Looking to lace up your boots and trade the city noise for birdsong and wide open skies? Sioux Falls and the nearby countryside are packed with scenic trails where you can stroll by riverbanks, wind through prairie grasses, or find a bit of adventure without venturing far from home.
Let’s get to it.
Fawick Park Greenway Trail Map
This trail offers an easy, paved path along the Big Sioux River between Falls Park and East 11th Street. At under a mile one way, it follows a flat floodplain so you can relax without steep climbs or rough terrain. Along the way, a giant sundial, vibrant sculptures and the Arc of Dreams provide visual interest that competes with the river view.
Accessibility is a highlight. The path is smooth enough for wheelchairs and strollers, and there’s a designated accessible entrance at Fawick Park. Benches appear at regular intervals for rest or people watching. Restrooms are located near Falls Park and at East 11th Street in case you need a stop. An interactive trail map notes bike repair stations, current detours and resurfacing projects so you know what to expect. Maintenance is frequent and keeps the asphalt in good condition.
Traffic remains moderate year round, with locals jogging, walking dogs or taking in the changing seasons. It isn’t a rugged hiking challenge, but it packs urban art, river scenery and smooth pavement into a compact route that suits almost any outdoor plan.
Good Earth State Park
This park balances maintained trails with natural scenery. Path options range from short spur loops to the full 3.3-mile Bur Oak-Riparian-Grand Ravine-River Lookout circuit. Elevations are modest—most gains under 100 feet—with a single 354-foot climb on the River Trail to Prairie View.
Oak woodland, prairie grassland and river overlooks define the landscape. Benches appear at vantage points overlooking the Big Sioux River or wildflower fields. All parking areas include paved stalls, and the visitor center provides accessible restrooms. A dedicated ADA loop offers a smooth surface for wheelchairs and strollers, complete with clear maps and signage.
Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails. Weekends tend to be busiest on the River Lookout Loop, but weekday mornings deliver relative solitude. Trails can become muddy after rain, so expect occasional soft ground and bring insect repellent for summer mosquitoes. Regular park staff inspections and trail repairs keep routes in good condition, making this park ideal for casual hikes and nature observation.
Good Earth State Park Visitor Center
Steeped in natural and cultural history, this visitor center anchors Good Earth State Park with interactive displays on Oneota heritage. Exhibits include trail maps, interpretive panels and binoculars or hammocks available for checkout. Vault toilets inside the building are accessible via paved ramps, and stroller-friendly parking sits close to the entrance.
Beyond the center, the River Lookout Loop offers a gentle, stroller-safe tour of prairie and river views. Longer hikes snake through oak forests, floodplain backwaters and wildflower meadows along the Big Sioux River. Trails are well marked, with signs indicating distances and habitat features. Leashed dogs are welcome on most routes, and off-leash areas appear in designated sections. Maintenance crews keep paths clear of fallen branches, though heavy rains can leave sections muddy.
The center itself remains a breezy gathering spot. Staffers provide trip suggestions, trail conditions and cultural insights. Visitor materials stay stocked, and maps note accessible viewpoints or benches for rest. Weekdays bring quieter conditions, while weekends see steady traffic, especially when birdwatchers arrive to scope herons and waterfowl.
Falls Park
Found near downtown Sioux Falls, this park features 1.2 miles of paved loops and boardwalks winding around a limestone gorge. Water cascades down multi-tiered falls, creating a scenic river corridor framed by wildflowers in spring and grasses in summer. Elevation gain is minimal, under 100 feet overall, though a short climb leads to a popular overlook offering panoramic views of the waterfalls.
Amenities are plentiful. ADA-compliant boardwalks, curb cuts and handrails ensure wheelchair access throughout most paths. Benches and water fountains are spaced along the route, while a visitor center houses a café, gift shop and restrooms. Picnic tables and grassy areas let you spread out a blanket, and leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
On busy weekends the park draws a steady stream of families and photographers, but the network of spurs helps distribute foot traffic. Regular maintenance keeps paths clear of debris and patched after winter frost. In colder months, some sections may become icy. Overall it delivers reliable river scenery, convenient facilities and smooth walking surfaces in a compact urban setting.
Perry Nature Reserve
On 23 acres just outside the city, Perry Nature Reserve serves up a sampler of South Dakota habitats. A single gravel loop winds through woodlands, prairie grasses, rock outcrops, and a narrow creek corridor. Big Sioux River views punctuate the route.
Trails are mostly flat with only gentle rises and descents. Surfaces include dirt, gravel, sections of old railbed, and grassy boardwalks along the creek. A full circuit takes under an hour for most walkers, though birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts often pause to explore.
Parking is available at the Jasper Education Center, which sits next to shaded picnic shelters. Reports indicate trails remain well groomed year-round. In winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers forge their own paths through fresh snow. Despite its compact size, the reserve rarely feels crowded. Instead, hikers encounter songbirds, occasional deer tracks, and enough scenery to make every visit feel a little different.
