South Dakota usually sees peak fall foliage in the middle of October, so why not go out and take full advantage of it? Take a beautiful drive through the best fall foliage in South Dakota on this scenic route! We have created the ultimate colorful autumn road trip that includes the best drives for the season as named by the Travel Channel, South Dakota Magazine, and other publications. So buckle up and get ready, because you’re in for one heck of a journey!
The Route
Google Maps Fall colors in South Dakota are positively breathtaking, and this route shows you the best parts. This drive is about four and a half hours long round-trip, starting and ending in Rapid City. You can go either direction, but for this explanation we are going to go clockwise, beginning by heading south on SD-79 from Rapid City to Hermosa. For full driving directions, click here.
After reaching Hermosa, head west towards Custer - this will bring you through Custer State Park.
rusticpress/Tripadvisor This is where the magic begins. The route will take you on 16A through the park, a beautiful drive that has gorgeous views. Custer is just outside of the park once you make it through, and from here you will head north on 385 for the next part of the journey. Click here for more about Custer State Park. 13400 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730, USA
Black Hills Parkway
Barry B/Tripadvisor 385 is one of the longest drives through the forests of the Black Hills, at roughly 59 miles long. The views are absolutely breathtaking and the colorful fall leaves create splashes of color among the darker pine trees. It will take you past places like the Pactola Lake and makes for a perfect drive to appreciate the changes of the season. At the end of 385 you will head west on 85 to Lead, then onto 14A from there towards Cheyenne Crossing, which is a great place to grab a bite to eat before you continue onward.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Webberae/Tripadvisor After going through Cheyenne Crossing, you will head north on 14A to one of the most memorable and arguably the most beautiful section of this drive - the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. It’s only 22 miles long, but the speed limit is 35 mph, so you will be able to take your time and really soak up the sights. The winding rows will bring you through absolutely stunning forests and by waterfalls, lakes, and through towering hills. I suggest a stop or two at some of their most famous waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil falls, which is right next to the road. At the end of this section, you will reach the town of Spearfish. From here you can head east on I-29 towards Sturgis for a quick drive to the next gorgeous byway.
Vanocker Canyon
Keri Kelting/Tripadvisor From Sturgis to the tiny town of Nemo is an amazing route that will take you through a beautiful landscape full of all the fall colors in South Dakota. This part of the drive is less busy than places like the Black Hills Parkway and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, so you can enjoy it to its full potential with less crowds. This beats taking I-90 all the way to Rapid City! It takes a little longer, but the views are totally worth it. You can go all the way through Nemo and back to Rapid City this way, through the more gently rolling hills.
Looking for more things to do in the fall in South Dakota? Why not take a more spooky approach as summer changes to winter and try our Haunted South Dakota Road Trip… if you’re brave enough, that is!
Google Maps
Fall colors in South Dakota are positively breathtaking, and this route shows you the best parts. This drive is about four and a half hours long round-trip, starting and ending in Rapid City. You can go either direction, but for this explanation we are going to go clockwise, beginning by heading south on SD-79 from Rapid City to Hermosa. For full driving directions, click here.
rusticpress/Tripadvisor
This is where the magic begins. The route will take you on 16A through the park, a beautiful drive that has gorgeous views. Custer is just outside of the park once you make it through, and from here you will head north on 385 for the next part of the journey. Click here for more about Custer State Park.
13400 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730, USA
Barry B/Tripadvisor
385 is one of the longest drives through the forests of the Black Hills, at roughly 59 miles long. The views are absolutely breathtaking and the colorful fall leaves create splashes of color among the darker pine trees. It will take you past places like the Pactola Lake and makes for a perfect drive to appreciate the changes of the season. At the end of 385 you will head west on 85 to Lead, then onto 14A from there towards Cheyenne Crossing, which is a great place to grab a bite to eat before you continue onward.
Webberae/Tripadvisor
After going through Cheyenne Crossing, you will head north on 14A to one of the most memorable and arguably the most beautiful section of this drive - the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. It’s only 22 miles long, but the speed limit is 35 mph, so you will be able to take your time and really soak up the sights. The winding rows will bring you through absolutely stunning forests and by waterfalls, lakes, and through towering hills. I suggest a stop or two at some of their most famous waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil falls, which is right next to the road. At the end of this section, you will reach the town of Spearfish. From here you can head east on I-29 towards Sturgis for a quick drive to the next gorgeous byway.
