Highest Summit in U.S. East of Rockies Is in South Dakota

Don't think you could stroll up 7,242 feet? Well, guess what? I did so there's no doubt you can!

Driving across much of South Dakota the word 'mountain' probably isn't the first thought that crosses your mind. While much of our great state has beautiful scenery, loads of friendly people and is just plain fun, it is after all the plains.

That is, of course, until you get to the Black Hills.

Everyone in the world knows about our Shrine of Democracy, Mt. Rushmore. Millions love Crazy Horse Monument, and for good reason. And lots of us have tossed back a couple (OK, a few) while sitting at a Deadwood card table pretending to be Wild Bill Hickcock (well, except for Wild Bill's ending). Still more have fired up the Hog and headed to Sturgis.

But did you know the highest summit in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains calls South Dakota home?

Harney Peak is just a short few miles from Mt. Rushmore, and at 7,242 feet in the air it's, well...up there! But the cool thing is you can hike to the top. No, seriously, you can. I did back, oh, about 20 or 25 years ago. And guess what? It's not all that tough! The trail is such that you can take your time, there's not a lot of strenuous parts and when you get to the top...wow! Check out this video of the breathtaking view you'll have.

So, would I take that hike up to the top again? Uh, perhaps not. But I'll tell you this, I'm sure glad I did! So this summer if you find yourself in the Black Hills, do yourself a favor: First, enjoy the incredible beauty of Sylvan Lake, then take a hike - up Harney Peak.

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