Roughlock Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Roughlock Falls
Roughlock Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into Spearfish Canyon in the northern Black Hills. The waterfall and its immediate surroundings lie within the Black Hills National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, making the area a well-loved stop for photographers, day hikers, and anyone wanting a quick dose of canyon scenery. Framed by the steep walls of Spearfish Canyon, the falls offer an inviting blend of rushing water and wooded outlooks that reward a short outing. Getting to the falls involves a moderate out-and-back walk that delivers big scenery in a compact package. The route uses a combination of native-surface tread and a USFS-designated spur—Rimrock Spur B (Trail #79B)—which provides a slightly steeper approach. At about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, the hike is approachable for most hikers who are comfortable on natural single-track and modest grades.
The Setting
Roughlock Falls sits at 5,131 feet within Black Hills National Forest, fed by the Little Spearfish Creek, in the high mountains of South Dakota.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Spearfish Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Dakota at 47 feet, lies 0.7 miles to the east.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Rimrock Spur B (#79B), a 2.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
RIMROCK SPUR B #79B
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.78 miTrail Description
Out-and-back, 2.4 miles total with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route includes the USFS Rimrock Spur B (Trail #79B), a Class 3 segment with a native-material (NAT) surface and a typical grade of 12–20%. The Rimrock Spur B segment is recorded at about 0.78 GIS miles, and the overall tread is natural/primitive. Expect native soil and rock footing, short steeper stretches on the spur, and trail conditions typical of a forested canyon single-track managed by Black Hills National Forest (U.S. Forest Service).
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Roughlock Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Roughlock Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are ideal for lush greenery and flowing water, while fall offers vibrant foliage. Winter provides a unique view of the falls with ice formations.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Black Hills National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms to avoid slippery rocks and steep drop-offs. Be cautious during winter as icy conditions may make paths hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
12 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 36 years of record
4.76 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE SPEARFISH CREEK NEAR LEAD, SD (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
12 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
12 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
13 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
15 cfs
3/10Tue
Low
15 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
13 cfs
6/10Thu
Barely Flowing
12 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to late June, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lead hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 230 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 5,099 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 331 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 347 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,099 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 230 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Roughlock Falls is located in Spearfish Canyon, accessible via Roughlock Falls Road off US Highway 14A. The road is well-marked and leads directly to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is free to use. It is typically spacious but may fill up during peak seasons.
Hours
Elevation
5,131 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.349893° N, -103.943011° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes if hiking, and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Check weather conditions during winter as snow may impact access.
Where to Stay
Iron Wood Lodge
Hampton Inn Lead
The Lodge at Deadwood
Spearfish Canyon Lodge
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Northern Hills-Spearfish
11.2 miles away · 0 sites
The Northern Hills Ranger District covers the northern portion of the Black Hills on the South Dakota side. Spearfish has nearby access to over 300 miles of snowmobile trails, groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski trails, a 100 mile long hiking trail (Centennial Trail) and many other trails, a 110 mile long biking, hiking and horseback trail (Mickelson Trail), and 2 downhill ski areas (ski areas are near Deadwood, SD - 15 miles away).
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and the town of Spearfish.
Wildlife
Visitors may spot deer, birds, and other wildlife common to the Black Hills region.
Cities near Roughlock Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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