The Mount Rushmore State is home to more jaw-dropping waterfalls than we can count, but when it comes to these natural wonders at this most colorful time of year, there is one, in particular, that stands out as being the most gorgeous of all. Can you guess which it is? If you said Spearfish Falls in South Dakota, you would be correct! Come along as we explore this stunning spot while also enjoying the amazing fall colors in South Dakota.

Are you ready to enjoy the fall colors in South Dakota? Let's go!
TripAdvisor/William Spitzer
Located near South Dakota's "Queen City" of Spearfish is the aptly named Spearfish Falls: a stunning 47-foot-tall waterfall that is fed by the nearby Spearfish Creek.
Spearfish Falls is situated 12.8 miles south of the Spearfish Canyon north entrance.
TripAdvisor/seek-scenic
It is arguably one of the most lovely hikes and waterfalls in South Dakota, thanks to both the falls and the surrounding countryside.
It was once the most popular destination in the Black Hills, thanks to the Burlington Railroad line passing over it during the late-19th Century.
Wikimedia Commons
However, it became virtually unknown from 1917 through the early 2000s, when its water supply was diverted to a nearby hydroelectric plant that supported the Homestake Gold Mine (pictured). Because of this, Spearfish Falls is still often overlooked and less crowded, making for an even better experience.

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Spearfish Falls features both a 1.5-mile and .75-mile hike.
TripAdvisor/CrankingChick
Because they are both short trails, they are considered to be easily accessible with the trailhead located just behind the iconic Latchstring Restaurant near Central City. Need a great way to start or end your journey? We recommend having a meal at the Latchstring, too!
Are you new to hiking? No problem!
TripAdvisor/Teresa N
Both trails are relatively easy to navigate, with the longer path consisting of only a few moderate inclines and stairwells offer spectacular views.
While we happen to think that Spearfish Falls is a must-see year-round...
Google/Eriberto Orbase
... it cannot be missed during the fall season when the cascade is surrounded by the most vibrant colors!
Just look at all of these stunning fall hues!
Google/Eriberto Orbase
Any fall day trip adventure here will yield memories to last a lifetime.

For more information, visit the Spearfish Falls website as well as the Spearfish Falls Facebook page.

Have you had the pleasure of hiking to Spearfish Falls in South Dakota? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is among the best places to enjoy the fall colors in South Dakota? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

While you are in the area, we highly recommend you also take a guided hike of Spearfish Canyon. And if you’d like to explore even more hikes around the state, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more South Dakota adventures, take a look at this video:

 

 

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More to Explore

More adventures in South Dakota

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 03, 2023

Where can we find other hiking trails in South Dakota?

  • The Sunday Gulch Trail located near East Custer is a popular rustic country trail, in part because it is dog friendly.
  • The Notch Trail located near Interior features a waterfall and is great for bird watching.
  • The Bear Butte State Park Trail located in Sturgis leads through a beautiful pine forest and to the top of a mountain.

Read on to learn more about some of the other amazing hiking trails in South Dakota.

Where can we go camping in South Dakota?

  • Cedar Pass Lodge in Interior offers very affordable camping prices year-round.
  • Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon also features great hiking and water sports.
  • Big Pine Campground in Custer features basic tent sites and sites for RV hookups.

Read on to learn more about some of the other great places to go camping in South Dakota.

Where can we find lakes in South Dakota?

  • Pactola Lake in West Pennington is the largest reservoir in the region and features 14 miles of shoreline.
  • Horse Thief Lake in Mount Rushmore (South Dakota and Utah) features dramatic cliffs and abundant treed areas.
  • Legion Lake in the Black Hills in East Custer features stunning sheer cliffs and picturesque views of the surrounding natural landscape.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful lakes in South Dakota.

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