The Outdoor Campus
Hidden within Sioux Falls, The Outdoor Campus covers a full hundred acres of city nature. Visitors can choose from more than two miles of mostly gentle trails. The main West Loop runs just over a mile, and the Prairie Loop adds variety for those seeking a longer stroll. Paths alternate between paved surfaces, well-packed gravel, woodsy boardwalks, and occasional stretches of crushed rock and dirt, keeping stroller-pushing parents on alert after rain.
Elevation changes are minimal—the largest rise tops out around forty feet. Leashed dogs, families, and solo walkers share the routes without ever feeling crowded. Indoors, the center hosts interactive exhibits and a small aquarium. Outdoor benches, bird feeders, and interpretive signs line the trails so guests can learn as they go.
Spring brings wildflowers, songbirds, and even turtles along the prairie and woodland loops. Accessible parking and paved paths are available near the main entrance. A short gravel section near the boardwalk may offer extra resistance for wheelchairs, but most routes remain user-friendly. All told, The Outdoor Campus delivers a quick, accessible dose of nature right in town.
Sertoma Park
Dirt and gravel trails wind around several ponds for an easygoing outdoor experience. The 2.2-mile Sertoma Park Loop delivers gentle elevation and woodland scenery while the wider Outdoor Campus Trails provide flat gravel surfaces ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. These connecting routes tie into the Sioux Falls Recreation Trail for longer excursions.
Pond-side benches and observation points appear along the route, and educational signs on the TRACK Trail explain features of oxbow lakes. A large accessible playground and restrooms stand near the main parking area, which offers ample free spaces. Leashed dogs are welcome, and winter grooming transforms the loop into a Nordic ski track.
Trail maintenance is consistent, though occasional construction detours may pop up near trailheads. The park strikes a balance between natural surroundings and practical amenities with picnic tables, clear wayfinding signs and regular clearing of fallen branches. Overall it presents an inclusive setting where families, joggers and nature walkers can enjoy a low-key outdoor escape.
Arrowhead Park
Perched on the city’s edge, Arrowhead Park combines history and recreation in a 1.5-mile paved loop. Hikers pass restored quarry ponds and a red barn built in 1888, then climb a gentle rise for views of the Sioux River valley. Thanks to a 2024 concrete upgrade, the main trail is remarkably smooth.
Several short spurs branch off, offering mild ups and downs for those who want to explore beyond the paved circuit. Wildflowers bloom in spring and early summer, and pondside benches invite visitors to pause and watch ducks paddle by.
Dogs are not permitted, preserving the park’s tranquil atmosphere. Seasonal restrooms open during warmer months. Peak attendance stays moderate, even on fair weekends, so guests rarely jostle for space. Arrowhead Park stands out for its blend of local history, easy terrain, and scenic overlooks in one tidy package.
Yankton Trail Park
At Yankton Trail Park, laid-back recreation meets river views without steep climbs. A one-mile singletrack loop follows the Big Sioux River shoreline, winding over mostly dirt trail with a few wooden features. A skinny log, a log bridge, and a ladder bridge add just enough challenge to keep things interesting.
Elevation gains max out at two feet, making the loop suitable for walkers, joggers, and beginner riders. River overlooks appear often, and deer sightings are common in early morning or late afternoon. Parking sits on South Minnesota Avenue in a paved lot.
Amenities include restrooms, water fountains, benches, and clear signage that prevents accidental visits to nearby soccer fields. Leashed dogs are welcome. The park opens at dawn and closes at 10 p.m., though heavy rain may prompt temporary closures to protect the trail surface. Yankton Trail Park doesn’t hide its simplicity. Instead, it delivers a reliable, low-key outdoor experience every day of the week.
Legacy Park
In northwest Sioux Falls, Legacy Park offers three miles of beginner-friendly singletrack weaving through prairie buffers, shaded woodlands, and a shallow creek bottom. Trails average 24 to 36 inches wide, with under 20 feet of elevation change—perfect for hikers and first-time mountain bikers.
The singletrack connects directly to the paved Sioux Falls bike path, creating a smooth transition between off-road loops and city routes. Visitors spot songbirds amidst tall grasses, while occasional fishing access and a small boat launch appear near the creek.
Amenities include a spacious parking area, restrooms, and water fountains. Usage stays light even on weekends, so families, joggers, and cyclists enjoy plenty of open space. Trails drain well, though they may close briefly after heavy rain to preserve surface quality. Plans are in place to expand the network to more than five miles. Legacy Park excels at offering straightforward, well-maintained trails without the crowds or steep climbs found elsewhere.
Leaders Park
Nestled on the northeast side of Sioux Falls, Leaders Park may be compact but offers a surprisingly wild ride. Its four miles of singletrack wind through dense woods on narrow dirt trails lined with rock gardens and log rollovers. You’ll also find several wooden jumps and small drop sections. Enthusiasts have clearly shaped the layout to satisfy mountain biking fans.
Trail signage divides the network into three loops. You can choose an easy route that focuses on scenery and a leisurely pace, or a technical circuit likely to leave you with a story about scraped knees. Hikers and runners share these trails, though crowds only appear on sunny weekend afternoons. Parking is available at 6th and Leadale, next to a community garden. There are no restrooms or water stations, so bring your own supplies. Local volunteers handle maintenance. After rain, the park may close certain trails to keep the mud from becoming too challenging.
