Find the top rated birding trails in Brookings, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We started the ride at the Pipestone Trailhead. There is a small, dirt parking lot with a vault toilet. Immediately, I was not impressed. The asphalt trail surface is in poor condition. Every 20 feet or so were major cracks across the entire width of the trail. Many of these cracks were filled with ankle-high weeds. As if that weren’t bad enough, you had to dodge pothole after pothole along the way. We cycled for about about six miles before deciding we had enough of this poorly maintained trail and turned around. It did appear that if we had continued that the asphalt trail surface in the next section might be better. We were lucky that it was a non-windy day. I honestly cannot recommend cycling this section of the trail. Perhaps if there is another section that is paved, it might be worth starting at a different trailhead than Pipestone.
We were staying at Camden State Park in Lynd at the lower campground and started the ride from there. The actual trail starts at the visitor center about a mile up a steep and winding road. However, there is a better route (CR-25) right from the campground through local streets in Lynd. Ask at the visitor center for more information.
The trail towards Marshall is mostly downhill. Initially the trail parallels highway 23 but this highway is one with low traffic (in my opinion). The trail eventually leaves the highway and goes through parks and open space park along River Road before entering the outskirts of Marshall. We went as far as the fairgrounds and turned around.
There are no mile markers along the trail. There is no sign to indicate that you are actually on the Camden Regional Trail. What signage there is is poor. Signs like “Trail Crossing” indicate the direction of the trail. Some signs simply read “Bike Trail.” There are some benches along the trail and a vault toilet at the trailhead at the parking lot on River Road but no other amenities (no water). The trail surface was in excellent condition. On the way back to the campground, we had a headwind plus a slight uphill grade. Just a reminder, this is not a rail-to-trail bike trail so you won’t have a flat ride but will have mild undulating terrain. I would recommend this trail if you are in the area but try to start in Marshall first so you go downhill on your return. :)
This was LONG! We didn’t know how long, lol! We found out! We rode the whole thing. It’s best from Falls Park going towards the older downtown instead of the other way. The rest is fine but can get a bit dull out by the airport if you’re a person who enjoys scenery as you ride, however that’s just me. :)
The ride was flat for the most part and connected the many parks around Sioux Falls. You won’t want to miss it. 20+ miles. It’s a bit tricky to follow in spots near downtown because there are a lot of off-shoots, so it was nice to have a local to follow. Some of the sections could use some horizontal crack fixing (bumpy), but overall a great experience.
We rode the 26 +/- mile route in mid July 2019.... Very nicely maintained trail and quite well marked. Mostly level with a few grades, nothing major. Wind was a nuisance the day we rode, but still a great experience.
Was so surprised at how nice this trail system is; well maintained and laid out! Many cities should use this as a model for what should be!
Love our trail system. Ride it regularly! Pick you direction carefully so as to not have to ride UP the spillway ;-)
On my way to the black hills I stayed at one of the hotels near I-29 and just biked on the sidewalk a few blocks east to the loop. The 21 mile loop is all paved and smooth, and very scenic while along the rivers. The north section of the loop around the airport is on the top of a levy and kind of dull, but is flat and smooth so you can get a good workout if desired.
There is a good bike map on the city website.
We came to Sioux Falls specifically to ride the trails and they were absolutely delightful. There's a nice mix of urban and suburban cycling here. It's possible to get just about everywhere by bike. Many intersections include wide, well lit underpasses. Solid system. Five stars.
The city of Sioux Falls has created a wonderful biking experience for its residents and visitors!We road in October 2018 and could not have more pleased with the ever changing scenery and smooth trail surface.Road bikes work the entire 26 miles with very few cross roads to contend with.The trail passes through several city parks and South Dakotans enjoy the outdoors!Sioux Falls has many interesting restaurants and Airbnbs to add enjoyment to your visit.
We rode the entire loop last October and it was fantastic! So many cool things along the way including the spectacular falls park. Highly recommend!
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