South Dakota\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them.
\nThese links\u00a0were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love to have some first-hand recommendations.\u00a0\u00a0With 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.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/a>
\nState<\/a>
\nLocal<\/a>
\nPrivate<\/a>
\nMiscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\n

• Badlands National Park<\/a>
  \n<\/strong>The barren and rugged badlands of this 244,000 acre national park contain one of the world\u2019s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here.\u00a0 Today, the park now protects mixed-grass prairie habitat for bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.
  \n<\/strong>Phone (605) 433-5361 \u00a0Accessibility<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Maps<\/a>
  \nDoor\u00a0Trail 0.25 mile \u00a0“boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” and to a view of the Badlands.”
  \nWindow Trail 0.25 mile. “short trail leads to a natural window in the Badlands Wall with a view of an intricately eroded canyon.”
  \nFossil \u00a0Exhibit Trail \u00a00.25 mile “Fully accessible boardwalk trail features fossil replicas and exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area. “<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Black Hills National Forest<\/strong>
  \nThe Black Hills rise from the adjacent grasslands into a ponderosa pine forest.\u00a0Described as an \u201cIsland in the Plains,\u201d the Forest has\u00a0diverse\u00a0wildlife and plants reaching from the eastern forests to the western plains.
  \n<\/strong>Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone (605) 673-9200 \u00a0 Brochure and Map<\/a>
  \nThere are quite a few trails rated “Easy”, but not rated wheelchair accessible.\u00a0Trails with difficulty\u00a0ratings\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0 Check out this blog of Top 7 Black Hills Family Hikes<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
  \n<\/a>Roughlock Falls Nature Area<\/a>\u00a01 mile \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 “Bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing and picnicking can all be enjoyed in the nature area.”
  \nVeterans Point Trail<\/a> \u00a00.75 mile \u00a0paved trail \u00a0among large ponderosa pines. \u00a0Restrooms and fishing piers. \u00a0At times, this trail is under water. \u00a0Call first.
  \nOsprey Trail (Black Hills Trail #58)<\/a> has two loops, one .8 mile and another 1.5 miles.
  \nMap & Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0It is described as easy, but you should call first 605-343-1567 or 605-574-2534 to inquire about obstacles and trail condition.<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge\u2019s wetland resources create a sanctuary within the semi-arid Great Plains landscape.
  \n<\/strong>Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone (605) 685-6508\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Map<\/a>
  \n<\/strong>Brian, from the refuge, describes the trails as relatively flat, mowed grass. “Not truly accessible trails but relatively flat, short, and easy hikes.”<\/span>
  \n<\/strong>Pelican Island Trail 0.25 mile \u00a0“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.”
  \n0.25 mile \u00a0loop around the display \u00a0pond. \u00a0“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.”<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>“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.”
  \nHere is the Refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 Map<\/a>\u00a0 Phone\u00a0(605) 487-7603 \u00a0Images<\/a>
  \n??\u00a0<\/strong>“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. ” \u00a0One of the photographs shows a stretch of boardwalk which is maybe 4 inches or so above the dirt trail. \u00a0That might be difficult for a power chair. \u00a0Call to learn more.<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Nebraska National Forests and Grassland \u00a0 \u00a0
  \n<\/a>P<\/strong>ine Ridge National Recreation Area
  \n<\/strong>“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.”
  \nHere’s the website for the Nebraska National Forests and Grassland.<\/a>\u00a0 The Pine Ridge National Recreation Area<\/a> lies within it.\u00a0 Pine Ridge is described here by\u00a0SummitPost.org<\/a> and on Oh Ranger.com<\/a>.
  \nFor questions about trails in the Oglala National Grassland or Nebraska National Forest you can call Mike Watts\u00a0at 308-432-0390 or the Chadron Office at\u00a0308-432-0300.
  \n<\/a>Here are some suggestions from Mike Watts. \u00a0Use discretion – remember that one person’s Easy is another’s Challenging.
  \n“……..a few sections of trail and areas to hike that are scenic and relatively easy.
  \n1. 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.
  \n2. 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 \u00bd miles and continues for about another 1 \u00bd 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 \u00bc mile from the campground. This 2 track is relatively level for about 1 mile before it intersects the Boots and Saddle Trail.
  \n3. 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.
  \n4. 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 \u00bd mile on Road 733 a high clearance or 4WD vehicle is recommended. Approximately 1 \u00bd 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 \u00bd 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.”<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Oglala National Grassland
  \n<\/strong>\u00a0The Oglala National Grasslands are in the northwestern corner of Nebraska, north of Crawford.\u00a0 “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. ”\u00a0
  \n<\/strong>Described in Britannica<\/a>. The Grassland is in both South Dakota and Nebraska. \u00a0The headquarters is in Chadron, NE but the\u00a0visitor center<\/a> is in Wall, South Dakota. \u00a0Two trails are mentioned but with no indication of difficulty.<\/p>\n

