Pros & cons
PROS
- Optional overlook loop adds views without much extra mileage
- Generally quieter than the park’s marquee trails
CONS
- Route-finding can be confusing near the campground
- Starts on a short gravel road segment that’s less scenic
Park at the Center Lake parking lot by the swimming area; the trail begins on the south side of the lot.
Wayfinding can be unclear near the campground; watch signage. In spring, water below the spillway can make sections wet—water-resistant footwear helps.
This mellow loop circles Center Lake and stays close to the water almost the whole way. The main loop is about 2 miles total, with an optional short lookout loop that adds roughly another mile if you want a bit more climbing and a broader view of the lake. Expect easy-to-moderate walking with short ups and downs and steady lake views, plus shaded stretches through peaceful forest.
Why hike it
If you’re camping or hanging around the Center Lake beach, this is a simple, scenic walk that pairs nicely with a swim or picnic. It’s not the park’s most dramatic trail, but it is a relaxing way to stretch your legs away from the bigger crowds. The small waterfall below the spillway at the lake’s southeast end is a fun spring bonus when flows are up.
Route notes
Start at the Center Lake swimming area on the south side of the parking lot. The path initially follows a gravel road at the lot’s west end; many hikers simply hug the lakeshore and rejoin the main route near the spillway. Navigation can get a touch confusing as the loop skirts the campground and developed areas—watch for signs and stay attentive near junctions.
Scenery and feel
You’ll get constant water scenes, mixed forest shade, and a few granite-y Black Hills outcrops peeking in. The optional lookout loop climbs to a viewpoint above the lake if you want a little extra payoff without committing to a long day. Wildlife chatter is mostly birds; this corner of the park tends to be quieter than the headliners.
Best time to hike
Spring is prime if you want that spillway waterfall and cooler temps; expect possible wet feet where water crosses the path. Summer and early fall are lovely for evening or morning laps when light is soft and the lake is calm. If you’re chasing a bigger day, you can link nearby routes along Grace Coolidge Creek, but the core loop is quick and satisfying on its own.
Tips
- Wear water-resistant shoes in spring—short sections can be soggy below the spillway.
- Bring a simple map or pay extra attention around the campground; the route can briefly be unclear.
- Want more variety? Add the 1-mile overlook loop for better views without much extra effort.
Bottom line: a pleasant, easy-to-moderate lake loop—great if you’re already at Center Lake. If you’re hunting for the park’s biggest views and drama, there are more spectacular options elsewhere, but this one is wonderfully convenient and low-key.
Where it starts
43.8037, -103.4197Near Center Lake Loop Trail
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayCenter Lake Picnic AreaShaded lakeside picnic spot steps from a quiet swim beachParking · Restroom
0.2 mi awayCenter Lake CampgroundShaded, lakeside camping with beach, showers, and no-wake paddlingCampground · Restroom
0.3 mi awayCenter LakeQuiet no-wake lake with a sandy swim beach and easy loop trailTrailhead · Restroom
0.5 mi awayBlack Hills PlayhouseIntimate summer theater tucked in the pines with pro productionsParking · Food
1.7 mi awayBear Gulch TrailUnderrated gulch of granite, creeks, and solitudeEasy · 4 mi · 0 min
3.3 mi awayLovers Leap TrailGranite views, creek cool-down, and a legendary ridge overlookModerate · 4.1 mi · 2.3 hr
3.7 mi awayLegion Lake TrailGentle lakeside loop with lodge perks and reliable wildlife watchingEasy · 1 mi · 36 min
3.7 mi awayCentennial Trail #89 (Custer State Park section)Rolling Black Hills singletrack with wildlife and granite viewsModerate · 22 mi · 9 hr
