Dakota Point at Sheridan Lake via the North Trail

There are 2 ways to get to Dakota Point, one from the north that is more common which I will talk about (or one from the south).

The trail that starts on the north side of the lake is a nice easy trail to follow, it is wide and well-worn mostly in forested areas. Keep your eyes out for wildlife and wildflowers, and if you time it right there will be raspberries along the trail in late summer. There is one fork in the trail, so stay to the right, the left will take you to Spring Creek instead of Sheridan Lake. This trail is about 1.1 miles and mostly downhill from where you park, but then hiking back it will be uphill. 

Once you get to Dakota Point you will know you have arrived because there are tall Slate and Shale cliffs at the outlet of the lake. It is a popular spot for people to cliff jump, there are cliffs ranging from 7 feet all the way up to 55 feet. If cliff jumping isn't your thing, you can find spots to get to the water's edge to cool off and float around, or just hang on the cliffs above enjoying the scenery. 

*the other trail that originates on the south side starts at the Boat Ramp, (12979-23712 Pot Rustle Loop, Rapid City, SD 57702) and at the Flume Trailhead.