Pros & cons
PROS
- Diverse loop: airy ridge views paired with a cool, shady creek section
- Typically less crowded than the park’s headline hikes
CONS
- Poison ivy pockets along the creek can be hard to avoid in summer
Park near the State Game Lodge off US 16A; the trailhead is behind the old schoolhouse by the lodge/Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center.
Steep initial climb, exposed cliff edges at the overlook, poison ivy along the creek, and snakes (including pit vipers). Bison are present in the area—give them distance.
This 4.1-mile loop packs a lot into a moderate half-day: granite outcrops, a cliff-edge overlook with sweeping Black Hills views, and a shady creek walk to finish. The trail starts near the State Game Lodge off US 16A and climbs quickly to a ridgeline before rolling along to the Lovers Leap overlook, where local legend says two lovers jumped. From up top you can spot Harney Peak, Cathedral Spires, and Mount Coolidge.
Route-wise: from the trailhead behind the old schoolhouse by the lodge, you’ll hit a loop junction. Many hikers go counterclockwise (left) to front-load the steepest climbing; others prefer clockwise to similar effect—either way, expect a short, stout ascent to start. The overlook sits about 500 feet above the canyon floor and makes a prime picnic stop. The back half descends into a cool, forested creek corridor with several bridge crossings, then gently climbs back to close the loop.
Scenery stays varied the whole way. You’ll circle Galena Creek Canyon through aspen and ponderosa pine, with summer wildflowers like yarrow, bellflower, wood lily, and cinquefoil. Wildlife is part of the deal here—bison roam the park, and hikers occasionally see snakes (including pit vipers), especially where poison ivy grows near the creek.
Best time to hike: spring through early fall, with wildflowers peaking in summer. Aim for morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and softer light on the granite. After rains, the creek crossings feel lively; in dry spells, you may find low or no flow. This loop is popular but not mobbed, making it a nice alternative when the park’s headline trails feel crowded.
Practical notes: bring plenty of water and consider packing lunch for the overlook. Footing is mostly dirt and rock with some uneven, narrow sections—this isn’t ADA-friendly. A Custer State Park entrance pass is required for access.
Where it starts
43.7641, -103.3831Wildlife on this trail
Near Lovers Leap Trail
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayState Game LodgeHistoric 1920 lodge and wildlife-tour hub beside Grace Coolidge CreekRestroom · Parking
0.1 mi awayState Game Lodge RestaurantHistoric lodge dining with bison, cocktails, and park viewsFood · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayPeter Norbeck Outdoor Education CenterKid-forward hub for hands-on nature learning and ranger programsExhibit · Restroom
0.2 mi awayCreekside LodgeModern suites by the creek, steps from wildlife tours and diningLodging · Parking
0.8 mi awayCreekside TrailShady, mostly paved stroll along Grace Coolidge Creek and the Game LodgeEasy · 3.9 mi · 1.3 hr
3.3 mi awayCenter Lake Loop TrailQuiet lake loop with an optional overlook and a springtime waterfallModerate · 2 mi · 1 hr
3.8 mi awayCentennial Trail (Custer State Park segment)Black Hills sampler with bison, creeks, and quiet piney miles.Moderate · 22 mi · 8 hr
3.8 mi awayCentennial Trail #89 (Custer State Park section)Rolling Black Hills singletrack with wildlife and granite viewsModerate · 22 mi · 9 hr
