My favorite area in Customer State Park to hike by far is the Center Lake Region. Immediately near Center Lake are The Lost Trails (along with the overlook) and Grace Coolidge Trail. Since I’m interpreting the area loosely, you can find Lover’s Leap, Cairn Trail, and Creekside Trail nearby as well. If you’re looking to spend an entire day outdoors with ample opportunity to rest, have a picnic, and take in the views, these hikes near Center Lake are where you’ll want to be.
Grace Coolidge Trail
I’ll start with my favorite trail in Custer State Park, which I’ve now done at least ten times in the past year, Grace Coolidge. This is a 6 mile out and back trail on mostly flat terrain. The best parts about this trail are the variety of nature and the lack of people compared to Sylvan Lake’s trails. It’s the place I like going to when I want to get out and just think.
Parking
Parking is located on either side of the trail. You can start at Center Lake or the parking area just off of Highway 16A. The parking area off of 16A has a main parking area near the pond; however, if you follow the gravel road back, there is also a parking area next to the trailhead.
Trail sign near pond by Highway 16A 
Parking lot off of Highway 16A 
Dirt road just past the Highway 16A parking lot that leads to the other lot 
Parking lot next to the trailhead after following the dirt road
Scenery
You’ll see various types of trees along the trail, hear the sounds of the creek, and notice plenty of rock formations. The path is wide, with few obstacles. Although it’s a 6-mile round trip, it’s not strenuous. The only thing you’ll want to be aware of is the double-digit creek crossings. Aside from one, the rest have thick wooden walking planks to cross on.
Trail Branch Off
One thing to note on the trail is there will come the point where it branches off. There is a sign that says “Waterfall,” unless it’s still broken and says “Wate,” along with arrows pointing towards the waterfall and another pointing in the other direction. If you take this, you will no longer be on Grace Coolidge. There is no signage to indicate this, so it can be confusing. These will take you to various parts of the Lost Trails lower loop, leading to Center Lake.
It’s not a huge deal since it’s easy to get back to Grace Coolidge once at the lake. It’s just something to note since I absentmindedly took it the first time and have met other hikers that did the same on accident. You’ll want to continue straight and not branch off if you’d like to complete Grace Coolidge in its entirety.
The Lost Trails – Two Hikes Next to Center Lake
There are two different trails, the upper and lower loop. Both are relatively short hikes located right off of Center Lake.
Lower Loop
The lower loop goes around the entire lake and is roughly 1.6 miles. It’s the portion of the trail that meets up with Grace Coolidge if a person takes the branch. Parts of this loop are right on the lake, while others will lead into a more forested area. It’s an easy-moderate trail with more rocks and narrower paths than Grace Coolidge.
Upper Loop
I frequent the upper loop typically. This leads to the overlook that I enjoy and make sure to see whenever I finish Grace Coolidge before heading back. Although it’s a loop, there are a couple of options with this trail.
Shortly after starting, there is an option to go straight or left. Going left is the most direct route to the overlook; however, it will be steeper than taking the full loop straight ahead.
If opting not to go left, the trail meanders through the trees, but you’ll still be able to see parts of the campground and walk along a creek. You will encounter a sign pointing to the overlook once nearing the end of the trail. The full trail amounts to roughly 1.1 miles.
There are plenty of boulders once at the top to sit on and take in the views. It’s one of my favorite overlooks, and I often take the time to hang out, have a snack, and journal while up there.
Lover’s Leap
Located across from the Peter Norbeck Education Center off Highway 16A, this is the busiest of the hikes in the Center Lake area. A dedicated parking area can be found next to the trailhead.
This hike is the most strenuous trail in this post. The park lists this 4-mile loop as moderate difficulty. While walking the path, you’ll be amongst the ponderosa pine and oak forest. You will experience a decent incline on parts of the loop.
My favorite part of the hike is sitting on top of the rocks just past the wooden sign with the Badger Clark quote. From there, Mt. Coolidge, Black Elk Peak, and the Cathedral Spires can be seen. Additionally, I find it a great spot to sit, take in the scenery, and have a beer or two while chatting with my hiking buddy.
Cairn Trail
Cairn Trail is located next to the Peter Norbeck Education Center, just off of the parking lot. This is the shortest of the hikes in the Center Lake area on this list as it’s only a .3 mile loop. I think calling it a loop is a bit generous. I’d say it’s more of a half-circle. You’ll start at the trailhead and end right behind the education center. When you finish, you’ll walk on regular sidewalks and the parking lot to get back to the original starting point.
The trail starts with a bit of a climb, although it’s not overly burdensome. You’ll walk on a smaller trail that, at times, has rocks on the path. While on the hike, you’ll have views of the highway below and some state park buildings.
I wouldn’t seek out this trail as the only one I’m doing on a given day. However, it is a nice short hike to go on if you have kids and intend to visit the Norbeck Education Center anyways.
Creekside Trail
This begins at the Custer State Park Visitor center and connects all the previously mentioned trails on this list. If you’re looking for a casual walk through the park, this is a good trail. It’s flat and paved the entire way. In total, it is 2.75 (5.5 out and back) miles from the Visitor’s Center to the Grace Coolidge trail area. You’ll walk along the highway through the campground, by the creek, and past some of the state park buildings.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can park at the Visitor’s Center and hit up all of the trails on the list! They can all be accessed by following the Creekside Trail.
