2025 East Custer Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

#Rainy season tourist destination Kaeng Tana, the longest suspension bridge in the world, at Kaeng Tana National Park, Sirindhorn District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. There is still pristine nature along the driving route. During the rainy season, you can stop to pick wild mushrooms everywhere. Or if it's not convenient, you can stop by the roadside market stalls. There are villagers who pick wild mushrooms to sell. You can choose to shop as much as you want. Leaving the place is a good place to stop to see the Pak Mun Dam, which is not far away.

#hellohalloween #stunningview #BlackElkPeak #SouthDakotaAdventure #HikingTrails #NatureEscape #MountainViews #OutdoorJourney #ExploreTheBlackHills #TrailBliss #ScenicHike #TravelUSA Tucked within the majestic Black Hills of South Dakota, the Black Elk Peak Trail leads you to the highest summit in the state at 7,244 feet. Each step along the trail takes you through towering pine forests, rocky outcrops, and tranquil meadows, making the hike both invigorating and soul-soothing. 🌲🥾 Reaching the summit rewards hikers with 360-degree panoramic views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and endless skies — a view that feels like nature’s own masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual adventurer, this trail promises memories and photo ops at every turn. 📸🌄 📍 Location: Black Hills, South Dakota, USA ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late May to early October for pleasant hiking conditions 💡 Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy a quiet moment at the summit while soaking in the breathtaking landscape. 🧺✨ 🌟 Why You’ll Love It: Black Elk Peak Trail is more than a hike — it’s an experience of wilderness, awe-inspiring views, and the pure joy of reaching new heights. 🏞️💚

#hellohalloween #attractive #BlackElkPeak #SouthDakotaHikes #MountainAdventure #NatureEscape #TrailViews #HikingHeaven #OutdoorExplorer #ScenicTrails #TravelSouthDakota #HiddenGem Rising to 7,244 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota and a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The Black Elk Peak Trail winds through lush forests, granite outcrops, and serene meadows, offering a mix of challenge and breathtaking scenery at every step. 🥾✨ Hike to the summit and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Black Hills, rolling landscapes, and distant horizons — a perfect blend of tranquility and exhilaration. Along the way, you may spot wildlife, wildflowers, and historical markers honoring the region’s cultural heritage. 🌄🦌 📍 Location: Black Hills, South Dakota, USA ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for clear trails and optimal weather 💡 Tip: Start early to catch the sunrise from the peak — the golden light over the hills is unforgettable. 🌅 ✨ Why You’ll Love It: The Black Elk Peak Trail isn’t just a hike — it’s a journey into nature, history, and panoramic beauty that leaves every visitor inspired and refreshed. 🌲🏞️

#hellohalloween #stunningview #CusterStatePark #SouthDakota #HelloHalloween #NatureEscape #WildlifeAdventure #ScenicDrive #ExploreTheBlackHills #HiddenGem Welcome to Custer State Park, one of America’s most breathtaking natural treasures — where rolling prairies, granite peaks, and herds of free-roaming bison define the spirit of the Black Hills. 🦬🌄 Drive along the Wildlife Loop Road and feel the thrill as majestic bison, pronghorns, and wild burros cross your path 🦌🚗. Wander through Sylvan Lake, a sparkling alpine jewel surrounded by granite spires — perfect for kayaking, hiking, or a quiet picnic by the shore. 🌊🌲 Adventure seekers can tackle the Needles Highway, where narrow tunnels and dramatic rock formations create unforgettable views. 🏞️✨ Whether you’re exploring scenic drives, hiking to Black Elk Peak, or camping under a star-studded sky, Custer State Park offers an experience that’s both wild and wonderfully peaceful. 🌌🔥 💡 Travel Tips: 📍 Location: Black Hills, South Dakota 🕰️ Best time: Late spring to early fall for wildlife and clear weather 🚗 Don’t miss: Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour 🎟️ Entrance fee: Required, per vehicle ❤️ Why You’ll Love It: At Custer State Park, nature feels alive — from thundering bison herds to tranquil mountain lakes. It’s a place where freedom runs wild, and every sunrise paints the Black Hills with pure magic. 🌅🦬✨

Considered one of the best trail hike in South Dakota. Black Elk Peak is considered as the highest natural point in South Dakota. It’s an hour away from Rapid City, passing through Sylvan Lake where several trails are. #travel #hikingtrails

