The Needles Highway
14 Miles in Length
Custer State Park
This drive features spectacular Black Hills scenery including; granite spires, the Needles Eye which has a three foot opening near the top. You’ll pass through narrow tunnels and hairpin curves. While on your drive take time to stop at Sylvan Lake. During the winter the road is closed to traffic and a 14-mile section of the Needles Highway beginning at Sylvan Lake is available to tour on cross-country skis.
Iron Mountain Road
17 Miles in Length
This winding road extends between Mount Rushmore and the junctions of Highway 16A and SD 36. Along the highway are pigtail bridges and three tunnels which frame Mt. Rushmore in the distance.
For a National Forest Service brochure on the Iron Mountain Highway please click on the link below:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_012445.pdf
Wildlife Loop Road
Located in Custer State Park
18 Mile Loop
This Wildlife Loop goes from pine forests to prairie grasslands. Along the way you’ll probably pass a herd of hungry burros so be sure to have some snacks to feed them. You’ll find they are not shy.
This is also an excellent area to see herds of buffalo. From the middle of July through late August is the best time of year to watch them because its mating season, and the males have to prove the other males that they are the leader of the herd. You'll often see two males pawing the ground, snorting, and even sparring with each other. Please be careful and stay in your car. Buffalo are dangerous.
Other animals often seen along the loop are pronghorn, deer, elk, and prairie dogs.
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
70 Mile Loop
The route follows US 16A, SD 244, SD 87 and SD 89. This drive includes all or portions of the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Visitors will see granite spires, Mt. Rushmore, tunnels, bridges and lakes.
For a National Forest Service brochure on the Needles Highway , Iron Mountain Highway and the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byways please click on the link below:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_012445.pdf
Spearfish Canyon
National Scenic Byway
20 Miles in Length on US 14A
This 20 mile drive winds through a steep, narrow canyon with walls that reach nearly one thousand feet in some spots. About seven miles into the canyon, pull over to see Spearfish Creek cascade 40 feet at Bridal Veil Falls. In the summer this is a popular hiking and fishing area.
There are two picinic areas with tables and restrooms along Highway 14A. There are also many pull-outs to stop and take pictures, have a snack, or stretch your legs. For hiking trails in the canyon please go to the TRAILS page.
Highway 385
From the Northern Black Hills to the Southern Black Hills
This is the longest road in the Black Hills, winding through pine and aspen forests, past mountain meadows, streams and lakes. Towns along the route are: Hill City, Custer, Deadwood and Lead.
Badlands Loop Road (Hwy. 240)
35 miles
State Scenic Byway
Although not actually in the Black Hills it’s nearby and well worth your time. Take Exit 110 or 131 off of I-90. This 35-mile drive will take you through the National Park’s most dramatic formations. For the best views try one of the short walks. Nearly 30 scenic overlooks offer great photo opportunities, and a hike along one of the many trails will give you breathtaking views of the Badlands.
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