Looking for more fun things to do in and around Spearfish?
Take a short hike to beautiful Spearfish Falls and slide down a natural waterslide at Devil’s Bathtub!
LOCATION
The Roughlock Falls trailhead is located in Spearfish Canyon just past Spearfish Canyon Lodge. It’s about 14.5 miles south of the town of Spearfish following Highway 14A.
LENGTH
- 2.1 miles out and back from the trailhead near Spearfish Canyon Lodge
- 0.5 miles out and back if you park near Roughlock Falls and follow the paved trail to the waterfall
DIFFICULTY
Easy — The wide trail along the river is mostly flat. From the parking lot near the waterfall, a paved trail winds downhill to the viewing platforms.
WE HIKED IT
July, 2022, about half an hour for Michael to hike the full trail one way to the falls, while the kids and I parked near the falls and met him there
CURRENT INFO
Find more information and maps for the Roughlock Falls Trail on the AllTrails website. If you’re planning a trip to Spearfish and the Black Hills of South Dakota, I recommend the book Moon South Dakota’s Black Hills: With Mount Rushmore & Badlands National Park by Laural A. Bidwell.
- Parking is free at both Roughlock Falls trailheads. To do the full 2.1-mile out-and-back hike, park in the lot near Spearfish Canyon Lodge. If you prefer a short, quarter-mile paved walk to Roughlock Falls, drive a mile further down the road to a second parking lot.
- Roughlock Falls is accessible for many. The paved path from the parking lot near the waterfall provides easier access for those with mobility concerns.
- Vault toilets are available at both trailheads.
- The trailhead near Roughlock Falls also features a beautiful picnic area.
- Leashed pets are allowed on the trail.
- Bring water, shade hats, and sunscreen on sunny days. The trail is semi-exposed.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Roughlock Falls is situated in a lush paradise deep in Spearfish Canyon. At first glance, you might think you’ve stumbled into a tropical oasis hidden away in South Dakota! The falls are easy to access even if you only have time for a quick stop. If you prefer to hike, follow the trail along the river for more gorgeous scenery.
THE KIDS’ TAKE
By the time we were ready to visit Roughlock Falls, the kids were done with hiking for the day (the fact that my older son only brought water shoes on our day trip was a contributing factor). Fortunately, Roughlock Falls is easily accessible from the the parking lot. From here, the kids were happy to run down the paved trail and across the wooden bridges to the waterfall. With its boardwalk bridges and dreamy landscape, Roughlock Falls brings out the kid in all of us!
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Spearfish Canyon is a wonderful place to explore, a lush green oasis filled with waterfalls tumbling over red rock cliffs. On the other side of Spearfish Canyon Lodge, take a short hike to Spearfish Falls. The Latchstring Restaurant, located near the Spearfish Falls trailhead, provides a taste of rustic elegance in the heart of the canyon. For a little excitement, hike to Devil’s Bathtub, an adventurous trail leading to a natural waterslide.
To explore more of the area, consider camping overnight. We stayed in town at the Spearfish City Campground, a lovely place near the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and the city park. Spearfish is a great town with lovely parks, restaurants, and ice cream (a trip to Leone’s Creamery is a must!).
Our Experience
Our day in Spearfish Canyon was nearing its end, but not before we visited one last waterfall. Roughlock Falls was our final destination, located just one mile past Spearfish Lodge. Michael was eager to hike from the lodge to the falls and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the canyon, but the kids weren’t so keen. J’s feet hurt (that’s what happens when the only footwear you bring with you happen to be water shoes), and T certainly wasn’t about to go hiking without his big brother.
Luckily, you don’t have to hike far to see Roughlock Falls. While Michael departed on foot from the trailhead near Spearfish Lodge, the rest of us drove one mile down the road to the other end of the trail. From here, it’s an easy downhill jaunt on a paved trail to the waterfall. The trailhead itself is also a beautiful spot to relax, with restrooms (vault toilets, to be specific) and inviting picnic tables.
The boys and I headed down the trail, eager to reach the falls. They were also eager to see who would make it there first — us or dad. The odds were on us, considering we drove most of the way. Maybe that’s cheating, but all in good fun.
As we neared the waterfall, the paved trail turned into an enjoyable boardwalk. Surrounded by lush green vegetation with the bubbling creek passing under our feet, I was entranced.
A quick side trail led to our first sighting of Roughlock Falls. It may not be the mightiest of waterfalls, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in sheer grace and loveliness. Framed by greenery, the delicate waterfall gave us a tantalizing glimpse of its ethereal beauty.
When walking the trail, don’t forget to take a moment to look up. Roughlock Falls may be the star, but the towering cliffs that line the canyon certainly add to the mystique.
Even the boys stopped running long enough to soak in the scenery. Boardwalk trails like this sure make hiking fun!
Unsurprisingly, the kids and I were the first to arrive at the waterfall, but before long we saw Michael heading up the riverside trail to meet us. He raved about the natural beauty of the canyon, and concluded that it’s well worth taking the full hike to the falls if you can. However you do it, a visit to Roughlock Falls is a must on your tour of Spearfish Canyon.