Keri Kelting/Tripadvisor
From Sturgis to the tiny town of Nemo is an amazing route that will take you through a beautiful landscape full of all the fall colors in South Dakota. This part of the drive is less busy than places like the Black Hills Parkway and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, so you can enjoy it to its full potential with less crowds. This beats taking I-90 all the way to Rapid City! It takes a little longer, but the views are totally worth it. You can go all the way through Nemo and back to Rapid City this way, through the more gently rolling hills.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In South Dakota August 13, 2019 Elisa Regulski What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in South Dakota? Most of South Dakota reaches peak fall foliage during the first week of October. Of course, the specifics can vary by year and location. However, you can always bet on seeing the stunning crimson colors right before Halloween. Plan your autumn adventures accordingly! You will want to see all the sights South Dakota has to offer. Where are the best places in South Dakota to see fall foliage? Sica Hollow State Park, located in Sisseton, is a wonderful place to experience South Dakota’s stunning autumn colors. There are a multitude of trees in this natural wonderland including maples, linden, ash, and elm. Each tree produces a different color, and the end result is absolutely dazzling. Another popular South Dakota destination is Custer State Park. This area is home to a trail called wildlife loop road. Here, you’ll come across magnificent animals like buffalo, antelope, and deer. This, paired with the colorful fall scenery, makes for a gorgeous outing. Bring the whole family along and make this your annual autumn tradition. What are the best South Dakota hikes to take in the fall? People flock to Black Hills National Forest during the fall. This area is home to some blissful hiking trails that range in difficulty. No matter what your skill level is, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible sights and crisp autumn air. Mount Roosevelt, located in the Deadwood area, is a splendid hiking option for families. The easy loop leads to a stunning vista. On clear days, you can see for miles and miles.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In South Dakota
August 13, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in South Dakota? Most of South Dakota reaches peak fall foliage during the first week of October. Of course, the specifics can vary by year and location. However, you can always bet on seeing the stunning crimson colors right before Halloween. Plan your autumn adventures accordingly! You will want to see all the sights South Dakota has to offer. Where are the best places in South Dakota to see fall foliage? Sica Hollow State Park, located in Sisseton, is a wonderful place to experience South Dakota’s stunning autumn colors. There are a multitude of trees in this natural wonderland including maples, linden, ash, and elm. Each tree produces a different color, and the end result is absolutely dazzling. Another popular South Dakota destination is Custer State Park. This area is home to a trail called wildlife loop road. Here, you’ll come across magnificent animals like buffalo, antelope, and deer. This, paired with the colorful fall scenery, makes for a gorgeous outing. Bring the whole family along and make this your annual autumn tradition. What are the best South Dakota hikes to take in the fall? People flock to Black Hills National Forest during the fall. This area is home to some blissful hiking trails that range in difficulty. No matter what your skill level is, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible sights and crisp autumn air. Mount Roosevelt, located in the Deadwood area, is a splendid hiking option for families. The easy loop leads to a stunning vista. On clear days, you can see for miles and miles.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most of South Dakota reaches peak fall foliage during the first week of October. Of course, the specifics can vary by year and location. However, you can always bet on seeing the stunning crimson colors right before Halloween. Plan your autumn adventures accordingly! You will want to see all the sights South Dakota has to offer.
Where are the best places in South Dakota to see fall foliage?
Sica Hollow State Park, located in Sisseton, is a wonderful place to experience South Dakota’s stunning autumn colors. There are a multitude of trees in this natural wonderland including maples, linden, ash, and elm. Each tree produces a different color, and the end result is absolutely dazzling. Another popular South Dakota destination is Custer State Park. This area is home to a trail called wildlife loop road. Here, you’ll come across magnificent animals like buffalo, antelope, and deer. This, paired with the colorful fall scenery, makes for a gorgeous outing. Bring the whole family along and make this your annual autumn tradition.
What are the best South Dakota hikes to take in the fall?
People flock to Black Hills National Forest during the fall. This area is home to some blissful hiking trails that range in difficulty. No matter what your skill level is, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible sights and crisp autumn air. Mount Roosevelt, located in the Deadwood area, is a splendid hiking option for families. The easy loop leads to a stunning vista. On clear days, you can see for miles and miles.
