Nearly a year later, and just in time for you to plan a summer trip, here's our love letter to the Black Hills. I hope you get inspired to go explore South Dakota and fall in love with the Black Hills!
The Stratobowl
The Stratobowl was put on the map in 1934 when it was home to a stratospheric balloon launch site sponsored by the National Geographic Society and the US Army Air Corps. In the 1950s, it was also used by the US Navy Project Strato-Lab. The trail is only about 1/2 mile uphill to the overlook, but if you're looking for a longer hike, continue past the overlook until you come to a fork. If you go straight, you'll end up on private property in another 1/2 mile. If you take a left, you'll get another view of the canyon. If you go right, the trail continues on a dirt road that we never found the end of. In the late summer, you can also see hot air balloons take off during the Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Event. This hike is dog friendly and great for trail running.