Spearfish Falls South Dakota
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Spearfish Falls and the dramatic Spearfish Canyon, a natural wonderland in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Spearfish Falls South Dakota
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Spearfish Falls and the dramatic Spearfish Canyon, a natural wonderland in South Dakota's Black Hills.
"A stunning waterfall, worth going to Spearfish Canyon just for this waterfall!"
🚗 Drive the Scenic Byway
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views. Pull over at designated spots for photos!
🥾 Easy Waterfall Hikes
Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls have short, family-friendly trails. Perfect for all ages!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spearfish Falls
Spearfish Canyon
A picturesque cascade tumbling into a serene pool, surrounded by lush greenery. A must-see in the canyon.
Roughlock Falls
Spearfish Canyon
Known for its unique, tiered appearance and accessibility, offering stunning views with minimal hiking.
Bridal Veil Falls
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
A delicate, veil-like waterfall directly visible from the road, perfect for a quick, scenic stop.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Spearfish Falls
Navigating Spearfish Canyon
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Scenic Byway
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views. Pull over at designated spots for photos!
🥾 Easy Waterfall Hikes
Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls have short, family-friendly trails. Perfect for all ages!
🐐 Goat Spotting
Keep an eye out for mountain goats often seen along the canyon walls. A unique wildlife encounter!
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The waterfalls and canyon landscapes are incredibly photogenic, especially in fall.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Scenic Byway
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views. Pull over at designated spots for photos!
🥾 Easy Waterfall Hikes
Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls have short, family-friendly trails. Perfect for all ages!
🐐 Goat Spotting
Keep an eye out for mountain goats often seen along the canyon walls. A unique wildlife encounter!
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera! The waterfalls and canyon landscapes are incredibly photogenic, especially in fall.
☕️ Local Coffee Break
Stop in Spearfish town for a coffee at Green Bean or enjoy ice cream at Leon's Creamery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Spearfish Falls and the surrounding canyon for their stunning natural beauty and accessibility. The waterfalls are described as breathtaking and photogenic, with many highlighting the ease of access via short hikes or even roadside views. The scenic drive through the canyon is a major draw, offering picturesque landscapes and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
"This was a mostly flat hiking trail there was some downhill at the beginning of the hike then it goes to Flat till you get to the falls and then of course uphill once you come back it was a point to point hike relatively easy. Completed the hike with a 16-month baby without any issues and she was able to walk some of the path as well."
Natalie Chavez
"A stunning waterfall. A relatively short hike down from the Latchstring restaurant and you are greeted with an epic experience. Worth going to spearfish canyon just for this waterfall so make it a must on your list!"
Bernard Jeremy
"This waterfall is the best of the three in the area. There is a short trail around the side of the restaurant to get the best view of the falls. Speaking of the restaurant, they have signs up saying parking is only for their customers. This is a must see spot in the area."
Thirteendays
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Sioux Falls to Spearfish Falls is approximately 7-8 hours. You'll primarily take I-90 West. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is well-marked once you reach the Spearfish area.
Yes, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a paved road that winds through the canyon, providing access to many viewpoints and trailheads.
You can drive to a parking lot near Roughlock Falls and walk a short distance. Alternatively, you can hike from a trailhead for a longer experience.
Driving the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is the best way to access the various waterfalls like Bridal Veil, Roughlock, and Spearfish Falls.
There is no direct public transportation to Spearfish Falls. A personal vehicle is highly recommended for exploring Spearfish Canyon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees for Spearfish Falls or Spearfish Canyon. Access to the scenic byway and most trailheads is free.
Spearfish Falls and Spearfish Canyon are open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services and accessibility may vary by season.
Parking is generally free at the trailheads and viewpoints for Spearfish Falls and other canyon attractions. However, the Spearfish Canyon Lodge may have parking restrictions for non-guests.
While there aren't specific 'ticketed' tours for Spearfish Falls, many local tour operators in the Black Hills region offer guided excursions that include Spearfish Canyon.
No, Spearfish Canyon is part of the Black Hills National Forest and is free to enter and explore.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Spearfish Falls is generally considered easy, with a relatively short distance and some gentle inclines. It's suitable for families with young children.
Restroom facilities are available at various points along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, including near some of the main attractions like Roughlock Falls and the Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
You might spot mountain goats, deer, and various bird species. The canyon is also known for its native brook trout in the streams.
Some areas near the falls, particularly the paved paths around Roughlock Falls and the viewpoint for Spearfish Falls, are accessible. However, the natural terrain can be uneven in places.
The viewpoints overlooking Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are prime photo locations. The entire canyon offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially during fall.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Spearfish Canyon Lodge offers dining options. The town of Spearfish also has numerous restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. 
Picnicking is a great option! There are several scenic pull-offs and designated areas where you can enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty.
Green Bean is recommended for coffee (and is gluten-friendly), and Leon's Creamery is a must for ice cream, especially their chocolate chip cherry flavor.
Food options are limited directly at the trailheads. It's best to pack snacks or plan to dine at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge or in Spearfish town.
The town of Spearfish has grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies for picnics or snacks before heading into the canyon.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and flattering light for photographing the falls and canyon. Golden hour is particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the canyon and falls. A tripod can be useful for long exposures to smooth out the water.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within the Black Hills National Forest. Always check current FAA and Forest Service guidelines before flying.
Experiment with different perspectives. The main viewpoint offers a classic shot, but exploring slightly off-trail (safely) can yield unique angles.
Yes, but maintain a safe distance and never feed them. Use a zoom lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out. The town of Spearfish also offers kid-friendly treats like ice cream at Leon's Creamery. 🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
For day-trippers, focus on the most accessible falls and viewpoints. The drive from Rapid City is manageable for a day trip, but an overnight stay in Spearfish allows for a more relaxed exploration. 📸 Photographers
The fall foliage in autumn offers spectacular color palettes, making it a prime time for landscape photography. Don't forget to bring a zoom lens for potential wildlife photography, particularly for mountain goats on the canyon walls. Early morning and late afternoon light will yield the best results. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Spearfish Canyon's Waterfalls
Just a short drive away, Roughlock Falls offers a different, yet equally impressive, spectacle. Its unique tiered formation makes it incredibly photogenic. While you can drive close to a parking area, a short walk is still required. Many visitors find this waterfall to be a highlight of their canyon visit, noting its accessibility and beauty.
+1Don't miss Bridal Veil Falls, a delicate cascade that appears to flow like a veil over the rock face. This waterfall is conveniently located right along the scenic byway, making it an easy stop for a quick photo opportunity. Together, these waterfalls showcase the diverse and breathtaking aquatic features of Spearfish Canyon.
Wildlife and Nature in Spearfish Canyon
The canyon's ecosystem supports a variety of other wildlife, including deer and numerous bird species. The clear streams that flow through the canyon are also home to native brook trout, making it a popular spot for anglers. The diverse flora, from towering pines to vibrant undergrowth, creates a rich habitat for these animals.
During the fall season, Spearfish Canyon transforms into a breathtaking display of color. The deciduous trees lining the canyon turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreen pines. This makes autumn a particularly magical time to visit for both its waterfalls and its vibrant foliage.
Social
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