Beautiful trail, when you have a natural miracle in full view practically every step of the way *0*…read more . Fun fact: the story goes that as the magma cooled, it shrunk and formed stress points that radiated outward to form hexagons (the rock columns you see today). Furthermore, erosion wore away the softer ground surrounding the monument, revealing the formerly buried laccolith. + A peaceful stroll. Plenty of nature to enjoy. + Good amount of shade throughout this loop trail. - A bit crowded. It was a pain driving in. Long line of slow-moving cars. In the middle of the week on a non-holiday at that. Don't wanna imagine the traffic on the weekend/holiday xP + Restrooms and water throughout the trailhead. - But one restroom doesn't lock, another's disgusting. - There's no civilian route to the summit. Only freeclimbing. Is your jet pack ready? I didn't manage any encounters of the third kind. Maybe you'll have better luck ;D Thanks Evan for the suggestion!

Absolutely phenomenal! We did the tower trail around the base of the tower and we spent about two…read morehours meandering along the trail. There were plenty of informational signs, benches, binoculars, and viewing areas. The trail itself was fairly easy with a couple ups and downs but nothing difficult

We started down Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls,…read moreand Roughlock Falls. Roughlock Falls was our last stop. If you drive pass the trailhead parking lot and keep going down to the end, after you pass the "Roughlock Falls" sign, you will see a parking lot that will lead you closer to the falls. It's 1.5miles from the trailhead but this location only took us a total of 35mins with photos in between. Not difficult, just a few zig zags. We had youngest of 4 to 70s and we all made it. These falls are described as low cascading falls. It's not up high.

Driving through Spearfish Canyon we knew we had to hutches waterfalls. Roughlock is one of the most…read morepicturesque I've seen. There are two ways to get to the falls. 1) park at the trail head and make your way up ~1 mile or 2) drive up above the falls where there is a short accessible path with lookout. The view from the top aren't great but at that location you can walk down a paved path (although steep and not accessible) to the bottom of the falls. This is the view you want! The falls aren't the highest but at the pool they then separate out in multiple paths over moss covered rocks. The stream is completely clear and you can easily see fish which is great for little ones to look for. This is a must do for anyone driving through spearfish.

The sheer beauty of the waterfalls is worth the visit. The water is so clear, you can see the fish…read moreswimming. It's like looking through glass. The water is ice cold which was a relief on a hot day. We just soaked our feet for a few minutes and that was enough.

This is such a pretty drive and worth checking out, even if you're not planning on doing any hikes…read more The canyon walls look so steep and during the sunset they get pink-tinged. I saw a bunch of mountain goats right next to the highway, and it was my first time seeing them since they're supposed to be shy! Be sure to drive slow so you can catch the wildlife and also not hit any of them. Some turkeys were there and they did not have any street smarts, if you know what I mean. Bridal Veil Falls is right off the highway, and very accessible. I also checked out Devil's Bathtub, although I didn't get in since it was freezing cold! Be aware that there are about 7 or so river crossings (you basically follow the stream up) so either be good at balancing on the rocks or be prepared to get wet.

Gorgeous trail that is pretty easy and leads to the falls. Only downside is that there were human…read morefeaces laying around it was so gross people shitting on a hiking path even I pick up after my dog

Don't let the short distance fool you, that incline is a beast... at least it was for me! The…read moreuphill really worked the muscles after the falls trails "warm up" - the walk back to the Savoy trailhead was a great way to cool down. Located across the street from the lodge, watch for the sign... trailhead doesn't have a parking area- park in 1 of the lots across the street, or at Savoy trailhead, if you want to add a mile ea way of easy walking on a sunny, paved trail. The view from the top is lovely but, for me, this one was all about the climb & the sendory fulfillment the trail brought with it. The scent of pine, the warm air with a slight breeze & plenty of shade to protect you from direct sunlight. It wasn't heavily populated. There are ample rest areas and signs to warn you what you're in for. I've only included pictures from the 76 Trail. Ss mentioned, it's next to the falls trails as well (See Savoy Trailhead & Roughlock Falls) - if knocking of the 76 Trail, I suggest a trek to 1 set of falls pre and the other post - these trails are located to the left of the restaurant and behind the lodge, over the foot bridge. Each is in the -mile range.

