Dog-Friendly Activities in Rochford, SD

Cathedral Spires Hiking Trail is a pet-friendly hike in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This moderate to strenuous hike is just over 1.5 miles in length out-and-back and takes visitors along an enchanting trail with unusual rocky outcrops along the way. This hike is a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you're driving along Needles Highway. Dogs must remain on a leash as the area is frequented by a variety of animals, including mountain goats.

Leashed dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly Black Hills National Forest in Custer, SD. The forest is made up of rugged rock formations, canyons, gulches, open grassland parks, streams and lakes. Fido is welcome to hike on any of the dog-friendly trails, however, dog owners should be aware that some trails are bike and horse friendly, too. Pups are not allowed in every campground, so guests should check the website for restrictions before planning their stay. The National Forest is open to the public free of charge. Some activities, campgrounds and parking areas do charge fees.

Take a drive to the pet-friendly Needles Highway in Custer, SD. This spectacular trip through ponderosa pine and Black Hills spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen and rugged granite mountains can't be missed if you're visiting South Dakota. The name comes from the needle-like granite formations that sprout out of the ground.

Visit Spearfish Canyon and take a dunk with your dog in the Devil’s Bathtub in Lead, SD. This dog-friendly, moderate trail is just over 1.5 miles out-and-back and has a natural rock slide into a pool. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners to discover this hidden gem in the Black Hills region.

The pet-friendly Sunday Gulch Trail is a popular hike in Custer State Park, located in Custer, SD. At nearly four miles in length, this trail is considered quite difficult as a bit of scrambling is required. The trail will take you near Sylvan Lake. In the beginning, you’ll traverse over large boulders down a valley to some great views of big granite spires and the northern Black Hills all around you. There are handrails to aid you in your journey along the pathway. You'll be pleased they're there on the way back down. Leashed pups are allowed to join, but make sure to clean up after them.

Furry friends of Lead, SD are invited to join their owners at Dakota Shivers Brewing. This pet-friendly bar offers seating both inside and outside where visitors can unwind together. The menu offers a range of locally crafted beers from 5280 Pale Ale and Bar Matter RyePA to Whistle Blowin' Stout and Bison Breath Brown.

Mr. Wu’s Casino is a pet-friendly casino and lounge located on historic Main Street in Deadwood, SD. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside while their owners enjoy slot machines, affordable drinks and a relaxed bar atmosphere with sports playing on multiple TVs.

Explore the backcountry of South Dakota with your furry co-pilot! Pet-friendly Mystic Hills Hideaway in Deadwood, SD, welcomes dogs in their entire fleet of ATV rentals. Two, three, four and five seaters are available.

Roughlock Falls Trail is pet-friendly. One of the most visited areas in South Dakota, this trail is located near Spearfish Canyon Lodge and is around 2 miles in length. The payoffs include the beautiful waterfalls, views across the Black Hills and the chance to spot the rare American dipper in its natural habitat. This trail is rated easy, which means most pups can handle it. Roughlock Falls Trail is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Fish N Fry Trout Pond is a pet-friendly fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout for all travelers in Deadwood, SD! They provide all of the bait and equipment, and clean the fish too! You just pay for the fish by the size that you catch, and then they will either pack them to go or cook them into a meal for you. Dogs are welcome on the fishing dock and in the covered pavilion picnic area. Open from mid-May to mid-September.

The Sylvan Lake Shore Trailhead is the starting point for a pet-friendly hike around Sylvan Lake in Custer, SD. It's a 1.1-mile easy loop trail that'll take under 30 minutes to complete with Fido. The area offers opportunities for hiking, camping, swimming and fishing.

Make a stop in Hill City, SD to see the World's Largest Smokey Bear. This dog-friendly roadside attraction stands 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and was created by chainsaw artists in just 10 days. The attraction is open to visitors year-round.

Fido can play off-leash at the Wareing Sturgis Ford Dog Park, located just off of I-90 in Sturgis, SD. This spacious, fenced dog park offers seating and water from a hose during warm weather. It can be found on the south-side of the car dealership's parking area.

Hill City Harley-Davidson is a dog-friendly clothing store and official dealer located in the heart of the Southern Hills in Hill City, SD. They offer a wide selection of Harley-Davidson merchandise for men and women, as well as gifts and collectibles. Fido is welcome to join you inside and will be lavished with attention from the friendly staff.

Leashed pets are allowed to share the Crazy Horse Memorial experience with their human companions, which is located in Crazy Horse, SD. Pets are welcome at the dog-friendly outdoor viewing veranda and outdoor exhibits. Pups small enough to be comfortably carried or contained are allowed in any of the buildings except for the restaurant or the snack bar. Pets are not permitted on the bus rides to the bottom of the mountain.

Little Devil's Tower Trailhead is a pet-friendly hike to take on with your pooch in Custer, SD. The trail is 3.6 miles in length and is best used between April to October, ending up at a rocky outcrop. Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as all mess is cleaned up after them.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, SD is pet friendly in certain areas. Pups aren't permitted beyond the columns at the entrance to the memorial, but you can still see the sculpture from the entrance. Elsewhere at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on Blackberry Trail, a designated National Recreational Trail with a moderate rating. Or, follow the yellow paw prints from the parking lot to the pet exercise area that will take you and your pooch on a shady walk under the pines to a lovely view of Mount Rushmore.

Black Elk Peak is a pet-friendly trail in Keystone. If you're visiting nearby attraction the Crazy Horse Memorial, spend an afternoon hiking up one of the greatest lookouts in the state. At just over six miles, the trail is no walk in the park, but the stone fire tower that blends into the rock provides unbelievable views from the top and makes the journey worthwhile. The trail is rated as moderate and can be completed in a few hours.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Deadwood! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the George S. Mickelson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Lost Cabin Beer Co. is a dog-friendly taproom located in the heart of Hill City, SD. You can bring your leashed pup with you while enjoying a rotating selection of craft beverages. This brewery is conveniently situated next to the historic 1880 Train and the scenic Mickelson Trail. Food trucks are available on select days.