Western South Dakota & Surrounding Area?

The Bighorns are 3.5 to 4 hrs away according to Google Maps and are some primo backpacking (though at 1 hr or so away, the Black Hills do look nice..) I went there recently: http://www.pmags.com/big-horns-cloud-peak-wilderness Though, being mid-Sept, I suspect the weather window will be closing soon for the higher country. I am not overly familiar with lower elevation treks near Rapid City. The Badlands come immediately to mind of course…

Hey Nick, Welcome to the Plains. Here's a quick list of my faves: Soldier Creek Wilderness at Ft. Robinson SP, Nebraska… nice day hikes, very quiet this time of year. Toadstool Geologic Park, north of Soldier Creek, in the grasslands, always quiet. Hike anywhere you like on FS area. Walk the Bison Trail up to Hudson-Meng Bison Kill Site. Very dark at night. Centennial Trail in SD. Nice but it can get crowded. Black Elk Wilderness is pretty, Bear Butte SP is a good day hike when Sturgis clears out. MHDH Trail in ND has been reviewed here. Just go. TRP National Park is small but underused. Thunder Basin Grassland in WY is IMHO, heaven on earth. Laramie WY is really close, Bighorns, Medicine Bow Natl Forest (either unit) all have great trails and camping. Sorry, this was supposed to be a short list. Have Fun!

Yes! Thanks so much for the tips! I really appreciate it. The family situation and move has put a bit of stress on us, but whenever I'm in the backcountry, I always feel relieved. Thanks for the starting points!

http://www.greatplainstrail.org/

Steophan really knows the area. I heartily agree with all his suggestions(although I believe the Hudson-Meng site is closed after Labor Day. Best to check. Another good choice is French Creek in Custer State Park, and one must mention Harney Peak, the highest point in the Black Hills (nothing higher going east until you reach the Pyrenees. The main trail is often crowded,but there are longer, quieter, and very charming trails through and near the Black Elk Wilderness. I must also mention The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, just south of Rapid. No hiking involved, but a very significant paleontological site discovered and researched by a very good friend and colleague, who also explored Hudson-Meng.

Thanks Tim & Don! Sorry I didn't reply sooner…been packing. I'm excited to check out the midwest. I also saw an itinerary on here for some packrafting in ND… Again, appreciate the support!