Lovers Leap Trailhead — Attraction in Custer

Lovers Leap is a fairly easy trail for experienced hikers like me. Like others i suggest going clockwise at the fork. From there you go straight up quite steep, but it does level out at the top. Once you hit the badger Clark sign you begin the down hill part which has loose rocks all over so watch your footing. The bottom is easy and follows the creek. It goes back upwards a little before you circle back to where you began. This is not a difficult hike for those in good health. I conquered it in about an hour and a half. There is plenty of spots to sit on rocks or logs to catch your breath. I worked up a good sweat and aches in the knees. I find that black elk and crow peak are a lot more difficult. but I loved just being drenched in the smell of warm pine from the trees. Truly a nice time and perfect weather for it to feel alive. I would suggest this hike for the average hikers. Young kids might not like this one. But now, time for some lunch...

This was the first hike my mom and I did once we got to Custer State Park and it was a great introduction to our week here. I read on other reviews that people suggest going left/clockwise at the fork but personally I would have gone right. We went left and felt that it was the wrong thing to do, it quickly ascended in elevation in a short stretch and it seemed every strenuous. By the time we got to the pretty, scenic downhill part of the trail, we were tired and wanted it to be done. But that's just my opinion and I would say we are casual hikers. The views (other than the burnt trees) are pretty and watch out...

This was an absolutely beautiful trail to hike on. We consider ourselves pretty physically active, but there were several steep spots. As other reviews say, if you go clockwise (to the left) at the spilt, it is strenuous for the first 1.25 miles. After that, it is mostly downhill/flat, with a little incline towards the end. If you go counter-clockwise (to the right) it may be more strenuous throughout the entire hike. This trail took us about 2 hours to hike. We enjoyed following the stream, which the trail crosses at least 12 times. Would be muddy if it has...