Lover's Leap Trail

Hiking clockwise around the loop, the first segment is a moderate ascent to the ridgeline above the State Game Lodge. The trailhead itself is difficult to find because it is off Grace Coolidge Creek near the State Game Lodge behind the lodge and a chapel. The trailhead is marked along the treeline. Once on the trail, a fork presents itself; venturing left will take hikers uphill through the pines, and this is the quickest route to Lover's Leap; an overlook where two native lovers allegedly leaped to their deaths to be together for eternity. The overlook (climb the rocks to the right of the trail, above the sign with the inspiring message) gives outstanding views of the Needles, Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak), and other peaks of the central Black Hills. Follow the trail along the ridge a bit further, and descend into the creek valley. Eventually you'll come to a gap in the trees that gives a good look at the overlook from below. The trail winds back around to the Coolidge General Store to the Creekside Trail where you can turn right and continue back to the State Game Lodge Schoolhouse parking lot.