  Here is the Grasslands’ website.\u00a0<\/a> \u00a0 \u00a0For questions about trails in the Oglala National Grassland or Nebraska National Forest you could call Mike Watts\u00a0at 308-432-0390 or the Chadron Office at\u00a0308-432-0300.
  \n<\/a>? \u00a0The Toadstool Geologic Area<\/a>\u00a0 in the grassland has a one mile interpretive loop. However, according to\u00a0NebraskaTravels.com<\/a>, \u00a0it might be too difficult to include on this site. \u00a0Mike 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.<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Wind Cave National Park<\/strong>
  \nBelow 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.”\u00a0 The cave was a sacred place for many American Indian tribes.\u00a0 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.
  \nAccessibility<\/a>\u00a0 Written scripts are available for the hearing impaired<\/a> and sign-language rangers may be available.\u00a0 Here is the Park Website<\/a>.
  \n<\/a>Accessible Cave Tours<\/a>\u00a0 Call ahead 605-745-4600 for information and to make arrangements. There are fees charged for these services.
  \n“<\/a>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”\u00a0\u00a0Call ahead 605-745-4600 for information and to make arrangements for a Special Cave Tour.\u00a0 There are fees charged for these services.
  \n<\/span>Trails<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 605-745-4600\u00a0 Map<\/a>
  \nThese trails are described as easy but have some elevation gain and loss.\u00a0 Check with the Visitor Center to be sure they are suitable for your needs.
  \n<\/a>?<\/strong>\u00a0Wind Cave Canyon\u00a0 \u00a01.8 mile former road through limestone cliffs and forested hillsides.\u00a0 Most of this trail is flat, but you do go over one small hill.\u00a0\u00a0Map<\/a>
  \n<\/a>?\u00a0<\/strong>Elk Mountain\u00a01.2 miles around the Elk Mountain Campground.\u00a0Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Map<\/a>
  \n<\/a>? <\/strong>Rankin Ridge 1 mile nature loop with great views from the top.\u00a0 Judging from the map, there may be a steep stretch.\u00a0 Check first.\u00a0 \u00a0Map\u00a0<\/a>
  \n<\/a> ?<\/strong>\u00a0Prairie Vista 1 mile interpretive loop from visitor center.\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a><\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

