There’s nothing better than jumping into cool water on a hot summer’s day! Hippie Hole, a swimming hole in South Dakota, is one of the best known secrets in the Black Hills area. You will have to manage to walk through difficult terrain, but once you get to this spot, you’ll understand why the locals love it. It’s one of the best places to go for a swim on a hot day 👙.
I have been to many cliff jumping spots all over the country this summer and this was one of my ✨ favorites ✨. Hippie Hole is nestled into the boulders of the Black Hills. Once you see it, you’ll understand why it’s so amazing. There’s a beautiful waterfall that falls into the deep water with a cliff right above. It’s a great spot to jump off or simply to swim in the cool watering hole.
The path to get to Hippie Hole is fairly steep and can be overgrown. So, make sure to prepare for the walk with good shoes and plenty of water. It’s so rewarding to make it to the swimming hole after this trek. However, it is not for the casual day hiker.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not an official trail! It is very steep and can be dangerous. You should only go if you are an experienced hiker and take all safety precautions!
If you’re visiting the Black Hills and up for a challenge, then you should definitely add this spot to your bucket list! Read all about this great swimming hole including how to be a responsible visitor.
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Hippie Hole Details
Quick Hike Details
Length: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Elevation: 465 Feet
Type: Out and Back
Safety Tips for Visiting Hippie Hole
Hippie Hole is a challenging swimming area to navigate. In order to get there, you will have to walk on an unmarked STEEP trail. Plus, the rocks around the swimming hole can be very slippery. If you do not have experience trekking in the backcountry or navigating off trails, then you should not go.
Here are other great areas to check out instead:
- Pactola Reservoir
- Cascade Falls
- Sheridan Lake
- Devil’s Bathtub
Where is the Hippie Hole?
Hippie Hole is located deep in the forest of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It’s a gorgeous swimming hole with boulders surrounding the area. It’s just a short 10 minute drive from Mount Rushmore and 30 minutes from Rapid City, South Dakota. If you are looking for a fun summer adventure, then this is the perfect way to spend a day ☀️!
It’s important to test the water levels before you jump off the cliff to know whether it’s safe ⚠️. There have been fatalities in recent years and it is not managed by the forest service. So, you must be cautious when visiting.
Over time, people have put ladders and ropes on the side of the boulders, so that it’s easier to climb up. Make your way slowly up the ropes to get to the best cliff jumping spot above the falls. Then, just take a leap of faith and submerge into the depths below.
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 There is no fee to get to the swimming hole. It is a free area located in the Black Hills. So it’s a great way to spend a day without spending money.
⚠️ This trail is not maintained by any forest service or any other entity. There may be trees that have fallen or things blocking parts of the path. Make sure to tread lightly and watch out for any obstacles in your way. Please be careful when climbing on rocks and use three points of contact.
🚗 The parking lot area is a bit rough. On weekends it can get a bit crowded, so just be wary and drive slowly in the parking lot if you do not have 4WD.
☀️ Thunderstorms can roll in quickly here. It is dangerous to be near the swimming hole or in the swimming hole when there is a storm. So, check the weather in advance and don’t go if there is a chance of inclement weather.
🌿There have been reports of poison ivy lining the trail. Make sure to watch your steps and avoid poison ivy leaves or wear clothes that cover your skin if you are allergic.
🦮 Pets are allowed in this area. However, the trail is very steep, so make sure that your pets can walk on this kind of terrain.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
How to get to Hippie Hole?
You can get to Hippie Hole from Rapid City, SD or from Mount Rushmore. If you are already visiting other spots in the Black Hills, then you can simply add this to your itinerary. There are two paths to get to Hippie Hole, but I recommend the Southern trail 🥾. Many people state that it’s harder to find the swimming hole from the Northern route.
On the Trailhead
Then, take the trailhead through the woods and continue down the steep hillside. Once you get down the hill, you will walk through woods and over boulders to make your way to the swimming hole.
The path is pretty well worn out, so you should be able to follow it. This path is very steep, so make sure that you are wearing shoes with a good grip! I highly recommend downloading the map from Alltrails to find the way to the swimming hole and taking your time.
This path is steep and it is only recommended if you are an experienced hiker or have been to the backcountry before!
Packing List
Hopefully, you are going to visit the Hippie Hole when the weather is nice out. It’s a fantastic way to cool down on a hot day 💦. You will want to prepare for the walk to the hole, because it is moderately difficult. Make sure you have everything you need, so that you do not have to go back to the car. It is a hard walk back up the hill to get to the parking.
Pack plenty of water because the hike is tough and it can be very hot by the swimming hole!
Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots or Shoes with Good Grip
- Small Pack
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Hat to block sun
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun summer adventure, then look no further. Hippie Hole is one of the best places to go on a hot day! Just please note all of the dangers before you go and make sure to be cautious when you travel. It’s a ton of fun to swim in the cool waters on a hot day!
Let me know if you enjoyed this guide in the comments!
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It would be great if some spots could remain a local’s secret. I get it. You need to put out content. However, the USFS considers it an unsanctioned trail. People are getting hurt there. It seems prudent to refrain from recommending this location and trail. I would like to see this article and page removed as the responsible thing to do. There are plenty of South Dakota and Black Hills sites to review and publish about.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02An53GefusKSJBLFL8EciZyjc6K9LCfP68pYXvsd35dJWRfC7ncqcnykRrkzKHfdyl&id=100063561160075
Thanks for your concern and comment! The purpose of this post is to educate those already searching for this hike about the reality and potential dangers of this unmarked trail, which the group in the post you refer to is actually trying to get signage for (not banned). In the meantime, letting people know about the trail conditions is important info, and having hiked the trail responsibly, I have the insight to share! I have updated this post to add additional safety tips as well as alternatives for unexperienced hikers. As it’s already in plenty of publications including the Black Hills Visitor Magazine, I think it’s pertinent to share more safety information here.