About
Summary
Newton Hills State Park in Eastern South Dakota offers hiking and multi-use trails through one of South Dakota's only hardwood forests.
Destination Distance From Downtown
Seasonality
All Seasons
Hiking in all seasons with reasonable safety provided you have the proper footwear and clothing. Winter could potentially be very cold and icy. Summer could be very hot and humid.
Dog Friendly
On Leash Only
Dogs must be on a leash of 10 ft. or less in all South Dakota State Parks.
Fees Permits
Yes
A South Dakota State Parks sticker is required for entry into all South Dakota State parks. These can be purchased at a wide variety of places including park entry stations, lodges, and often even gas stations in smaller towns. $30 is the current fee to obtain a single vehicle sticker and they are typically valid until May of the following year. Day passes are available for $4/ day.
Review
Intro
Newton Hills State Park is nestled along creeks and rolling hills in eastern South Dakota. The rolling hills and bluffs were formed as glaciers retreated long ago and these valleys now allow gentle streams and creeks. These waterways nourish one of South Dakota's only hardwood forests. The park offers hiking and multi-use trails for horses and bicycles. Camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, and swimming opportunities await at Lakota Lake. The shaded forest will make you forget you are just miles away from Sioux Falls.
What Makes It Great
The unique, dense, hardwood forests in this area are fairly uncommon in much of the state. A multitude of oak and other hardwood species grows here. An early morning or late evening hike will help you avoid the heat of the humid summer days and also allow you the potential to view a wide range of potential wildlife. Bird watching opportunities are also abundant here.
The connected loop trails in this park made it easy to link the entire trail system to tailor your experience from a short 0.75-mile loop up to the full six miles of trails available. The dense forest canopy also makes the trail relatively shaded and sheltered from the sun. Don't forget to bring some bug spray, especially following spring/summer thunderstorms that are common in this area.
Who is Going to Love It
Those looking for a quick getaway, an escape into the forest in eastern South Dakota, beginning hikers, families, and trail runners will love it here. Trails are well graded and marked with blazes. Maps are available at many trailheads and signs are placed frequently along the trail to show you where you are and help you find your way. It is easy to navigate with children and dogs and the gentle terrain makes it accessible for all abilities.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
From Interstate 29 (west, south, or north) take exit 62 for Canton, SD and SD Highway 18. Turn east on 18 towards the town of Canton. After 8 miles turn south on SD Highway 11. From the east use Highway 18 and turn south on SD 11, 2 miles west of Canton. After 5 miles turn east on County Road 140. There are signs for Newton Hills at this intersection.
Simply follow the signs for the next 3 miles to the park entrance. South Dakota State parks require a vehicle park sticker for entry. These are available at the entrance for $30, or temporary passes are available for $4/ day. Parking is available at a number of trail heads through out the park. Grab a map at the entrance or on any of the trail head signs in the pamphlet holders.
