Best Waterfalls in South Dakota: 12 Local Favorites and Hidden Gems

Are you planning to visit South Dakota or just looking for some beautiful nature spots to explore in your local area? Check out my guide to the best waterfalls in South Dakota. Here, you will find 12 stunning waterfalls and cascades, ranging from popular tourist spots to hidden gems and waterfall hikes!

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Tallest Waterfalls in South Dakota

SD may not be known for its towering falls, but that doesn't mean the state doesn't have any impressive cascades. In fact, the state boasts several waterfalls worth seeking out, including Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls. While they may not be the tallest falls in the world, these three falls are certainly among the biggest waterfalls in South Dakota, and each one offers its own unique beauty.

1. Bridal Veil Falls

• Location: Spearfish
• Popularity: Busy on weekends and holidays but quieter on weekdays and early mornings
• Need to Know: Arrive early or choose weekdays to avoid crowded parking. The viewing areas are easily accessible, though the short hike to the base of the falls has uneven terrain. Facilities like restrooms and picnic areas are nearby. Watch out for slippery rocks, especially if hiking

Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota - the location of most of the falls on this list - accessible from the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (aka Spearfish Canyon Highway). The falls are in Spearfish Canyon, a beautiful area known for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational activities. What makes Bridal Veil Falls so special is its unique appearance.

The falls cascade down a 60-foot cliff face, creating a delicate and picturesque veil-like effect. You can view the falls from different vantage points, including a nearby overlook, roadside, or by taking a short hike to the base of the falls. The hike is relatively easy and takes you through a lush forest filled with wildflowers and other flora. In addition to the falls, when visiting Spearfish Canyon, you can enjoy other highlights such as Roughlock Falls, Iron Creek Lake, and the impressive limestone cliffs towering over the canyon.

2. Spearfish Falls

• Location: North Lawrence
• Popularity: Moderate to heavy visitor traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Weekdays and early mornings typically offer quieter times to visit
• Need to Know: Parking can fill up quickly

Spearfish Falls is a stunning waterfall in the Black Hills National Forest. It's a popular destination for hikers due to its accessibility and natural beauty. The falls are in Spearfish Canyon, a scenic drive that winds through towering cliffs and forested hillsides. What makes Spearfish Falls stand out is its unique structure and the way the water cascades down the rocks. The falls drop 47 feet, creating a breathtaking display that's even more beautiful in person if you can believe it!

To access the falls—you can take the Little Spearfish Falls Trail, conveniently located behind the Latchstring Restaurant. This trail spans 0.8 of a mile out and back, offering a well-maintained, accessible route to the base of the falls. Perfect for families, the trail showcases a variety of plant and animal life, including wildflowers, birds, and butterflies, making it an enjoyable year-round destination for all.

3. Roughlock Falls

• Location: South Lawrence
• Popularity: Attracts a moderate level of visitors, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Weekdays and early mornings typically offer quieter times to visit
• Need to Know: Parking near the trailhead fills up fast, especially during peak times. Arriving early or visiting on weekdays is best for finding a parking spot. The trail to the falls is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, but expect some uneven terrain

Roughlock Falls, located in Spearfish Canyon, is a striking natural feature. Formed by Little Spearfish Creek, it cascades down a 50-foot limestone ledge. Set within the Black Hills National Forest - the falls offer stunning scenery and clear waters, attracting nature lovers to the area. To access the trails leading to Roughlock Falls, you can park your vehicle at the designated parking lot near the falls. From there, a well-marked trail takes you through the forest and along a creek to the falls.

The trail is relatively easy and suitable for visitors of all ages, making it a popular destination for families. While visiting Roughlock Falls, you can also explore the surrounding area, home to several other natural attractions and hiking trails. The area is also rich in history, with several historic sites and landmarks nearby.

Best Waterfall Hikes in South Dakota

Ready for some awesome waterfall hikes in South Dakota? Check out Devil's Bathtub, Sunday Gulch Trail, Hippie Hole: South, and The Lost Trails: Lower Loop (Lake Loop). Let's go explore!

