Custer is a region in the Black Hills of South Dakota, known for its diverse landscapes that provide a setting for outdoor activities. The area features granite formations, expansive plains, and pine forests, with notable natural features like the Needles and Black Elk Peak. These varied environments support several sports like touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The region's geography offers a range of routes suitable for different skill levels.
The Custer region offers numerous…
14
Routes
4.7
(3)
Average rating
99
People visited

1
riders
40.0km
02:08
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
13
riders
59.7km
02:34
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5
riders
50.2km
02:00
220m
220m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
54.1km
02:23
270m
270m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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15
runners
8.23km
00:51
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
runners
7.46km
00:46
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
7.02km
00:44
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
10.9km
01:08
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
10
riders
17.9km
01:04
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
15.4km
00:58
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
riders
54.2km
03:06
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Custer offers diverse outdoor activities including touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The region features varied terrain from granite peaks to plains, providing routes for different skill levels. More than 100 visitors have explored routes in Custer, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Yes, Custer provides a mix of paved roads and backcountry routes suitable for touring cycling. The George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile (175 km) rail-trail, offers scenic touring opportunities. For more details, consult the Cycling around Custer guide.
Custer features challenging paved roads like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road for road cycling. These routes include elevation changes and winding paths with scenic vistas. The Road Cycling Routes around Custer guide provides further information.
Custer State Park offers more than a dozen trails and backcountry roads for jogging and hiking. Popular options include trails around Sylvan Lake and those leading to Black Elk Peak. The Running Trails around Custer guide details specific routes.
Custer State Park offers various activities suitable for families. The George S. Mickelson Trail is a rail-trail open for biking and walking, providing scenic views for all ages. Sylvan Lake is also a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Notable natural landmarks in Custer include The Needles, towering granite pinnacles around Sylvan Lake. Black Elk Peak, the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains, offers panoramic views. Sylvan Lake itself is a picturesque spot surrounded by these formations.
The Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway in Custer State Park provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. This includes nearly 1,300 bison, pronghorn antelope, elk, and bighorn sheep. The area is known for its abundant wildlife in natural habitats.
Komoot offers several guides for the Custer region. These include Cycling around Custer, Road Cycling Routes around Custer, and Running Trails around Custer. These guides provide detailed information for planning outdoor adventures.
The official website for the City of Custer is cityofcuster.com. For Custer State Park, information can be found through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.
For inquiries related to the City of Custer, the phone number is 605-673-4824. For Custer State Park, the primary contact number is 605-255-4515.
Yes, Custer offers challenging cycling routes, particularly on paved roads like Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. These routes feature significant elevation changes and winding paths. They provide visually rewarding experiences for experienced cyclists.
The George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile (175 km) long rail-trail located in the Custer area. It is open year-round for biking, walking, and horseback riding. The trail offers breathtaking scenery suitable for various outdoor activities.

