Hike The Notch Trail In South Dakota For A Magical Woodland Adventure

While most of us opt for taking an elevator over the stairs in buildings and businesses, there is something downright magical about both finding a stairway in nature and then climbing or descending it. While outdoor stairways may sound like a rarity, you can actually find one right here in South Dakota, via the beautiful Notch Trail:

Tucked away inside the must-see Badlands National Park, Notch Trail is a moderate 1.3-mile out-and-back trail that is considered to be the most popular in the region.

AllTrails/Caroline Williams

Trailing a dirt path, the Notch Trail is both solid and easy to navigate, making it perfect for nearly every skill level.

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Following along the canyon’s edge, Notch Trail is the place to be for remarkable views of the surrounding park, but please note that there are no guard rails and that this is not a good option for those afraid of heights.

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In addition to the out-of-this-world views, the Notch Trail is a must-see for its stairway to nowhere: a 50-step climb that transports visitors from the bottom of the canyon to the top.

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While the trek can be a bit strenuous, the reward at the end is well worth the effort!

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The Notch Trail is open year-round but is said to be best used between March and October.

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Notch Road can be accessed by taking east Badlands Loop Road, where you will find both the trailheads and a large turnout for the Door, Window, and Notch Trails.

AllTrails/Lady Arcane For more information, please visit the National Park Service’s website.

Have you had a chance to hike the Notch Trail? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments! For even more hikes in the area, check out The Fairytale Boardwalk In South Dakota That Stretches As Far As The Eye Can See.

AllTrails/Caroline Williams

AllTrails/Patrick Schimpf

TripAdvisor/Jellybaby67

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For more information, please visit the National Park Service’s website.

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Address: Notch Trail, Interior, SD 57750, USA