4. Devil's Bathtub

• Location: Lead
• Popularity: The trail can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. It's best to visit early in the day or on weekdays for a quieter experience on the trail
• Need to Know: This hike features multiple water crossings, which can be challenging, particularly in spring. While not steep, the trail requires technical skills with boulder-crawling and steep scrambles. The trail is marked with orange ribbons. Despite the difficulties, the views of the river valley and clear mountain water make the hike worthwhile

The Devil's Bathtub hike in Spearfish Canyon is a popular 1.6-mile trail that's known for its unique geological features and picturesque scenery. As you trek on this adventure, you can expect to traverse through a leafy forest, cross wooden footbridges, and navigate rocky terrain. The highlight of the hike is reaching the "Devil's Bathtub," a natural pool formed by cascading waterfalls. The clear, turquoise waters of the bathtub are a refreshing sight after a challenging moderate hike, making it an ideal spot to cool off and take a dip on a hot day.

5. Sunday Gulch Trail

• Location: Custer
• Popularity: This is a popular trail
• Need to Know: To hike the trail at Custer State Park, there is an entrance fee. The trail begins with a rocky descent, where handrails are provided, and there may be occasional ice and mud. The first half of the trail is easier, while the second half has uphill sections that require more experience.

The Sunday Gulch Trail is a beautiful hiking trail situated in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is a bit challenging, but it's worth the effort, as it offers epic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is a 3.9-mile loop and is well-marked, but there are rocky areas and steep inclines that you'll need to navigate.

One of the highlights of the trail is a beautiful waterfall, which is a perfect spot for taking photos amidst the lush greenery, mossy rocks, and tall pine trees. As you walk along the trail, you'll encounter different types of terrain, from rocky outcroppings to narrow paths by the stream, all of which are connected by bridges and boardwalks. Although the hike is challenging, it's a great opportunity to experience the state's nature and see the majestic waterfall. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as it can get strenuous. The trailhead is located at Sylvan Lake, where you can enjoy a picnic by the calm waters of the lake, which adds to the experience.

6. Hippie Hole: South

• Location: Mount Rushmore Unorganized Territory
• Popularity: Can be busy during warm weather and peak tourist season. Visit in the early morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds
• Need to Know: The trail has steep, rocky sections. Avoid using Google Maps for directions, as it may direct you to the north trail with a rough gravel road. Instead, take the south trail, which has a parking area off the road

The Hippie Hole: South near Keystone is a 1.6-mile, out-and-back hiking trail that offers a moderate trek through wooded areas along a creek. The trail leads to a tranquil swimming spot with clear, emerald-green waters called the Hippie Hole. The waterfall cascades into a peaceful pool, creating the perfect place to take a dip. Surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, the Hippie Hole is a fun hike that takes a little bit of effort to get to, but the cascade and swimming hole make it worth the effort!

7. The Lost Trails: Lower Loop (Lake Loop)

• Location: Custer
• Popularity: Popular for hiking, running, and walking. Moments of solitude during quieter times.
• Need to Know: To hike the trail at Custer State Park, there's an entrance fee. The terrain varies, including rocky, flat, and steep areas, making navigation tricky. Watch for markers to stay on track

The Lost Trails: Lower Loop (Lake Loop) is a 1.6-mile loop trail in Custer State Park. It is considered moderately challenging with some elevation gain but provides beautiful views of the center lake and a waterfall. The Lost Trails are a series of old trails constructed in the 1930s by the CCC, which were lost and forgotten for many years. Recently, some portions have been found and feature stunning overlooks, unique rock steps, and strenuous climbs. Approximately two-thirds of the marked trails are original, while the rest have been filled in by park staff. Overall, the Lost Trails: Lower Loop is a fantastic hiking trail for those who love a bit of a challenge, a waterfall, some history, and stunning views.

Accessible Waterfalls in South Dakota (No Hiking Required)

The most well-known accessible hikes are the first three mentioned in this article, Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls, but I wanted to give you, reader, a couple more options! Let's dive a little deeper and get to know Sioux Falls at Falls Park and Kidney Springs Falls a little bit more.

