Fall Colors Brighten Hiking Trails of Newton Hills

by Joel Young, Meteorologist/Reporter
October 02, 2012 7:20 PM


It’s been several weeks since the kids went back to school and vacation season came to a close, but for some state parks; things are just now getting busy.

During the workweek, the hiking trails at Newton Hills State Park are peaceful and quiet; but once the weekend rolls around, the place gets rather busy. While many state parks stopped booking their campsites around Labor Day, Newton Hills just south of Canton was just getting started.

"The fall season is very strong for Newton Hills... The main reason why we started taking reservations in the fall is because every weekend is kind of like a typical summer weekend in the fall,” says Eric VanderStouwe of South Dakota State Parks.

That’s no surprise to those who may be hiking the many trails that zig-zag through the park's rugged terrain. It’s easy to see why Newton Hills is so unique. With much of eastern South Dakota dominated by prairie lands, this park is one of the best places to see the fall colors in abundance; but with winter right around the corner, you may want to get there before they’re all gone.  

I don't expect it to last very long, maybe another week... Maybe a two week period where you see some of these vibrant colors,” says VanderStouwe.

This weekend, the park will offer more than just fall foliage and hiking trails. Newton Hill’s annual Festi-Fall is scheduled this upcoming Saturday. For more information, you can contact Newton Hills State Park’s office at (605) 987-2263 or email them at NewtonHills@state.sd.us.