Address: 23034 Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
Garry Thompson
Words can not describe just how amazing the Needles Highway is. This thrilling road runs through Custer State Park, but the entry fee is worth every penny. I entered the Needles Highway off U. S. Highway 385 just a few miles from the Crazy Horse Memorial. Soon after entering the park the amazing views began. Do not do this drive unless you have plenty of time because you will be constantly stopping for photos and to take in the wonderful views. Sylvan Lake great but just a prelude to what is to come as you wind your way through the rocky landscape toward Cathedral Spires. Along the way you will move slowly through the Needles Eye Tunnel which is simple unbelievable. I traveled the Needles Highway all the way through from Highway 385 to U. S. Highway 16-A. Even Though it is only distance of about 20 or 25 miles the journey took me a little over two hours as I was treated to spectacular beauty at every turn and kept stopping for pictures. Along the way, I saw a variety of wildlife including deer, a bear and buffalo. This is one of the most amazing drives in the country and should be done when you have plenty of time.
Slowstart 89
Truly beautiful and well maintained area. You have to see it with your own eyes to fully grasp the serene nature and awesome structures in the area. If you have a convertible or a motorcycle EVEN BETTER. Do it. Don't think about it. Do it.
Nathan Cotes
Amazing drive through Custer state park breath taking views lots of trails to explore and things to see highly recommend
Sarah Webb
We came from Montana where the Beartooth Highway claims to be the “Most Beautiful Drive in the US”. We thought this was far better. What a gorgeous place with some really pretty and unique rock formations. The tunnels were so neat to go through, terrified me at first for fear of scraping the truck to smithereens but once we made it through one the rest were great!
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That depends on the size of your trailer. Tour busses and large RV's squeeze through, literally, the tight spots on the needles highway and there are YouTube videos showing large trailers. So yes it can be done but it's not going to be a fun drive. It's also unlikely you'll find a place to park at any of the popular spots along the road. Personally I wouldn't bother. Calling the park and seeing if there's a spot you could drop the trailer for a couple hours would be my advice.
The Needles Highway is a very scenic road, it makes a loop both starting and ending from SD16, part of the route does go through Custer State park so there will be a small fee per car. FREE Tourists maps are available at almost all gas stations in the area. Important things to be aware of, the Needles highway has 6 tunnels many are too small for a RV or travel trailer to pass. The smallest tunnel is 8 feet wide and 9 feet 9 inches tall. (Tunnel Dimensions taken from So Dakota tourism map) That said, the trip is well worth the time in a car or pickup truck. If the highway loop is driven in a counter-clockwise direction you can see Mount Rushmore in the distance as you drive through the tunnels, the tunnels were cutout with this in mind. Sylvan Lake is on the Hwy, and has a walking path around it. The movie "National Treasure 2" was filmed there. I love this road, and have driven it many times. I am from Indiana where the land is flat. The Black Hills are pure magic to me.
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