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Sylvan Lake

Lakes

Sylvan Lake

Highlight • Lake

Sylvan Lake

Name: Sylvan Lake
Rating: 2

Recommended by 20 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Custer State Park

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Location: Custer County, South Dakota, United States

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Best Hikes to Sylvan Lake

4.8

(37)

311

hikers

1. Black Elk Peak loop — Custer State Park

11.7km

03:31

390m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.8

(13)

139

hikers

2. Sylvan Lake & Sunday Gulch Trails loop — Custer State Park

6.72km

02:00

210m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(5)

hikers

3. Sylvan Lake Dam – Sylvan Lake loop from Custer

2.06km

00:32

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Caro "Bandit"

December 23, 2022

Sylvan Lake is a popular destination to enjoy the wilderness. You can take a hike around the picturesque lake with unique smoothly shaped rock formations or climb up to Black Elk Peak – South Dakota's highest point.

Beyond the Horizon

February 6, 2023

Set amidst a picturesque setting of forests and mountains, the lake offers numerous opportunities to discover and explore.

There are numerous hiking trails that circle the lake and take you through the stunning scenery. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest and take a deep breath of fresh air.

A distinctive feature of Sylvan Lake is its pristine beauty. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and framed by mountains that offer impressive views. Here you can relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and concentrate on nature.

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Lauren & Bailey 🐕🐾

July 24, 2025

A truly beautiful lake to walk around. The trail is easy, though there's a bit of a climb and a narrow cliff.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 1,880 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 21 December

8°C

-8°C

27 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

Most visited during

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See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Custer County, South Dakota, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Little Devil's Tower

Mount Rushmore

Sunday Gulch Trail

Custer

Black Elk Peak

Harney Peak Lookout Tower (Black Elk Wilderness)

Big Pine Trailhead

Stockade Lake

Cathedral Spires

Sylvan Lake Dam

Narrow Passage Between Cliffs

Iron Mountain

Sylvan Lake

1. Black Elk Peak loop — Custer State Park

2. Sylvan Lake & Sunday Gulch Trails loop — Custer State Park

3. Sylvan Lake Dam – Sylvan Lake loop from Custer

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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