The 290-mile-long Belle Fourche River is popular for canoeing, with its diverse scenery and numerous access points. You can even start at Spearfish Creek if the water is high enough. It merges with the Redwater River and on the other end, the Cheyenne.

White River flows through Badlands, grasslands and crop lands. A favorite stretch begins at the Spring Creek Day School in Todd County and follows a 25-mile segment ending at Ghost Hawk Park, four miles northwest of Rosebud. Picnic and camping facilities are available there.

The best times to canoe are in the spring or early summer, when water flow is at its best. Some rivers, especially during drought years, can become shallow and impassable. Check the river status before heading out.

Be aware that most property along the rivers is privately owned, so check ahead and get permission before entering, especially if you want to camp. Beware of barbed wire fences strung across rivers to confine livestock on privately owned land. Gates on either end of the fences allow access.

Whitewood Creek offers limited days each year when kayaking is possible, but the creek is a rated Class 5, which is pretty extreme. It’s worth your time if you get there.

Check water levels on fast-flowing Spearfish Creek, Spring Creek, Battle Creek, Boulder or Box Elder Creeks. Water in these streams usually is too low for boating… but an inner tube might work.

Canoes and kayaks can be purchased at local sporting goods stores. They can also be rented at some lakeside marinas or B&Bs in the Black Hills, including Sylvan Lake and Sheridan Lake. Call ahead for availability and cost.  Guided kayaking trips are available through Black Hills Adventure Tours.

Other important things to remember: personal flotation devices are required. There’s safety in numbers — bring along a friend or two.

If you’re a bit more adventurous but think there are no white-water rapids in South Dakota, think again. There are a handful of spots that rank as Class V (violent rapids), according to the American Whitewater Web site (americanwhitewater.org). The site lists a total of nine whitewater paddling spots in the Black Hills, with most ranging from Class 1 (fast-moving water with riffles and small waves) to Class IV (intense, powerful but predictable rapids).

Four runs on American Whitewater's list are along Rapid Creek, making it the place in the Black Hills and Badlands for kayaking. An area between Hisega through Dark Canyon is rated a Class 3 because it includes a 10-foot drop called “Hummer.” Just below Pactola Lake is another challenging kayak run.

The 109-mile-long Mickelson Trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line. South Dakota's first rails to trails project. Enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders the trail features 14 trailheads, over 100 converted railroad bridges, four hard rock tunnels, and numerous services along the trail. Gentle slopes and easy access from 15 trailheads.

Marking the 100th anniversary of statehood, 1889 - 1989, the 111-mile Centennial Trail represents the diversity of South Dakota.  The Trail crosses prairie grasslands near Bear Butte State Park and climbs into the Black Hills, high country, skirting lakes and streams until it reaches Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs.  The Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks have combined their efforts to develop this Trail for you to enjoy.

Approximately 22 miles of the trail are located within Custer State Park. This trail offers opportunities to view the natural and cultural resources of the Black Hills.

Three trailheads provide access points to Custer State Park's portion of the trail. The trail is marked with a combination of brown fiberglass posts and gray diamonds fastened to trees. This trail is also used by horse riders and mountain bikers.

The Centennial Trail was officially opened in June 1989, in commemoration of the South Dakota centennial.

There’s no shortage of hiking and backpacking destinations in the Black Hills and Badlands, with 1.2 million acres of Black Hills National Forest, nearly a quarter of a million acres of Badlands National Park and hundreds of miles of marked trails within those areas. In the Black Hills National Forest alone, there are 450 miles of marked trails.

You should pack the essentials, including lots of drinking water, clothing to layer, rain gear, hiking boots, a tent, sleeping bag, food, a cooking stove for areas where fires are prohibited, and whatever other necessities you can carry such as bug spray, sunscreen and limited toiletries. If there’s room, bring a camera and lots of film to capture the rugged backcountry beauty and wildlife most people never get to explore.

Let someone know where you’re headed and your proposed itinerary and estimated arrival and departure times. Travel with a buddy and take along a cell phone for emergencies.

Backpacking is an endurance sport and does require a level of fitness, so check the trail or area difficulty before you head out. Trails range in intensity from easy to difficult, and completion times vary from 30 minutes to several days, depending on your abilities and itinerary.

Detailed trail maps are available for a fee at area rest stops and local Forest Service offices.

One of the most popular and isolated backpacking areas is the 9,826-acre Black Elk Wilderness which includes 7,242-foot Black Elk Peak, America’s highest point east of the Rockies.

For an otherworldly cross-country experience, try the 64,250-acre Sage Creek Wilderness in Badlands National Park. Many shorter trails throughout the Badlands offer their own challenges.

The challenging 111-mile Centennial Trail climbs through the Black Hills near Bear Butte State Park to Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs.

Other popular backpacking destinations include Hell Canyon near Custer; miles of trails within Custer State Park; Sundance Trails near Sundance, Wyoming; Deerfield Trail in the central Hills; and Flume Trail near Sheridan Lake.

The best and safest times to backpack are spring and fall, when the temperatures aren’t as extreme. Summertime is fine as long as you’re prepared for warmer temperatures. Plan ahead for unexpected weather year-round just in case.

A Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit is required to access the SD portion of the motorized trail system and when riding an unlicensed OHV on a forest road designated “open to all vehicles.” Permits are available as a seven-day consecutive pass ($20) or an annual pass ($25). Prices are subject to change.

Permits may be purchased online at BlackHillsBadlands.com/permits or any of the forest service offices.

They may also be purchased at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center, conveniently located off Interstate 90 at Exit 61 in Rapid City. The visitor center is open seven days a week, year-round, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers extended summer hours.

Please note that the State of Wyoming requires a separate permit when operating an OHV in Wyoming. There is no reciprocity for out-of-state registrations.

In South Dakota, state motorcycle law governs ATVs and UTVs.

• On-the-road drivers need a licensed OHV, must be 14 years of age or older and possess a valid driver’s license.
• ATV/UTV use is strictly prohibited on the interstate highway system at all times.
• Eye protection is required for ATV/UTV operators on all public roads unless a windshield is in place.
• Helmets are advised for all ATV/UTV operators and riders on all roads. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18.
• Operators on roads must be able to provide registration and proof of insurance.

There is no minimum age or license requirement for off-road drivers on trails. However, please follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on age and size requirements.

The forest is closed to cross-country travel except for the open roads and motorized trails, as shown on the free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).

ATVs/UTVs may be used on most roads and highways as long as they are registered and licensed. If you live in a state where ATVs/UTVs cannot be licensed for road use, you may not ride on roads in South Dakota unless you obtain a special road travel permit, available at any county courthouse in South Dakota.

Download and view the MVUM on your mobile device using GPS apps, such as Avenza Maps. Cellular service is not required for GPS navigation once you download the map. Visitors are responsible for using the information on these maps and knowing which roads and trails are open for various motorized use types.

Motorized vehicle operators are responsible for knowing and abiding by OHV travel regulations. Minimize your impact on the environment when you ride by traveling responsibly, respecting others' rights, educating yourself, and avoiding sensitive areas.

For tips on riding ethically and responsibly, visit Tread Lightly!