8. Sioux Falls at Falls Park

• Location: Sioux Falls
• Popularity: Often busy
• Need to Know: There is free parking and no entry fee. There are paved pathways and observation decks.

Sioux Falls at Falls Park is located in the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is a beautiful landmark that features a series of cascading waterfalls on the Big Sioux River. You can expect to see fantastic views of the falls, as well as a variety of other attractions. The park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as walking, biking, and picnicking.

There are also several historical landmarks located within the park, including the Queen Bee Mill and the ruins of the seven-story Sioux Falls Light and Power Company building. Accessibility to viewing the falls is very easy as several viewing platforms and walkways allow you to get up close and personal with the falls. Additionally, there are several picnic areas and playgrounds located throughout the park, making it a great place to spend the day with family and friends. Overall, Sioux Falls at Falls Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Sioux Falls.

9. Kidney Springs Falls

• Location: Hot Springs
• Popularity: Rarely busy
• Need to Know: Located off Minnekahta Ave., across from Inn by the River

Kidney Springs Falls is a beautiful spring-fed waterfall located in Kidney Springs Park, Hot Springs, South Dakota. The park offers a peaceful and scenic setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sound of flowing water. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy the falls, as the park provides easy accessibility to viewing areas via paved pathways.

The park is also home to a natural mineral spring known for its reputed health benefits, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can park their vehicles along North River Street to view the falls from across the Falls River or cross the bridge to walk along a paved trail leading directly to the falls.

Best Waterfalls Near Rapid City

Explore these falls near Rapid City, from Spearfish Community Caves to Cascade Falls and the picturesque Iron Creek Trail. Perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway filled with exploration.

10. Spearfish Community Caves

• Location: Spearfish
• Popularity: Although it is not unknown, there are plenty of times when the trail is not busy
• Need to Know: Accessible via a short, half-mile trail. Steep terrain and loose rocks on the trail

The Spearfish Community Caves are a network of underground caves located near Spearfish, South Dakota. Tucked away in the canyon landscape - these caves boast a stunning waterfall and a series of shallow and large caverns. In terms of proximity to Rapid City, the Spearfish Community Caves are about an hour's drive to the northwest. While the drive can be a bit long, it's worth the day trip for those interested in exploring caves. One of the most unique features of the Spearfish Community Caves is the frozen waterfall that can be found inside. During the winter months, the waterfall within the cave freezes over, creating otherworldly formations that are really cool to see in person if you get the chance.

11. Cascade Falls

• Location: Hot Springs
• Popularity: Busy in the summertime
• Need To Know: Watch out for poison ivy and rattlesnakes in the area

Cascade Falls is an inviting swimming spot just an hour from Rapid City, easily accessible off Highway 71, about 9 miles south of Hot Springs. Fed by six springs, the water stays at a refreshing 67 degrees, great for cooling off on hot days. While not a traditional hot spring, it's warmer than your average creek. The falls, more of a cascade, flow gently over rocks, creating a relaxing atmosphere. With varying depths, you can wade, swim, or jump from the rocks into deeper sections. Overall, it's a perfect place to unwind on a summer day and check out the cascades.

12. Iron Creek Trail

• Location: Lead
• Popularity: Rarely busy or crowded
• Need to Know: After 1 mile, the creek is typically dry, and the trail narrows; you can turn back at this point. A portable toilet is available a quarter-mile beyond this point, at the end of the trail.

Iron Creek Trail is a 2.5-mile, out-and-back trail in the Black Hills National Forest, approximately an hour from Rapid City. It's a fantastic option for families and those looking for a quick and easy adventure. The trail is surrounded by cliffs and trees and follows a lovely, meandering creek with rapids and several small waterfalls along the way. The terrain is relatively easy, but comfortable shoes are recommended. You can find the trailhead a few miles past Bridal Veil Falls, and there's a small pullout parking lot at the beginning of the trail.

Have you been to any of these nature spots? Let us know if there are any waterfalls we've missed that should have been included on this list.