#postandearn #attractive #stunningview Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, is the highest point in South Dakota and the entire U.S. east of the Rockies. Rising 7,242 feet above sea level, it offers one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Black Hills. The summit is crowned by a historic stone fire tower, where panoramic views stretch across four states on clear days. ✨ Why Visit? Hike scenic trails through pine forests, granite spires, and alpine meadows. Explore the stone fire lookout tower at the summit. Spot wildlife such as mountain goats, deer, and hawks. Experience a place sacred to the Lakota people, honoring its deep spiritual significance. 📸 Highlights for Visitors 360° panoramic views from the summit. Trail options from Sylvan Lake and Willow Creek Horse Camp. Striking sunrise and sunset photo opportunities. 💡 Travel Tip: Pack water and good hiking shoes—the hike can take 4–6 hours roundtrip depending on the trail. Start early to avoid crowds and catch the best light. 📍 Location: Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, USA Black Elk Peak is more than a hike—it’s a spiritual and scenic journey to the top of the Black Hills. 🌄 #BlackElkPeak #HarneyPeak #SouthDakota #BlackHills #HikingAdventure #postandearn

#postandearn #attractive #localguides Sylvan Lake, nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is often called the “Crown Jewel” of Custer State Park—and for good reason. Surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush pine forests, this man-made lake is a favorite spot for hiking, picnicking, swimming, kayaking, and photography. ✨ Why Visit? Relax on the sandy beach or paddle across calm waters. Hike the popular Sunday Gulch Trail for dramatic views of the rocks and lake. Perfect spot for picnics with breathtaking scenery. Gateway to the Needles Highway and Black Elk Peak trails. 📸 Highlights for Visitors Mirror-like reflections of granite spires on the water. Sunset views that paint the lake golden. Easy walking paths along the shoreline. 💡 Travel Tip: Arrive early in summer—parking fills quickly. Bring sturdy shoes if hiking Sunday Gulch Trail. 📍 Location: Custer State Park, South Dakota, USA Sylvan Lake is more than a stop—it’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Black Hills. 🌲💧 #SylvanLake #CusterStatePark #SouthDakota #BlackHills #NatureEscape #postandearn

#postandearn #attractive #attractive Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is a unique destination where hidden underground wonders meet sweeping prairie landscapes. It’s home to one of the world’s longest and most complex caves, famous for its rare boxwork formations found almost nowhere else on Earth. Above ground, rolling grasslands and ponderosa pine forests create a natural haven for wildlife. ✨ Why Visit? Journey underground on guided tours to marvel at intricate cave passages. Explore prairie trails where bison, elk, and prairie dogs roam freely. Learn about the cave’s cultural significance to the Lakota people, who consider it a sacred site. Enjoy starry night skies in one of America’s quietest natural settings. 📸 Highlights for Visitors Boxwork formations, a geological rarity. Wildlife photography opportunities on the scenic drives. The contrast between vast open plains and the mysterious world beneath. 💡 Travel Tip: Cave temperatures stay cool year-round, so bring a light jacket for tours. Arrive early in peak season, as guided tours often sell out quickly. 📍 Location: South Dakota, USA Wind Cave National Park is more than a cave—it’s a blend of underground marvels, cultural history, and wild American landscapes that inspire awe and wonder. 🌿 #WindCaveNationalPark #SouthDakota #postandearn #UndergroundWonder #NatureAndCulture🌌 Wind Cave National Park – Where Earth Breathes Below🌌 Wind Cave National Park – Where Earth Breathes Below🌌 Wind Cave National Park – Where Earth Breathes Below

#mytraveldiary Custer State Park in South Dakota is where wildlife and scenic landscapes collide beautifully. Driving along the Wildlife Loop Road, I was thrilled to encounter massive bison herds crossing the road, along with pronghorns, burros, and prairie dogs. The Needles Highway offered jaw-dropping views, with narrow tunnels carved through spires of granite. Hiking trails led me through quiet pine forests and open meadows, each more peaceful than the last. It felt raw and untamed yet welcoming at the same time. Custer State Park is a wild and wonderful destination that truly belongs in my #mytraveldiary.

#holidayitinerary Wind Cave is unlike any cave I’ve ever seen — its honeycomb-like boxwork formations are rare and beautiful. Walking through the narrow passages, I felt like I was stepping into an alien world. The air movement at the entrance is wild too, rushing in or out depending on the pressure, which is how the cave got its name. Above ground, the park is just as special, with bison roaming the prairie and rolling hills leading into the Black Hills. Wind Cave gives you two adventures in one — underground wonders and wide-open landscapes. #holidayitinerary

#holidayitinerary Wind Cave is a double adventure — epic underground caverns paired with rolling prairie above. I went on a cave tour and was blown away by the boxwork formations, unlike anything I’d ever seen. It’s like nature’s artwork hidden beneath the surface. Above ground, I hiked through wide-open meadows where bison and pronghorn roamed free. The mix of quiet prairie and mysterious caves makes this park one of a kind. It’s less crowded but delivers big on adventure. #holidayitinerary

