Explore the best rated trails in Yankton, SD, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Highway 52 Trail and North Sioux City/McCook Lake Trail . With more than 11 trails covering 32 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We biked through the campgrounds at the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, along the north shore of Lewis & Clark Lake. We find it fun to see how various folks "rough it" when camping. Seems like there were a thousand campsites and the trail had lots of activity. We extended the ride by riding all the way across Gavins Point Dam and back; there isnt much traffic on it. Although we didnt take the paved Highway 52 trail from the lake into Yankton, we highly recommend riding the paved trails around Riverfront Park in downtown Yankton, and then riding across both levels of the Meridian Bridge, a former RR/highway bridge across the Missouri River that has been modified for pedestrians. And while downtown, go north a few blocks and enjoy the fine large homes, and catch the Auld-Brokaw paved trail that follows Marne Creek from Tripp Park in the west to Burleigh St on the east end. This city knows how to keep bicyclists happy!
If you are in the area on business or pleasure, this trail is worth it. We started at the nice visitor center where there is plenty of parking. The trail is crushed gravel and wide enough for side by side riding. We saw lots of wildlife, including turkeys (over 2 dozen), waterfowl, garter snakes and doe/fawns (still in spots). In addition, the closer you get to the big river, there are a number of old growth cottonwood groves w/ some of the largest cottonwoods we have seen. There are a couple of viewing platforms near the river and the trail has curves and some short hills. Just a nice evening ride. Also, ride in a figure eight to add more miles and see the groves twice!
One other reviewer found it closed in 2009, and last Sunday we drove 45 minutes out of our way to ride this, only to get about 100 feet into the trail to find it dug up and impassable. No warnings on the road to the trailhead, no warning at the trailhead. No detour. No nothing. Do not waste your time even thinking about this trail.
Drove to Niobrara State Park to find that the Missouri River was running high and closed off the road to Trailhead. A land side closed it off from the west as well as a locked gate.
Noel Keller 30 Sep 09
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