Hike to Poet's Table
Custer, South Dakota
Details
Distance
1 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Isaac Parsons
Poet's Table is a great hike especially to escape the crowds going up Harney Peak, and perfect when you don't have several hours like you need for Harney.
This hike starts at the Little Devil's Towers trailhead just east of Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. Follow the main trail from the parking lot about 300 yards then there will be an unmarked trail off to the left, it is a beaten path more than a trail. The trail that leads up to Poet's Table veers off the main trail at a relatively flat spot and in between to granite outcroppings. Follow the path up the hillside, there are a few little paths that veer off but they all lead to the main spot, it is a bit of a scramble up the hill, not too steep. There is a green table and a set of chairs and a cupboard full of notebooks and writings along with knickknacks left by people. The table is set in a somewhat flat area at the base of a granite rock outcropping.
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Reviews
Nice locals place off the beaten path. Nice kept secret.
5.0
Been hiking up to the table since I was a little kid. Was so disappointed when it was vandalized and stolen. Glad they caught em!
5.0
Good directions and description to begin your search for sure...but it was tough for us....couldn't find it on our way up to Little Devil's tower but on the way back my wife decided we should try again...Luckily we caught a couple coming down who told us we were close and helped us along. Wonderful place and we got to see the new table and cabinet and leave our mark in this amazing place! Thanks
5.0
This is disgusting....who gave them the right to do such an act? First the devastating Legion Lake fire now this...why don't they just "kick" the tourist trade in the "teeth" again... https://www.yahoo.com/news/custer-state-park-reopen-monday-trails-still-closed-181311456.html
5.0
2 POS women went up and painted over past things, sawed the table in half and destroyed the site.
5.0
We tried to follow directions from a book we purchased, and ended up starting from the wrong trailhead. After hiking for about 4 hours, we found these directions, which were spot on! Thank you for helping us to check one of many things off our bucket list. It was more beautiful than we could ever imagine!! Worth the time spent! A peaceful retreat that we can't wait to share with our kids in the future!
5.0
Really steep, but short, hike up from Little Devil's Tower trail. We came the opposite direction (from Harney/Black Elk Peak), but were able to find it due to the well worn side trail. Great view from the top and such a nice set up for getting creative and pensive! It reminded me of Robert Service's "Spell of the Yukon," which I left an excerpt of up there. One of our favorite little hidden spots!
5.0
This is hands down my favorite hike in the Black Hills. It's short but the views are breathtaking and you can do this hike in any season. I highly recommend going in winter when everything is covered in snow, it's amazing!
5.0
It was a wonderful sensation when I finally found the table. Once there, to see all the quotes and thoughts of other hikers was wonderful. It felt as if I can hear them all talking at the same time. In addition, the scenic view is a major plus!
5.0
The directions to find poet's table were easy to follow, and there was still room to be adventurous and explore other connecting trails on the journey. The table itself was really neat and full of inspiring and positive notes to future readers. Glad I found it! Thanks for the suggestion Isaac!
5.0
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Nearby
Hike to Little Devil's Tower in the Black Hills
Camp at Sylvan Lake Campground
Drive Needles Highway in Custer State Park
Hike Sunday Gulch Loop
Black Elk Peak and Little Devil's Tower Loop
Hiking to Harney Peak
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