Notch Trail | Wall

Location

The Notch Trail is a moderate hiking trail in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, celebrated for its dramatic views of the eroded Badlands formations and surrounding prairie. Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the trail is part of the park’s door, window, and notch hiking loop, offering a short but exhilarating experience that combines climbing, walking along narrow ledges, and panoramic vistas.

The trail is popular with visitors who want a more adventurous experience than the park’s short scenic walks, providing close-up perspectives of the Badlands’ spires, canyons, and prairie ecosystems.

Trail Features

Length and Difficulty: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip with elevation gain of around 250 feet, making it moderate in difficulty. Hikers should be prepared for some steep sections, a wooden ladder, and uneven terrain.

Wooden Ladder and Notch Passage: One of the trail’s signature features is a sturdy wooden ladder that helps hikers navigate a steep rock notch, adding a sense of adventure and providing a vantage point for stunning photographs.

Rock Formations: The trail winds through jagged cliffs, eroded spires, and narrow ledges, showcasing the intricate geology of the Badlands.

Panoramic Views: The trail opens onto a high vantage point where hikers can see sweeping views of rolling prairie, jagged buttes, and distant pinnacles. On clear days, the vast expanse of the park stretches to the horizon, emphasizing the scale of the Badlands.

Wildlife and Ecology

While hiking Notch Trail, visitors may encounter a variety of Badlands wildlife:

Bison and Pronghorn: Grazing in the prairie below the cliffs.

Birds of Prey: Hawks and falcons often soar above the rock formations, offering dramatic natural displays.

Small Mammals: Prairie dogs, rabbits, and other small mammals are sometimes visible along the lower slopes.

The trail also passes through sections of mixed-grass prairie, where wildflowers bloom seasonally, adding color and biodiversity to the rugged landscape.

Visitor Experience

Notch Trail is often described as a short but rewarding adventure, combining exercise with immersive scenery:

Hikers experience a variety of terrain, from flat prairie approaches to narrow cliffside ledges.

The ladder section adds excitement and photo opportunities, making it a memorable part of the Badlands hiking experience.

The trail is a favorite for families with older children, casual hikers seeking moderate exercise, and photographers capturing dramatic vistas and unique rock formations.

The trail is typically quieter than the main scenic overlooks, allowing for a more intimate connection with the landscape. Early morning or late afternoon visits enhance lighting for photography and reduce exposure to midday heat.

Practical Information

Location: Near Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Length: 1.5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate; includes a wooden ladder and narrow passages

Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, nature observation

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall; early morning for cooler temperatures and better wildlife sightings

Safety Tips: Wear sturdy footwear; exercise caution on narrow ledges; carry water and sun protection

Closing Impression

The Notch Trail offers a compact but adventurous hike that exemplifies the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park. Its combination of challenging terrain, panoramic vistas, and intimate encounters with the park’s distinctive geology makes it a must-experience trail for visitors seeking both activity and breathtaking scenery in a short, accessible distance.