#holidayitinerary The Black Hills feel sacred and wild, a mix of natural beauty and cultural history. Driving through winding roads, I spotted bison and pronghorn grazing in the grasslands. I hiked around Sylvan Lake, where granite spires rose straight from the water, and it felt like stepping into a fantasy landscape. Mount Rushmore is here, but honestly, the real magic is in the rugged peaks, pine forests, and hidden caves. The Black Hills carry a deep spiritual energy, especially around places like Bear Butte. This place is adventure layered with history. #holidayitinerary

#transportation Welcome to Badlands National Park, where jagged cliffs, colorful buttes, and endless prairie views stretch for miles. Here’s how to get around like a road trip rockstar — without missing a single overlook 👇 📍 Where Is It? Located in southwest South Dakota, Badlands is super accessible from major Midwest and mountain hubs. 🗺️ Nearby cities: 🐾 Rapid City, SD – 1 hr 🛫 Mount Rushmore – 1.5 hrs 🛻 Wall, SD – 10 mins (also home to the famous Wall Drug!) 🗺️ Combine it with a trip to Custer State Park or Black Hills 🚗 Self-Driving = Essential ✅ No shuttle or public transport in the park 🛣️ The best way to explore is via the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) 🛻 It’s a 39-mile scenic loop that takes you past all major overlooks + trailheads 💡 Best direction: Enter via the Northeast Entrance near Wall, exit near Interior 🅿️ Parking Tips 🅿️ Lots of small pullouts at all major viewpoints ✅ Plenty of parking at trailheads like: Door Trail Notch Trail Fossil Exhibit Trail Panorama Point 💡 Summer tip: Arrive early or late for cooler temps + great light for photos 🛻 RV & Campervan Friendly ✅ RVs allowed on park roads — no size restrictions on Loop Road ⛺ Campgrounds: Cedar Pass Campground (near visitor center) Sage Creek Campground (primitive, free, often shared with bison 🦬!) ⚠️ Watch for bison and prairie dogs — they love the roads as much as you do 🚌 Public Transportation? 🚫 Nope — no shuttles, ride shares, or buses ✅ Closest major airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) → Rent a car there to access the park + surrounding attractions 🚴 Can You Bike It? 🚲 Yes — but it’s rugged! You can bike on park roads (not trails) Bring lots of water — there’s no shade and limited services 🧭 Quick Transport Tips: ✅ Fill up your tank in Wall — no gas inside the park ✅ Bring extra water + snacks — distances feel longer here ✅ Download offline maps before entering — signal is spotty ✅ Pair with a Mount Rushmore or Black Hills stop for an epic South Dakota circuit

#falltrip

📍 Kaeng Tana Suspension Bridge, Ubon Ratchathani Province is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Northeast, almost 300 meters long, connecting the two sides of Kaeng Tana and Don Tana. It is used for crossing the Mun River for tourism and nature study. It is located in Kaeng Tana National Park. It is another viewpoint for evening views and watching the sunset on the Mun River beautifully. 🌻 The characteristics of this bridge are a steel bridge structure connected to the pillars with large steel wires. The floor is covered with wood placed together. The bridge is only 2 meters wide. Along the way, I felt a little dizzy and my legs were shaking a little. For those who are afraid of heights, I recommend standing to take a cool photo, checking in at the sign in front to say that you have arrived. Or you can stand and enjoy the view around the bridge. You can see the water above Kaeng Tana. 😊🗺 Place name: Kaeng Tana Suspension Bridge ✨ Interesting things: The longest suspension bridge in the Northeast 🗣 Advice: Walk carefully across the bridge #Ubonratchathani #KaengTana #TravelThailand #TravelThailand #WhereToTravel #NatureTherapy

Kaeng Tana Suspension Bridge After visiting Phu Phrao Temple, we went down the mountain to continue our trip to Kaeng Tana. It's a pity that the water is high at this time, so we can't swim. But the view is beautiful, it's a great place to visit. #Kaeng Tana

Location: Located in the area of ​​Khong Chiam and Sirindhorn districts, Ubon Ratchathani province. The area in this area is flat and low hills. The Kaeng Tana area has a fast-flowing river. The highlight is the suspension bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge for people to cross in the northeast and is also a viewpoint on both sides of the Mun River. You can travel here all year round.

Let's please the camping lovers... In the past, I went to experience the cool air at Kaeng Tana. Let me tell you, it was so awesome. A million K's 😅😅😅 #MissingNature #TravelNearHome #TravelUbonRatchathani #Thailand