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Harney Peak

Distance	5 miles via Hwy. 244  or  about 14 miles via Sylvan Lake
Time Needed:	4 to 6 hours
Best Time To Go:	Anytime, but early morining is best. Allow 4 hours before sunset
Directions:	Follow US 16A and Hwy. 244 to trailhead near Horse Thief Lake or take Highway 244 to US385 south then SD87 to Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park
Cost:	Free via Horse Thief Lake trail, Custer Park Sticker needed for climb via Sylvan Lake trail. Fee is $12 in summer and $6 at other times (2006 fees)
Highlights:	Spectacular Vista, Adventure
Description: Open All Year Recommended only for those who are physically fit. Page Updated: 16 Sept '06	Harney Peak is the highest point in South Dakota. The elevation is 7,242 ft (2,207 m). Indeed, it's the highest point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Although a true mountain in every sense of the word, it's a relatively easy climb for the physically fit and even children. The shortest climb is a 3-mile path beginning at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park  (Trail Number 9). This is the most popular route to the top of Harney Peak. The round trip on Trail 9 is about 4 hours.  Trail Number 4, also originating at Sylvan Lake,  is slightly longer but passes near Little Devil's Tower, a smaller peak in Custer State Park.  Both trails are rated as "moderate" and marked with blue diamonds.  Trail maps are available at the Custer State Park entrance kiosks. They are also available at http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/Custer/csptrails.htm      The longest and most difficlut trail leads up from Highway 244 near Horse Thief Lake.  This trail is maintained by the US Forest Service. See: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/maps/trails.shtml      Be sure to take along plenty of water, some food and wear good hiking shoes. And, even in mid-summer, you may wish to pack along a light jacket. At the top you'll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful vistas in the world. No kidding. It is said you can see all the way from Nebraska to Montana.