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.

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.

I'll always rate it 5 stars. I've been coming here my whole life. On this trip, One day we spent…read moreexploring the rocks under bridal veil falls and hiked the nature hike to roughlock falls and back. The next day we did Devils bathtub hike (about 1.6 miles round trip). Bring water shoes and be prepared to navigate a bit as the trail crosses the steam many times. We saw the lovely transplanted mountain goats that have been in the canyon for years now. Always a pleasure to see them. We were fortunate enough to come in June and got some cool weather to enjoy it all. Note: devils bathtub is not hot springs. lol. The canyon is super clean and facilities are all in great shape EXCEPT the vault toilets at Roughlock. They were the worst smelling things I have ever experienced. Please figure out something different. I wish I would have peed in a bush instead of going in there. Yuck!

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.

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.

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 an absolutely fantastic state Park! It was $25 per…read morecar, no discounts for entry, but that entrance is good for an entire week, they don't sell simple day passes, unfortunately We came here to drive the wildlife loop and we're not disappointed. We saw antelope, Buffalo, Prairie dogs, and even had the opportunity to feed the begging burrows. It wasn't super busy today either, I thought it would be on a holiday weekend so that was wonderful. Give yourself a good one to two hours as you need to drive slowly to see everything. There are a lot of baby buffaloes right now, so that was great fun

I had a ton of fun visiting this state park! There is lots of great nature and wild life to be…read moreseen, along with a variety of hiking trails for various fitness levels, or even just nature drives if you're not feeling a hike. My personal favorite spots were Legion Lake (both for the easy hike, and the Dockside Grill), and the Wildlife Loop (for the amazing Buffalo photo opportunities). I would definitely recommend checking out Custer!

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.

Nice trail, I would recommend going all season long…read more Have fun........................

Absolutely love the trail just hate the old sour grapes that ride it! They don't smile and act as…read moreif the trail is theirs.

While it is not a place that will take a while afternoon, it is well worth the stop. Lots of…read morebeautifully visual habitat displays. It's very relaxing to just sit and watch the fish in the tank. There are tons of learning opportunities for kids! There are some hands on learning items are available in each habitat setting. And each habitat display has so much depth! There are so many small details that help make up the whole thing! There is also a nook of books for reading. I wish we had something like this where I am from! We didn't get to explore more.of the grounds, as a pretty heavy storm was coming gin and we left just as it hit. We will definitely stop by again next time we visit!

Highly educational. Great for homeschooling and learning about the outdoors . I give it 5 stars.read more

Jewel Cave is a must see if you're passing through Custer, SD. It is so amazing and wonderful site…read moreto see and experience the creation our planet's gives us. Such a rich historical site in geological formations; will leave you in awe. The cave is so big and such a mystery leaving you with so many questions that go unanswered. The guides give you a good explanation on how things formed and happened in the cave but it still makes you question the answers they give. The planet offers so much beauty and this cave is one of the beauties it offer. Stop by and experience the underground mystery at Jewel cave.

I love caves, and I loved the Scenic Tour I went on! This cave is one of the world's longest caves,…read morewith passages still being explored and mapped out to this day. I thought the tour was very well done, and I saw a lot of calcite crystals (and other formations) which gave the cave its name. Be warned though, you have to bundle up for the tour as the inside is 49°F / 9°C year-round, and you must wear closed-toe shoes. The Scenic Tour itself is a guided tour that has over 700 steps and covers 1/2 miles underground. Some of the pathway's ceilings are low, so if you're tall be sure to duck when the ranger tells you. There is lighting all the way so you can see when the low sections are coming. I learned a lot about the cave, its history, and how it's currently being maintained. The steel walkways have catch trays for lint and other stuff that falls off of guests, and when they clean it annually it has around 17 lb of "stuff". They really try to balance cave preservation with accessibility to the public. I highly recommend this tour.