Spearfish Falls

Updated on December 9, 2023  •  3 minute read  • 446 words

 0.6 mile hike  • 68 feet elevation

Spearfish Falls is located halfway up Spearfish Canyon. It’s a great hike that provides multiple viewing angles of the falls.

Useful Information

• Parking is free but shared with the Latchstring Restaurant.
• There are bathrooms available at the parking lot but no drinking water.
• Leashed pets are allowed.
• The trail is open year-round but very difficult due to ice in the winter months.
• A viewing area is available at the top of the falls on the opposite side of the parking lot.

Directions

To reach Spearfish Falls, start your journey in Spearfish, South Dakota, and take West Jackson Boulevard (Highway 14A) until you reach the stoplight marking the intersection of US-85 S/N Main St and US-14A E marking the beginning of Spearfish Canyon. Turn onto US-14A E continue down the canyon until you come to the Latchstring Restaurant where you will park for the hike. To many, this is considered the halfway marker for the Spearfish Canyon. The opposite side of the parking lot is the turn leading to Roughlock Falls . The parking lot is shared with the restaurant and is on the left side of the road. The trail entrance is on the left side of the parking lot and is well marked.

The Trail

The trails for Spearfish Falls have been built to make them easy for hikers of all ages. A viewing area is available at the top of the falls right next to the parking lot. Another trail can be found on the other side of the parking lot that takes viewers to the bottom of the falls for multiple viewing angles. The trails are all professionally maintained, well marked, and provide railings for safety.

For those looking for more of a walk, the trail is part of the Savoy Waterfall Trail that takes hikers to Roughlock Falls or Savoy Trailhead. This trail is also well maintained so it is easy for all ages to travel but the length of the trail makes it much larger commitment.

History

Spearfish Falls has always been one of the most popular locations in the northern Black Hills due to the Burlington Railroad taking passengers directly over it. The railroad system can still be seen from some sections of the trail but have been blocked off for safety reasons.

This area of Spearfish Canyon has always been a popular attraction due to Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls . This has lead to the building of the Latchstring Restaurant and Spearfish Canyon Lodge. It’s common for tourists to enjoy a drive down Spearfish Canyon followed by eating and lodging at this location. Spearfish Canyon Lodge is also available for hosting events during warm times of the year.