You have heard the legends surrounding it and have maybe even had the chance to visit, but have you ever had the pleasure of visiting Devil’s Gulch during the fall? If you haven’t, you are missing out on what is surprisingly one of the best places in all of South Dakota to enjoy the fall colors! Let’s check it out:
Located near Garretson, the Devil's Gulch bridge is an old 1800's footbridge that towers over its namesake ravine.
As legend has it, Devil's Gulch is the site of one of South Dakota's most epic Old West incidents, which involved the outlaw Jesse James and one of his great escapes.
As the story goes, it was 1876 when James robbed a bank and found himself being pursued by local law enforcement, who surrounded him on the bridge and caused his horse's legendary jump over the gigantic canyon.
While the legitimacy of the story is up for debate, one thing is for sure: Devil's Gulch is one of the most beautiful spots in South Dakota that somehow manages to become even more lovely in the fall!
Please note: Since it is surrounded by incredible cliffs and mature trees, there is a short .5-mile out-and-back trail visitors must take to visit Devil's Gulch; however, the hike is deemed as easy.
To access Devil's Gulch, take I-90 to Exit 410 and turn north onto Hwy. 105 for 7 miles. Turn left and take Dows Street for
a half mile, then turn right onto Main Street, another right onto 5th Street, and a left through the gate into Devil's Gulch Park.