Spearfish Falls
South Dakota • 47 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Spearfish Falls
Spearfish Falls tumbles about 47 feet into a fern-lined bowl in the heart of Spearfish Canyon, offering a compact but photogenic stop for canyon drives and day hikers. The falls sit within a State Recreation Area (designation: SREC) managed by SPR, and their sheltered setting—framed by steep canyon walls and mixed forest—makes them a favorite for nature photography and a quick, refreshing outing in any season. Reaching the falls requires a short hike that rewards visitors with close-up views and the steady roar of cascading water. The site’s accessible location and moderate approach make it an inviting detour for families and outdoor enthusiasts exploring Spearfish Canyon and the surrounding recreation lands managed by SPR.
The Setting
Spearfish Falls sits at 4,951 feet within State Recreation Area, fed by the Little Spearfish Creek, in the mountains of South Dakota. The falls drop 47 feet.
Height: 47 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; the USFS-specific surface/grade/class data are not provided for this trail. The path is a well-maintained forested trail that descends toward the base of the falls, offering scenic canyon views along the way. Rated moderate, the trail is suitable for most hikers who are comfortable with a few steeper sections and some uneven footing near the stream and waterfall viewing areas.
What to Expect
The falls drop 47 feet. 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 Spearfish Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Spearfish Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the water flow is at its peak, and the surrounding vegetation is lush. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant autumn colors.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain or during winter months. Stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the environment or risking injury.
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 102 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 47 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 4,962 feet.
The ground changes about 44 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 107 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and 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
- 4,962 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 102 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
Spearfish Falls is located in Spearfish Canyon, near the town of Spearfish, South Dakota. It is accessible via Highway 14A, also known as the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. The trailhead is located near the Latchstring Inn restaurant.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a parking area near the Latchstring Inn restaurant, which provides access to the trail leading to the falls.
Elevation
4,951 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.352827° N, -103.929701° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
Where to Stay
Iron Wood Lodge
The Lodge at Deadwood
Travelodge by Wyndham Spearfish
Hampton Inn Lead
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Northern Hills-Spearfish
10.8 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
Nearby attractions include Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, birds, and other small wildlife in the area. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Spearfish Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Spearfish Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.