Are dogs allowed on Valley of the Giants?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Valley of the Giants but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Valley of the Giants?

No, Valley of the Giants does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Valley of the Giants?

Valley of the Giants is rated moderate. It is 1.5 miles long with 194 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Valley of the Giants suitable for kids?

Yes, Valley of the Giants is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See South Dakota trail conditions

ModerateLoop

South Dakota

Valley of the Giants

Brandon, South Dakota

1.5 mi

Distance

194 ft

Elev. Gain

33m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

There are several giant trees in this rich floodplain soil. The forest has some of the largest oak and cottonwood trees in the state. There are two cottonwoods and one oak in the State Big Tree registry. The preservation of these giant trees began with the original homesteader, Ole Bergerson, who valued the protection and beauty afforded by these trees. There are many species of plants and animals in this forest.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:395 ft

Max:412 ft

59 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.