  <\/a>State<\/h2>\n

  • South Dakota Parks & Recreation Trail ADA Classification<\/a>
    \nThe 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. \u00a0Category A trails appear to be wheelchair accessible. \u00a0The description for Category B sounds like easy walking, but it is always a good idea to check with park management before going.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
    \n<\/strong>This preserve encompasses 1,500 acres along the Missouri River in southeast South Dakota.\u00a0 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. ”
    \nHere is the Preserve website<\/a>. \u00a0Location Map<\/a> \u00a0 Trail Map and Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Phone\u00a0605.232.0873
    \n“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.”
    \nThe Lake Loop, Homestead Trail, and River Loop are labeled wheelchair accessible on the trail map.
    \n“Guided golf cart tours are available by reservation for visitors with physical limitations, contact the park for details.”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Angostura Recreation Area
    \n<\/strong>“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.”\u00a0 It is in western South Dakota.
    \nHere is the Area website<\/a>. \u00a0Trail\u00a0Map & Guide<\/a>\u00a0 Walking Map<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0Phone\u00a0605.745.6996
    \n<\/strong> ?<\/strong> \u00a0 \u00a0Reservoir View Bike Trail, asphalt. \u00a0The guide says\u00a0this is 3.2 miles on “moderate hilly terrain”. \u00a0However, the mobility guide gives it an A rating which means the grades are from 0 to 5%. \u00a0It describes the trail as 1.9 miles. \u00a0Call for clarification.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Chief White Crane Recreation Area
    \n<\/strong>Chief White Crane Recreation Area lies at the edge of Lake Yankton in southeast South Dakota.
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Area website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 605.668.2985 \u00a0Trail Map <\/a>\u00a0
    \n<\/strong>Chief White Crane Trail \u00a0from the Yankton website<\/a>: “1 mile, 9\u2019 wide crushed asphalt surface, flat grade. This trail travels throughout the Chief White Crane Recreation Area and connects to the Deer Boulevard\u00a0Trail and is a short distance from the Lake Yankton Prairie Trail.”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Custer State Park
    \n<\/strong>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.
    \nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 605-255-4515 \u00a0 Map<\/a> \u00a0Trails<\/a>\u00a0 Guide
    \n<\/a><\/a>Creekside Trail 2 miles \u00a0“This paved trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek and offers a variety of scenery.”
    \n?<\/strong> Sylvan Lake Shore Trail \u00a0I 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. \u00a0While 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.”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Farm Island Recreation Area<\/strong>
    \n“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…”
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Area website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone \u00a0605-773-2885 \u00a0 Trail Map and Guide
    \n<\/a><\/a>?<\/strong> Nature Exploration Trail 3 miles. \u00a0Gravel\/limestone. \u00a0Although 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. \u00a0You might want to call first to be sure.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • George S. Mickleson Trail
    \n<\/strong>“The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998. \u00a0Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills.”\u00a0 “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). ”
    \nPhone 605.584.3896 Here is the website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0On TrailLink<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 Map and elevations<\/a>
    \n“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. ” \u00a0“A majority of the trail does not exceed a 4% grade, but parts of the trail are considered strenuous.” \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
    \n<\/a>Trolley On The Trail <\/a>\u00a0 “Trolley rides allow those with physical limitations to experience the beautiful George S. Mickelson Trail. \u00a0The rides are held throughout the summer and are approximately four hours long. Reservations are required”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Lake Thompson Recreation Area
    \n<\/strong>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\u00a0 It is a National Natural Landmark and is in northeast South Dakota.
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Area website.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 605.847.4893 \u00a0Trail Map and Guide <\/a>
    \nPark Tour Trail 1.25 miles<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Lewis & Clark Recreation Area<\/a>
    \n<\/strong>This recreation area on the Missouri River, near Yankton is “…is one of the state park system’s most popular resort parks.”
    \nHere is the Area website<\/a>.\u00a0 Trail Map and Guide<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Phone 605-668-2985
    \nLewis and Clark Bicycle\/Pedestrian Trail \u00a07 miles asphalt. \u00a0Multi-use “Mostly flat. Easy, appropriate for all ages.”<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • North Point Recreation Area
    \n<\/strong>“Located on the shores of the Missouri River just above Fort Randall Dam, North Point Recreation Area provides a spectacular river view.”
    \n<\/strong>Here is the Area website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone \u00a0605.487.7046 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
    \nNorth Point Trail about 1.5 miles on asphalt and gravel \u00a0“Easy, mostly flat with a few moderate grades” \u00a0Call for more information.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Local<\/h2>\n

    • City of Brookings<\/strong> \u00a0Parks & Recreation \u00a0Phone 605-692-2708
      \nDakota Nature Park<\/a>\u00a0135 acres \u00a0 phone at Larson Nature Center 605-693-2233
      \nMap and Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 Facebook<\/a>
      \n“Dakota Nature Park is a place where nature prevails, and all humans are guests.” \u00a0Pretty well all the facilities in this park are ADA. \u00a0Call first for more information or special requests such as your bucket list desire to paddle a kayak. \u00a0They will accommodate you!
      \nMiddle Pond Trail 0.5 mile, \u00a0East Pond Trail 1.1 mile, \u00a0and the Overlook Trail<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

      <\/a>Private<\/h2>\n

      Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

      <\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n

      • The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a> lists wheelchair accessible trails in South Dakota.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

      • Wheelchairtraveling.com<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0 is an outstanding resource<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        South Dakota\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. These links\u00a0were found through Internet search. \u00a0I would love to have some first-hand recommendations.\u00a0\u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of … Continue reading Wheelchairtraveling.com SD<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-401","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/401","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=401"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/401\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5881,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/401\/revisions\/5881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}