Waterfall Hikes in South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota’s waterfalls are concentrated in the Black Hills’ compact mountains, where granite and quartzite outcrops, forested ravines and narrow canyons channel high-gradient streams; the state’s eroded Badlands coulees and prairie river valleys also yield cascades over exposed rock and bluffs. Hikes are moderate, on uneven rocky trails with short to mid-length approaches and creek crossings, and are distinctive for rugged, compact drops formed on crystalline and quartzite bedrock unlike the long alpine ribbons elsewhere. See waterfalls near major South Dakota cities .