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[Free Vacation guide](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/request-free-vacation-guide) English - English - Deutsch - 简体中文 - Français - Italiano - 日本語 - Australia/New Zealand - United Kingdom - België - Iconic Landmarks - Things to Do - Places to Go - Plan Your Trip Toggle search Menu  # 5 of the Best Hiking Trails near Sioux Falls, South Dakota Written by: [Tammy Bashore](https://www.instagram.com/tammy_bashore/) Living in the largest city in South Dakota, I make it a point to immerse myself in nature as much as possible. There is something so freeing about getting away from the noise and lights and surrounding myself with quiet solitude. After exploring every trail within 30 minutes of the city of Sioux Falls, I have developed a list of my 5 favorite hikes. Each of these locations have their own unique qualities that landed them on this list. ## 1\. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run [Good Earth State Park](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/sioux-falls/good-earth-state-park-blood-run "Good Earth State Park at Blood Run")is a national landmark and includes more than 7 miles of various hiking trails. This site was once an area of Native civilization and is now a time capsule of Indigenous culture. The visitor center is the perfect way to start your hike and will add to the appreciation of the site as you hike the trails. There are 2 main trailheads to begin hiking — one to the north of the parking lot and the other behind the visitor center. From there, you can take many different directions, creating a unique experience each time you return — and you WILL return. Trust me. One of the trails includes 3 different lookout platforms that allow you to see across the Big Sioux River all the way into Iowa\!       Previous slide Slide1/of3 Next slide ## 2\. Newton Hills State Park [Newton Hills State Park](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/canton/national-state-parks/state-park/newton-hills-state-park) is quite possibly my favorite hiking location during the fall months. With more than 5 miles of hiking trails, there are 3 different loops that all interconnect with multiple trailheads throughout the park for easy access. The dark lush forest canopy surrounding the trail feels so calming as you hike along the path. The lookout tower also offers a unique perspective to see over the treetops! If you hike quietly, you will likely see many deer along the way.       Previous slide Slide1/of3 Next slide ## 3\. Homesteader Nature Trail The Homesteader Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile loop in the [Beaver Creek Nature Area](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/valley-springs/national-state-parks/state-nature-area/beaver-creek-nature-area). Hiking this trail will take you over a creek and through thickets, prairie grasses and gorgeous tree cover! This trail is not too difficult, making it great for all ages. There is even a short suspension bridge to add some extra excitement into your hike\!       Previous slide Slide1/of3 Next slide ## 4\. Great Bear Recreation Park [Great Bear Recreation Park](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/sioux-falls/outdoor-activities/hiking/great-bear-recreation-park) offers more than 7 miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. There are 2 main trailheads. One starts on the east end of the parking lot, and the other starts behind the lodge at the base of the bunny ski hill. This trail has many opportunities to take steep inclines, which is something I am always drawn to in order to add levels of difficulty to my hike. Plus, the scenery at the top offers a panoramic view of the city of Sioux Falls, complete with a map pointing out many of the unique landmarks in the city\!       Previous slide Slide1/of3 Next slide ## 5\. Otter Stream Trail The Otter Stream Trail at [Lake Vermillion Recreation Area](https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/lake-vermillion-recr) is a short 1-mile nature hike, a great option for those that are on the west side of Sioux Falls. This trail is included due to the wide variety of users it can accommodate. This path is short with few inclines, making it a great choice for families with young children, or adults looking for a simple walk in nature. Most of the trail walks you through gorgeous prairie grasses and offers great views of the lake. There is a short portion that takes you through a forest of pine trees -- always my favorite part\!       Previous slide Slide1/of3 Next slide Living in a state that sees many months of [winter](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/winter "Winter in South Dakota"), it is important to embrace the weather we are given and get outdoors year-round. Don’t limit yourself to only hiking these trails during the warm summer months. They can be even more beautiful and inspiring when covered in snow. Strap on those hiking or snow boots and go\! ## Discover more to love about Sioux Falls ## Explore More [Foodie Road Trip from Watertown to Sioux Falls Take a flavor-filled drive from Watertown to Sioux Falls with eats and brews worth savoring.](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/foodie-road-trip-watertown-sioux-falls) [Family Fun Road Trip From Sioux Falls to Pierre Make your family road trip from Sioux Falls to Pierre a memorable one! Explore the optimal route, top attractions and things to do in each city along the way.](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/family-fun-road-trip-sioux-falls-pierre) [Weekend in Sioux Falls: Trip Itinerary with Teens Looking for things to do in Sioux Falls with teens? Use this itinerary to make