This is a quick trail with a slight increase in elevation and an accessible tower, as well as a…read morelarge deck overlook & some wonderful views! There is a large parking lot with toilets, plenty of seating areas and picnic tables to enjoy. Note: it is a well-used trail, despite notations of low use on trail info sites.

The views at the top of Black Elk Peak are so beautiful! The trail leading up to the peak is a…read moresteady incline with one short stretch where it goes downhill. Due to the incline, I recommend wearing a water pack to make sure you stay hydrated. It's the highest point in South Dakota and you will want to spend some time at the top taking in the views! There are also plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and enjoy soaking in the views!

It took me and my pals 3hrs and 15mins to come up and down this peak (fast paced group but took…read moreshort breaks). I'm an athlete and my hips were very stiff by the end. This one's not for the weak !! We were in the clouds by the time we got up there (about 4:40p) but it was still so beautiful. Lots of photo ops along the way.

If you're driving through Spearfish Canyon and don't stop at Bridal Veil Falls, what are you even…read moredoing? This is hands down one of the easiest--and most rewarding--waterfalls you'll ever visit. The falls drop about 60 feet straight down a dramatic canyon wall, and the best part? You can literally park right next to it. No hike, no sweating, no "is this worth it?" moment halfway in--just instant payoff. What makes this spot hit even harder is the setting. Spearfish Canyon is already unreal, with towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, and dense forest. Then you turn a corner and boom--waterfall just casually existing like it's no big deal. We loved how accessible it is, but it still feels wild and natural. You can walk right up to the base, feel the mist, and take it all in without dealing with huge crowds (depending on timing). Pro tip: if you can, hit this spot in the fall or winter. Fall brings insane colors, and winter turns the waterfall into this massive frozen ice wall that looks straight up fake. Quick stop, huge payoff. Easily one of the best roadside attractions in South Dakota. Follow us for more hidden gems on our socials @reessroots

Driving on spearfish canyon scenic highway on the way to Spearfish falls and noticed cars parked in…read morea small lot. Parked and Walked across the highway to a deck and there was the Bridal Veil Falls. No hike needed for those that are not hikers. Nature has so much to offer. Worth a stop!!! If you're lucky, you might see animals near by.

Loved this area and enjoyed the solitude, the hike, the lake and the trails. Definitely recommend.read more

Fabulous! Great little store inside, and some history too. Books and a few gift items available…read more Be respectful and do not take pictures of their holy items. Kind people running it. Answered a question I had about snakes. I love learning and they teach you what you need to learn. God bless.

I can't rate a park anything less than 5 stars; this is a small national park and easy to spend…read morehalf a day here and add in to a trip. This was a last minute addition so we missed the opportunity to do a cave tour. Next time! The visitor center is surprisingly large and really neat even if not visiting the cave. You can walk to the original entrance of the cave from the visitor center which is neat to see and "cool" to feel cold the air blowing out of the opening. We saw soooo many bison! And a coyote hunting prairie dogs! This national park doesn't charge an entrance fee to walk around or drive thru, so if you are in the area and maybe missed wildlife at the state park, it's worth a drive through to try and catch a view of some animals! Make sure your kiddos get junior ranger badges at the visitor center!

There's a whole hidden world under the prairie. The Garden of Eden Tour took us deep underground…read morethrough narrow passageways and into rooms full of rare boxwork formations and delicate honeycomb patterns that make this cave so special. Down there, everything feels slower. It's quiet, cool, and feels almost untouched. Then you step back outside and it's a complete contrast. Open skies, rolling hills, and bison grazing in the distance like something straight out of a movie. Two totally different worlds in one park.