You'll Want To Take This Top Secret Trail To The Best Swimming Hole In South Dakota
By Catherine Armstrong|Published May 10, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Once the heat hits in South Dakota, you’ll be ready to find the nearest swimming hole and plunge right in. Check out this gorgeous swimming hole that’s kind of a secret.
Devil's Bathtub is a secluded swimming hole that was once a well-guarded secret. You can hardly blame folks for keeping this place secret...just look at all this beauty!
If you want to find Devil's Bathtub, you'll start in Spearfish Canyon. Drive up the canyon past Bridal Veil Falls, and turn on Cleopatra Place, which takes you to a parking lot that's definitely become a lot more crowded now that the secret's out all over the Internet.
The trail to the swimming hole is just one mile, round trip, and you'll enjoy some of the beautiful, shady forest that makes Spearfish Canyon one of the best summer destinations in the state.
Wear some sturdy shoes that you can get wet, because you'll cross the creek several times during the hike. If you have small children with you, be prepared to carry them in spots.
The water cascades down several natural waterslides before emptying into the bathtub. You'll want to spend plenty of time here, relaxing in the cool water and enjoying the scenery.
If you visit, please practice Leave No Trace policies. Pack out any trash you bring in. If you bring your dog along, clean up after him, too. Help keep Spearfish Canyon and Devil's Bathtub pristine, as it was long before the secret was out.