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A moderate hike along a ridgeline to Lover's Leap and back along a creek.


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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.9

KM

Point to Point

4,639' 1,414 m

High

4,229' 1,289 m

Low

418' 127 m

Up

362' 110 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Description

Hiking clockwise around the loop, the first segment is a moderate ascent to the ridgeline above the State Game Lodge. The trail follows the ridgeline through the trees to Lover's Leap, an overlook where two native lovers allegedly leaped to their deaths to be together for eternity. The overlook (climb the rocks to the right of the trail, above the sign with the inspiring message) gives outstanding views of the Needles, Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak), and other peaks of the central Black Hills.

Follow the trail along the ridge a bit further, and descend into the creek valley. Eventually you'll come to a gap in the trees that gives a good look at the overlook from below. Follow the trail along the through the Custer State Park seasonal housing and join the Creekside Trail where you can turn right and continue back to the State Game Lodge Schoolhouse parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris McCloud

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 17 votes

#530

Overall
  4.4 from 17 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#10

in South Dakota

#530

Overall
13 Views Last Month
5,521 Since Aug 15, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
6%
83%
6%
6%
0%

Photos

View from top of Lovers Leap trail. Custer State Park
Jan 1, 2020 near Custer, SD
View down the west descent on the Cairn Trail in Custer SP, looking across the valley of Grace Coolidge Creek.
Sep 23, 2016 near Custer, SD
Burnt trees and distant views from the Lover's Leap Trail
Dec 26, 2018 near Custer, SD

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