The best walks and hikes around Lead
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If you've ever tried planning hiking around Lead, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails winding through the Black Hills, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your precious time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, walked, and reviewed these trails, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best.
Hiking around Lead means…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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hikers
5.29km
01:29
40m
210m
The Homestake Trail offers a delightful journey through the Black Hills, tracing the historic path of an old railroad grade between Deadwood and Lead. You'll find yourself on a mostly…
942m
00:17
40m
20m
The Mount Roosevelt Trail offers a delightful, family-friendly hike through a mix of aspen groves and pine trees, leading to sweeping vistas over the Black Hills. As you ascend, you'll…
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2.81km
00:50
100m
30m
The Mt. Moriah Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through pleasant forest, perfect for a quick escape into nature. You'll wander through second-growth woods that transition into more mature hardwood…
171km
45:11
1,410m
1,760m
The George S. Mickelson Trail offers a remarkable journey through the Black Hills, tracing an old railway line on a crushed limestone and gravel surface. You'll traverse dense pine forests,…
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15.3km
04:21
350m
350m
This George S. Mickelson Trail Whitetail Summit Loop offers a fantastic way to explore the Black Hills, guiding you through dense ponderosa pine forests and across sweeping meadows. The trail…
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Popular around Lead
Tips from the Community
Major Lake Park is a quiet lakeside spot in Hill City, perfect for a picnic, a wildlife break, or a quick detour off the Mickelson Trail. Look out for geese, deer, and the local osprey.
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At Wind Cave National Park, crushed limestone trails wind through open prairie and past wooden fences. Early morning is the best time to visit, when bison are more likely to be grazing in the distance. Keep your eyes on the horizon, the stillness and sweeping views make it feel like the prairie goes on forever.
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The Minnekahta Trailhead is a great access point along the George S. Mickelson Trail, located about 16 miles south of Custer, South Dakota. This section of the trail offers a smooth, moderate route with a mix of forests, grasslands, and open areas. As you make your way along the trail, you'll pass through a range of beautiful Black Hills landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like deer, elk, and various bird species. Make sure to watch out for snakes along the trail!
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Pringle is a small town in the southern Black Hills, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities, with wildlife like deer, elk, and wild turkeys in the area. After hiking, you can grab a meal or a drink at Hitchrail Bar & Restaurant, a local spot for food and drinks. It’s a quiet, no-frills place to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
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Custer State Park, located in the Black Hills, offers diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open prairies and towering granite peaks. During a visit, you can expect breathtaking views, including sweeping views of the Black Hills and jagged rock formations. The park is teeming with wildlife, including bison, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, which roam freely across the park. You can spot golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. In the spring and summer, wildflowers bloom in the meadows, adding color to the already stunning surroundings.
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On this stretch of the George S. Mickelson Trail, you’ll get clear views of Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Black Hills.
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Hill City, South Dakota, has a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Founded during the Black Hills gold rush, the town is known as "The Heart of the Hills." You can take a ride on the 1880s-era train for a scenic trip through the area. Hill City is also close to Custer State Park and the George S. Mickelson Trail for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research has fossil exhibits, including the famous T. rex, Sue. With local wineries and easy access to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Hill City offers an exciting mix of history, nature, and culture.
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Redfern was once a booming railroad town in the late 1800s. Named after the Redfern family, who settled here during the construction of the Black Hills and Fort Pierre Railroad, the town played a crucial role in transporting goods and people across this rugged region. Today, remnants of Redfern’s railroad past can still be seen, including the old train depot and nearby railbeds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there challenging hikes available in Lead?
Yes, Lead offers a range of trails, including more challenging options for experienced hikers. The George S. Mickelson Trail, while long, presents a significant endurance challenge with its 109-mile length and varied elevation. For those seeking a strenuous, shorter hike, the Community Caves Trail is a notable option within Spearfish Canyon, though it's not listed in our current guide.
Are there family-friendly hiking options near Lead?
Absolutely. Lead and the surrounding Northern Black Hills provide several easy trails suitable for families. The Mount Roosevelt Trail is a great choice, offering amazing views and leading to a historic tower. Another accessible option is the Roughlock Falls Trail in Spearfish Canyon, known for its scenic beauty.
Can I bring my dog on hikes in Lead?
Many trails in the Lead area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out. Generally, dogs are welcome on trails like the George S. Mickelson Trail, provided they are on a leash. Always remember to pack out waste and ensure your dog is well-behaved around other hikers and wildlife.
Where can I find hikes with waterfalls near Lead?
Just a short drive from Lead, Spearfish Canyon is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls. You can find accessible hikes leading to stunning features like Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls. The Roughlock Falls Trail is a particularly popular and easy option to experience these natural wonders.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Lead?
Yes, for those who prefer loop trails, the George S. Mickelson Trail: Whitetail Summit Loop offers a moderate circular option. This route provides a good taste of the longer Mickelson Trail while bringing you back to your starting point.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while hiking in Lead?
Hiking around Lead offers diverse scenery. You'll traverse dense ponderosa pine forests and enjoy picturesque mountain backdrops in the Northern Black Hills. Notable landmarks include the historic tower at the end of the Mount Roosevelt Trail. Spearfish Canyon, nearby, features dramatic gorges and waterfalls. The historic Open Cut Mine also provides a unique, man-made landscape view.
Is parking available at trailheads in Lead?
Parking is generally available at popular trailheads around Lead and in Spearfish Canyon. For instance, there are designated parking areas for accessing trails like the Roughlock Falls Trail. The George S. Mickelson Trail has multiple access points with parking along its extensive length.
Do I need a permit to hike in Spearfish Canyon or other areas?
Generally, permits are not required for day hiking on most public trails in Spearfish Canyon or the immediate Lead area. However, if you plan to use the George S. Mickelson Trail, a trail pass is required for users aged 12 and older. These passes can be purchased at various locations or online.
What is the best time of year to hike around Lead?
The best time to hike around Lead is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October) when the weather is mild and trails are clear of snow. Fall offers stunning foliage. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for snow and ice, especially at higher elevations and in Spearfish Canyon, and check trail conditions beforehand.
Are there accessible hiking trails in Lead?
Lead offers some accessible options, particularly along sections of the George S. Mickelson Trail, which is well-maintained with a crushed stone surface. While not all trails are fully accessible, many shorter, flatter sections of wider paths can accommodate various mobility levels.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Lead?
The hiking experiences around Lead are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from dense forests to scenic canyon views, and the variety of trails suitable for different skill levels. The well-maintained paths and opportunities to explore natural features like waterfalls are frequently highlighted.
How long are the hiking trails near Lead?
Hiking trails near Lead vary significantly in length. You can find short, easy walks like the Mount Roosevelt Trail, which is less than a mile, perfect for a quick scenic outing. For those seeking longer adventures, the George S. Mickelson Trail stretches for 109 miles, offering multi-day hiking opportunities or shorter sections for day trips.
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