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Fort Pierre National Grassland
4.5 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Pierre, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fort Pierre National Grassland's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Fort Pierre National Grassland
“We camped at Richland Lake in the grasslands for a night and it was gorgeous!”
“It’s peaceful and lovely but at the end of the day it’s just grass”
Smiles for miles. It's so majestic and vast. Took a nice hunting walk with the dogs. Many prairie chickens were seen, 1 prairie rattlesnake and a herd of antelope, too. Quite a day!
Camped in the National Grasslands miles from anywhere. The gentle breeze, rustling of grass and spectacular star show was worth the drive. Only coyotes yipping in the distance and curious cows for neighbors
There are many lakes though out the Fort Pierre Grasslands for a great day of pieceful fishing in the country. Make sure that you take a relaxed drive down the Bad River Road just outside of Fort Pierre. You will see old Native American trails along with a few abandoned towns like Capa.
Fantastic place if you love dispersed camping under dark skies and with plenty of solitude. Winds can be very strong out here. Recommend a 4WD vehicle if you plan to explore the backroads running through the grass.
Trail conditions & character
“We camped at Richland Lake in the grasslands for a night and it was gorgeous!”
“It’s peaceful and lovely but at the end of the day it’s just grass”
“Lots of farming going on here so if you plan on doing some prairie dog shooting make sure you don't hit any of the farmers cattle.”
“However, if its raining I would avoid it due to the road conditions turn to a muddy mess the last two miles to get to the site.”
Plan your run at Fort Pierre National Grassland
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 308-432-0300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Fort Pierre
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Farm Island
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Park offering a swimming area and picnic facilities, plus hiking, and kayaking.
Farm Island Recreation Area
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Waterfront green space with a public beach, playgrounds, multi-use trails & a campground.
Fischers Lilly Park
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Park, green space, swings and slides for kids amid peaceful Missouri River views.
Lewis & Clark Trail
3.6 ★★★★☆ 7 reviews