Since this trail can easily be a long or a short hike, we decided to go for the short way. We parked in the parking lot close by the falls and just walked around, and we're delighted to see that there were when was a small waterfall through and a little further down, it placed to sit down and dip your toes in-- the water is super cold! We were very happy to see that it was a paved walkway. There was a restroom, although we did not use it because of the smell. If you really need to use it, though, I guess it's there. We did not end up using our stroller, but we did see somebody in a wheelchair there, so it is a great and accessible option. I would recommend this place to any, and everybody. It's absolutely beautiful and chasing waterfalls in South Dakota has now become one of my favorite things. read more

Roughlock Falls - Gorgous! - Hiking Near Me - Lead, South Dakota

We started down Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and 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. read more

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Driving through Spearfish Canyon we knew we had to hutches waterfalls. Roughlock is one of the most picturesque 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. read more

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So beautiful it's almost surreal and a very short hike to go see these falls about 5-10min from the parking lot only!!! read more

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It was SO AMAZING! There were gardens and picnic benches and a paved pathway and little bridges over the water. Truly like going to amazing gardens surrounded by cliffs and this waterfall...and a smaller one right below it. The pathways are amazing and we got a ton of gorgeous pictures!!! Wildlife and flowers all around! read more

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We love waterfalls. We hunt them down and enjoy them everywhere we go. This was the second falls we saw in SD and we liked it very much. We drove past the trailhead and were pleased to find a parking lot for the falls at the top, with some nice-for-a-park restrooms and very easy access to the falls. The paved walkway takes you to multiple views of the falls, the tallest section of them was a bit hard to really take in because of the curve of the canyon, but beautiful anyway. It wasn't crowded, either, which is always pleasant. It wasn't my favorite of the South Dakota falls in Spearfish Canyon area, but it was good. read more

Super cool! The hike was was fun and scenic and the Falls were really cool! I just wish there was a way to get a little closer or to the base of the falls. read more

Roughlock Falls - Hiking Near Me - Lead, South Dakota

The scenery around the falls is spectacular. The drive in was easy and there were only 2 other cars. The falls are nothing special but its an easy stop to make. read more

Came here on a weekday morning, nobody else here, snowed last night so road had a bit of snow on it. Trail had fresh powder, nobody else had been, I made the first footprints. Trail is flat, really pretty walk through the canyon with the river on the side. Waterfall was just alright, but really enjoyed the walk there and back, super pretty! read more

The Spearfish Falls Trail was a really pleasant trail with beautiful views and a nice well trafficked path. The falls are rather small but it was a great walk after having lunch at the Latchstring Restaurant. The trail is easy and great for families, children, beginners and nature enthusiasts. read more

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We visited Roughlock Falls after a light snowfall and it was absolutely beautiful! Great place to bring the whole family and get wonderful pictures throughout the year. Can't wait to see how it looks in the warmer months. Make sure you're wearing hiking boots or shoes that don't slide as some of the trails can get steep. I had on boots but they were slippery so I was limited on how far and where I could walk. I won't make that mistake again, lol. This place is gorgeous! read more

Roughlock Falls - Roughlock Falls is beautiful any time of the year! - Hiking Near Me - Lead, South Dakota

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We were here during a light snow fall in May and it was absolutely beautiful! We parked in the lower parking lot and took the trail to the falls, I highly recommend this. If you are in the area I think this is a must if you are a nature lover! read more

Roughlock Falls - Hiking Near Me - Lead, South Dakota

Beautiful setting, foods ok, bar service is small but good. A great friend of mine got married here, was an awesome place to do such.

This is a must do if staying in the deadwood/lead area. The trail is easy and offers several heads so you can decide how long you want to hike to the falls. The scenery is stunning and the stream running up to the falls is crystal clear. The falls offer observation areas for great photos at various heights. Just above the falls is a great picnic area with restrooms and around the bend from that is a deck area where you can take off your shoes and wade in the stream which was ice cold. Perfect way to take in the stunning black hills. read more

A must-see and free waterfall if you are driving through SD's spearfish canyon scenic byway. Driving up, the trail head is the first bottom parking lot with a small sign on the left in front of a bridge that says "roughlock trail head". If you don't pay attention, you will miss it and drive up to the top 2 parking lots. The trail itself is about 2.1 miles and well-paved = really beginner friendly. The top 2 parking lots is where most people go as It requires very little hiking to the falls. Just follow the little wooden signs on the floor that says "falls" and direct you with arrows down a bit. There are 3 platforms that you can view the falls from: 2 at the top and 1 at the bottom. The trail head eventually leads you to these platforms as well. Basically you can take the easy route and hike to the falls or the easier route and drive to it. Your choice =) The bottom platform gives you a view of the bottom part of the falls, but not the top part of the falls as it is too far away. The top 2 platforms gives you a decent view of the top part of the falls but it is hard to get a good pic as there are a lot of foliage in the way. Also, the top platforms do not give you a view of the bottom part of the falls at all. I suggest going down to the bottom platform as it gives you the best view of Roughlock falls. This is a nice 20 minute stop that you will not regret. read more

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Nice waterfall.. not huge but nice for some pictures. You can drive or ride up the road but the hiking trail from the lodge is an easy walk and shaded. The walk is shorter than walking on the road. The road is not paved but the gravel is hard packed. read more

We were expecting a natural, peaceful place to contemplate and take a dip in the water, surrounded by the beauty of Spearfish Canyon. The canyon itself is wonderful but Roughlock Falls and nearby Spearfish Falls were too built-up for our liking. They have fences all over the place that kept us from enjoying the water and forced us to walk on paved paths. They are not the "hidden gems" that reviews around the internet led us to believe. We were used to exploring on our own throughout the Black Hills, so the heavily curated atmosphere here felt like Disney World in comparison to the other trails and scenic wonders of the region. The many fences all reeked of some sort of chemical that was recently applied. Hopefully the smell will be gone by next year, it inflamed our senses and kept us from enjoying the smells of the forest and creek. read more