Get Out To Enjoy Fall Colors In The Black Hills
CUSTER, SD. – Fall colors are right around the corner and will be showing up all over the Black Hills area. The Forest Service encourages you to get outdoors and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular seasons.
“The best viewing for Fall colors on the Forest is usually late September to early October,” said Scott Jacobson, Public Affairs Officer, Black Hills National Forest.
You can visit the Black Hills National Forest Fall Foliage Webpage for recommended fall color viewing areas across the Forest.
A Few Suggested Routes:
1. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Waterfalls, hiking trails, and limestone cliffs with jagged peaks line this 20-mile route on U.S. Highway 14A.
2. Vanocker Canyon
Birch and aspen provide a glowing backdrop on this 17-mile drive on Forest Service Road 26.
3. Boulder Canyon
Take U.S. Highway 14A for a short, 12-mile drive on a high-walled, valley road that is filled with colors of autumn.
4. Belle Fourche to Devils Tower
This 52-mile route on Highway 34 offers rolling landscapes with abundant fall beauty.
5. Pine Ridge
This 218-mile trek is the hidden gem of fall in the Black Hills. Take Highway 79 to Highway 18, through Pine Ridge, and out on Highway 44 for a spectacular fall view.
6. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Named for South Dakota’s former governor and US Senator, the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway offers 70 miles of outstanding sights including Mount Rushmore, The Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road and Custer State Park in addition to the rich fall colors. Visitors may spot mountain goats, bison, deer, elk, bighorn sheep and turkey. The Norbeck overlook provides views of Harney Peak and many lakes are near the byway.
A Few Fall Driving Safety Tips:
Watch for wildlife. Wildlife can run along and across roadways without notice.
Make sure you observe the rules of the roads such as posted speed limits and no passing zones.
Park your vehicle in designated parking/rest areas.
When parking along roadways, make sure you are not impeding traffic or blocking gates.
We hope you can take the time to get out into the Black Hills National Forest and surrounding areas to enjoy this year’s fall color viewing.
