hiking ????

Hello......going to spend 4 days in the Black Hills in a week. Staying at Deadwood and plan to have daytrips to all the major attractions. My question is...I have read posts telling about all the great hiking. I am not an avid hiker...just like to walk for exercise and such...are these trails that you speak of worthy of me?? I dont have any hiking equipment as such, but would like to spend a few hours out in nature. What do I need? And are walking shoes ok? or do I need boots. Advice please!

Thank you!!

hiking ????

I%26#39;ll be hiking too in the area. I%26#39;m no avid hiker either, but I plan to have hiking boots - less chance of getting a sprained ankle - a small backpack for my camera gear, water, snacks and maybe wet weather clothes. Hope that helps you out.

hiking ????

Hi kschick:

There are plenty of trails that you can hike on in the Black Hills. My family and I (2 adults, and middle-school aged kids) did plenty of hiking and we just wore our regular gym shoes. Most of the brochures for the areas will describe the trails for you (ie, whether there are steep inclines, paved paths, etc) ...as I recall we did moderate to easy hikes and never needed hiking boots. That said, hiking boots, I am sure, would be great to have...but if you don%26#39;t already have them, I think you will be fine as long as you have sturdy walking shoes (with closed toes).

I do want to echo something that the above posted stated...definately bring plenty of water and a snack with you.

I also would advise that if you plan on doing any significant hikes to get started early in the morning. We were in the Blackhills in July last year, and the afternoon temps easily got into the 90s. Also, remember that a walk up/down hill will take longer than a regular walk (ie, I could probably walk a mile on flatland in 10 to 15 minutes...not so with hiking) so plan on a longer period of time if you are doing a hike of a few miles. We did a hiki up Harney Peak with the family, I think it took us 4 hours round trip (including relaxing time at the top of the peak). We started at 7am and finished around 11. On our way back we passed lots of people thinking they were going to hike up to the peak and they each only had 1 water bottle (small one, like you get at the store) with them. I have no idea if they made it, but I can tell you in that heat, and with that little water it would not be enjoyable for me!

Have fun. There are many easy to moderate trails that you can do in walking shoes.

Kelly

Walking shoes will be fine for many trails. As far as equipment, really all you need is decent shoes and a water bottle.

One of the easiest trails to walk in the Deadwood area is the Mickelson Trail. It%26#39;s an old railroad that is now a gravel bike/hike/horse trail. It starts in Deadwood but for more nature-type hiking I%26#39;d recommend driving up to one of the other trailheads such as the Englewood Trailhead. The first few miles of the trail out of Deadwood weave in and out of houses, roads, etc. Information: sdgfp.info/parks/…index.htm

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I have printed out info for the trails in Custer and other ones which rate the trail. My b-friend and I are soooo looking forward to this. Even tho I am from SD, I live in KS now and havent made it back to the Hills in over 25 years, so things will be a lot different!!! Any other suggestions anyone has about things we need to do would be greatly appreciated!!