lasting memories with the family.](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/weekend-sioux-falls-trip-itinerary-teens) [48 Hours Exploring the Arts in Sioux Falls! Spend two days in Sioux Falls exploring galleries, murals, live music and the city’s iconic SculptureWalk.](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/48-hours-exploring-arts-sioux-falls) [A Love of the Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle Downtown Burger Battle gets more burger entries every year, and Lyndsey Kastein tries them all.](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/lyndsey-the-burger-battler) [The Story of Sanaa and Her Amazing Mediterranean Food See why Sanaa's Mediterranean delights attract the attention of customers and prestigious dining awards.](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/sanaa) Previous slide Slide0/of0 Next slide ## Start planning your next trip to South Dakota [ Order Your Free 2026 Vacation Guide Find our travel guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning. 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Living in the largest city in South Dakota, I make it a point to immerse myself in nature as much as possible. There is something so freeing about getting away from the noise and lights and surrounding myself with quiet solitude. After exploring every trail within 30 minutes of the city of Sioux Falls, I have developed a list of my 5 favorite hikes. Each of these locations have their own unique qualities that landed them on this list. ## 1\. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run [Good Earth State Park](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/sioux-falls/good-earth-state-park-blood-run "Good Earth State Park at Blood Run")is a national landmark and includes more than 7 miles of various hiking trails. This site was once an area of Native civilization and is now a time capsule of Indigenous culture. The visitor center is the perfect way to start your hike and will add to the appreciation of the site as you hike the trails. There are 2 main trailheads to begin hiking — one to the north of the parking lot and the other behind the visitor center. From there, you can take many different directions, creating a unique experience each time you return — and you WILL return. Trust me. One of the trails includes 3 different lookout platforms that allow you to see across the Big Sioux River all the way into Iowa\!       Slide1of3 ## 2\. Newton Hills State Park [Newton Hills State Park](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/canton/national-state-parks/state-park/newton-hills-state-park) is quite possibly my favorite hiking location during the fall months. With more than 5 miles of hiking trails, there are 3 different loops that all interconnect with multiple trailheads throughout the park for easy access. The dark lush forest canopy surrounding the trail feels so calming as you hike along the path. The lookout tower also offers a unique perspective to see over the treetops! If you hike quietly, you will likely see many deer along the way.       Slide1of3 ## 3\. Homesteader Nature Trail The Homesteader Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile loop in the [Beaver Creek Nature Area](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/valley-springs/national-state-parks/state-nature-area/beaver-creek-nature-area). Hiking this trail will take you over a creek and through thickets, prairie grasses and gorgeous tree cover! This trail is not too difficult, making it great for all ages. There is even a short suspension bridge to add some extra excitement into your hike\!       Slide1of3 ## 4\. Great Bear Recreation Park [Great Bear Recreation Park](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/sioux-falls/outdoor-activities/hiking/great-bear-recreation-park) offers more than 7 miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. There are 2 main trailheads. One starts on the east end of the parking lot, and the other starts behind the lodge at the base of the bunny ski hill. This trail has many opportunities to take steep inclines, which is something I am always drawn to in order to add levels of difficulty to my hike. Plus, the scenery at the top offers a panoramic view of the city of Sioux Falls, complete with a map pointing out many of the unique landmarks in the city\!       Slide1of3 ## 5\. Otter Stream Trail The Otter Stream Trail at [Lake Vermillion Recreation Area](https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/lake-vermillion-recr) is a short 1-mile nature hike, a great option for those that are on the west side of Sioux Falls. This trail is included due to the wide variety of users it can accommodate. This path is short with few inclines, making it a great choice for families with young children, or adults looking for a simple walk in nature. Most of the trail walks you through gorgeous prairie grasses and offers great views of the lake. There is a short portion that takes you through a forest of pine trees -- always my favorite part\!       Slide1of3 Living in a state that sees many months of [winter](https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/winter "Winter in South Dakota"), it is important to embrace the weather we are given and get outdoors year-round. Don’t limit yourself to only hiking these trails during the warm summer months. They can be even more beautiful and inspiring when covered in snow. Strap on those hiking or snow boots and go\! ## Discover more to love about Sioux Falls ## Explore More Slide0of0 ## Start planning your next trip to South Dakota  About the Author Tammy Bashore. Tammy Bashore is a South Dakota-based content creator, photographer, writer and avid outdoorswoman.