The South Dakota Department of Tourism announced today that the Centennial Trail, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and other attractions in the Black Hills region will be featured in an episode of the show Epic Trails.
Hosted by wilderness adventurer Eric Hanson, the Epic Trails television episode will showcase South Dakota as a prime tourism destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The program aired on Outside TV on June 27 and Bally Sports Network on June 30.
“Epic Trails beautifully illustrates the ease with which visitors can explore South Dakota’s unique landscape,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “This episode depicts an authentic experience that viewers can replicate on their own and easily customize to their own interests and skill levels.”
The program reaches more than 100 million households in the U.S. and 130 countries internationally. In addition to airing on TV, the South Dakota Department of Tourism sponsored episode will be released on the BackpackingTV YouTube channel as part of a playlist titled “Trackin’ Dirt” and featured on the Epic Trails Instagram and Facebook channels.
In the show, Eric Hanson, an avid backpacker and explorer, sets out on an adventure through the Black Hills – hiking, camping, rock climbing and getting a bird’s-eye view from a hot air balloon. Highlights include Hanson and YouTube personality and outdoor enthusiast Dan Becker hiking and camping through the majestic landscapes found along the Centennial Trail, rock-climbing near Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, as well as a journey on Notch Trail in Badlands National Park. Black Hills Balloons, Sylvan Rocks, Wall Drug and Prairie Edge Trading Company are just a few of the local businesses featured.
“The Black Hills of South Dakota have become one of my favorite adventure destinations,” reflects Epic Trails host, Eric Hanson. “They are inviting and friendly, just like the people in South Dakota, and hold more than a few surprises. Without a doubt, I’ll be back!”