Trail Stats

• Trail Length: 4.5 miles
• Vertical: 298ft
• Distance from Sioux Falls: 28 miles
• Difficulty (1-10): 5

Download Trail Map/Guide

About

Tonight I ran the Newton Hills loop backward with some experienced bikers. I got the best cardio workout of the year (so far!) and hit some new areas.

Newton Hills is about 40 minutes south of Sioux Falls, and provides some excellent area mountain biking. With about 300 vertical feet of elevation change, this area provides a great workout and the feeling that you’re in the hills. The main loop is over 4 miles, and this varation of the full loop provides some single track riding, as well as riding the main loop.

The downside of this trail is that there is LOTS of loose gravel. This can be very dangerous, especially when burning downhills. I just about lost my front tire at the bottom of one of the downhill sections, and I would have landed in gravel, not a fun experience.

Overall Newton provides a workout with some excellent eastern South Dakota scenery. It ranks as the most challenging course in the area.

Accommodations

Camping is available right inside the park. During most times the park isn’t crowded, although during peak times the weekends can get very full. Reserving ahead of time is recommended, especially if you are traveling.

Trail Map