Roughlock Falls

Spearfish Canyon is one of the many jewels of the Black Hills. Tucked between the canyon walls are several wispy waterfalls and gobs of gorgeous views. One of our favorite ways to experience these excellent views as wells as the waterfalls is the hike to Roughlock Falls.

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The trailhead to Roughlock starts right behind Spearfish Canyon Lodge. Well marked and fairly level, the trail treats hikers to sweeping vistas of the limestone canyon and clear Spearfish Creek before they reach the falls.

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The falls get their name from early pioneers who rough locked the wheels of their wagons before lowering them to the canyon floor. The lower, multi-tiered falls lace their way through the canyon, while the upper falls plunge over a 50 foot ledge.

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Hikers wind their way around several viewing platforms for spectacular views of the cascading falls. In total, the hike to Roughlock Falls is about 2 miles round trip.

For more waterfall hiking, take the 1.5 mile round trip jaunt to Spearfish Falls. This trailhead starts across the road from Spearfish Canyon Lodge. The easy hike provides close views of the many-veiled falls.

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For more hiking in the Black Hills and Badlands, see our posts on Devil’s Bathtub, Sunday Gulch and Notch Trail as well as a visit to Mount Rushmore.

Happy Adventuring, Rochelle