is good for seven days, or get an annual pass for $30.As we were walking, we noticed that the path seemed to shimmer and shine in the sun due to the minerals there. She was able to walk most of the way down without help since the path is well worn and not technical. Sky loved walking near the edge and exploring around the mountain. While the peak was great, on the way down, we stopped and had a picnic lunch. We made it to the top of the peak and enjoyed the view. This was our first peak as a family, and it was perfect! The trail isn’t overtly technical. However, it’s from the peak where you’ll get the best view. In particular, stop at the bench on the first section of the trail, which is opposite the peak and gives you an excellent view. Along the way you’ll be able to glimpse the peak. On Black Elk Peak itself, there are spots to sit, rest, eat and explore. There are also a lot of great places to stop and play. Despite uneven terrain and some drop-offs, kids can walk a lot. Pick up the trailhead at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park for the 7-mile roundtrip and allow 5 hours or more, depending on breaks and toddler speed. Cell reception may be spotty, but for better or worse, you will not be alone on this hike. That said, the incline is not bad, and this is the easiest and most traveled way to Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak. Trail 9 is a moderate difficulty trail with an elevation gain of 1,630 feet. Parents and kids of all ages are sure to love these, so enjoy hiking Dakota country! Trail 9 to Black Elk Peak (Rapid City, SD) With this in mind, they’ve chosen three perfect South Dakota trails for families with young children. Also, Hike it Baby members know that the Badlands aren’t bad at all. What does the great outdoors in South Dakota bring to mind? The Great Plains, the Badlands, the Black Hills? Arid or semi-arid and forbidding landscapes where a person can get lost and never be found? It is a big state, with plenty of space to get lost in, but getting away and lost for a while isn’t always a bad thing. In this article, we share three beautiful hikes in South Dakota to explore with babies and young children. Whether you’re new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you’re looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family-friendly hiking trails around the country.
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