Hike Breezy Point at Black Hills National Forest

Rating	★★★☆☆(3/5)
Overall Difficulty	Easy
Navigation Difficulty	Easy
Distance	0.3 miles roundtrip
Time	15 minutes
Terrain	Mostly flat
Best Seasons	Spring, Summer, Fall
Family Friendly	Yes
Dog Friendly	Yes
Accessible	Yes

Highlights

Cool Black Hills granite spires
Less crowded spot for lunch near Mount Rushmore

Hike Summary

The Breezy Point Picnic Area isn't necessarily a secret, since it's well signed on the major highway to Mount Rushmore, but it's safe to say most Rushmore visitors don't stop here. I stopped here to make myself some lunch rather than paying for the high priced, low quality food at the Mount Rushmore food court. While the weather wasn't pleasant for me, this would be a beautiful place on a clear day. In the summer, the shady pines would provide nice relief from the hot sun.

In addition to housing several picnic benches, this recreation area has a short, paved trail that could possibly be considered accessible (my own opinion) leading to two scenic overlooks of some amazing granite spires typical of the Black Hills. Follow the paved trail slightly uphill to find these overlooks. There is a fork in the trail, and you can go either direction; you will eventually return and go down the other path to see the other viewpoint. At the end of the trail, you'll enjoy a wonderful view of the rock formations in the distance, see the picture below. Despite the fog, I could still tell this is quite a beautiful sight.

Typical Black Hills rock formations seen in the distance

Go back to the intersection and follow the other path until it ends. You'll reach a second viewpoint, this time with the rock formation poking above the pine forest. This is the same hard rock as was carved for Mount Rushmore, and you'll find similar formations all throughout the Black Hills.

A touch of fall color with a granite spire peeking through the fog in the background

Enjoy this hike as a side trip on your way to or from Mount Rushmore! Let me know what you think in the comments section below, and be sure to use #nocoastbestcoast on Twitter and Instagram!

Important Information

Dogs are allowed on leash. This is an excellent place for kids, giving them space to run around and exercise before or after visiting Mount Rushmore. The trail to the overlooks is entirely paved and gently sloped -- the official page does not designate it accessible, but my own untrained opinion is this is doable in a wheelchair. You can definitely visit in the three warm seasons, but access may or may not be possible during the winter -- the Black Hills National Forest closes some of its campgrounds and other recreation sites nearby during the winter, but I can't find whether this is one of them. Despite its nearly adjacent location to Mount Rushmore, I guarantee you won't find as many people here, making it a great spot to eat a lunch or a snack and relax in nature before or after dealing with the crowds.

Directions

From Rapid City, take U.S. Highway 16 west towards the Black Hills. Follow signs for Mount Rushmore, and take the exit for U.S. Highway 16A. Continue straight to stay on South Dakota Highway 244, drive past Mount Rushmore, and look for signs for the Breezy Point Picnic Area on the right.

Google Maps Directions