Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a 1 mile hike that goes around Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, South Dakota. Walking west, both sides of the lake are handicapped accessible, but the back side by the dam is not. There are a lot of stairs, and some rocks to climb so keep that in mind if wanting to do the whole trail. When in the area take some time and climb the boulders to get a great view of the lake. This is also where they filmed the movie National Treasure II with Nicholas Cage.
Nice easy path around the lake for most of it except behind the rocks.
Old stairs near the dam.
Osprey caught a fish. Pretty cool.
The dam in a distance.
Looking down from the dam.
Below the dam.
Another way to begin the Sunday Gulch Trail.
Walking on the back side of the lake - a little of a climb.
Lots of stairs down to the back of the dam.
Below the dam.
New stairs and deck as of 2026.
The Sunday Gulch Trail begins behind the dam.
Winter time is still beautiful and not as crowded.
Path to the bridge - sometimes covered in water.
View from the west side of the lake in winter.
Nice wide pathway.
Pretty cool path through the rocks.
Marmot on rock by lake.
You get a great view of the lake by climbing the rocks.
Can walk over to the bridge.
Most of the pathway is easy for anyone to walk - except the back of the lake.
Foggy day at the lake.
Fishing at Sylvan Lake - caught 8 trout.
On the bridge.
Sun hitting the rocks at sundown.
Where the old hotel use to be - stairs on the right still there.
Deer near the lake.
Our friend doing the reenactment of the movie National Treasure II - We got the right rock - just need to get the right hole.
My husband made this funny flyer.
