These 6 Hidden Waterfalls In South Dakota Will Take Your Breath Away
Have you ever asked yourself, “What are the best waterfalls near me?” If you have, you’re in the right place. We took the liberty of seeking out hiking trails with waterfalls in South Dakota, and we must say that we are pretty pleased with the selection. And once you peruse our list of the best waterfall hikes in South Dakota, we think you will be too.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
Spearfish Canyon Highway, Spearfish Canyon Hwy, Spearfish, SD, USA
The name for this 60-foot waterfall couldn't be more fitting. The way the water sprays over the rocks looks like a white bridal veil, and it is simply gorgeous. It is part of Spearfish Canyon, but it isn't the only one in the canyon. There is also Spearfish Falls, which you'll read about next.
Water from the Spearfish Creek cascades 47 feet in a spectacular fashion at Spearfish Falls. At one point, it was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Black Hills. Today, you can still visit the beautiful falls and see their beauty for yourself.
For more info on Spearfish Falls in South Dakota, visit the Spearfish website.
Adjacent to the Spearfish Canyon is another carved chasm that features many gorgeous waterfalls cascading down its rocks. It is definitely understandable why it's one of the most photographed places in the Black Hills, and with the easily accessible trails along the way, you can't pass up bringing your camera to this spot to get some of your own shots.
For more info on Roughlock Falls in South Dakota, visit the Spearfish website.
Making its way out of the darkness of a former gold mine, Thunderhead Falls rushes out into the daylight and creates some beautiful falls, both within and outside of the mountain. It is located just 10 miles outside of Rapid City. If you want to, you can go into the mine to see where it drops from the ceiling, or you can just see them from outside. Either way, it's pretty impressive!
For more info on Thunderhead Falls in South Dakota, visit the Black Hills website.
6. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls, Northeast Fall River, SD 57747, USA
These delightful falls drop into a popular swimming hole near Hot Springs. The name of the place is fitting, as the water is always warm. It serves as one of South Dakota's oldest swimming holes and is still open for use today. With the soft murmur of the falls in the background and comfortably warm water, Cascade Falls beats a pool any day!
Well, what do you think? Does this answer your question, “Are there any must-see waterfalls near me?” Have you ever visited the waterfalls mentioned above? Know of any other hiking trails with waterfalls in South Dakota? Tell us!
These might be some of the best waterfall hikes in South Dakota, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only spots worth exploring. There are tons of can’t-miss treks in the state, including the five best hikes in South Dakota.
Address: Thunderhead Falls, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57702, USA
Address: Spearfish Canyon Highway, Spearfish Canyon Hwy, Spearfish, SD, USA
Address: Cascade Falls, Northeast Fall River, SD 57747, USA
Address: Roughlock Falls, South Lawrence, SD, USA
Address: Spearfish Falls, North Lawrence, SD 57754, USA
Address: Roughlock Falls, South Lawrence, SD, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
March 02, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
Aside from waterfalls near me, what are some other natural wonders to explore in South Dakota?
Waterfalls are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to natural wonders in South Dakota. There are tons of stunning sites in South Dakota to explore, including Cathedral Spires and Limber Pine Natural Area. Located within Custer State Park, the area is filled with finger-like granite spires, which rise from the forest floor, earning the natural area the distinction of one of the premier and most visually stunning spots in the Black Hills.
Are there any other hiking trails with waterfalls in South Dakota?
When it comes to hiking trails with waterfalls in South Dakota, there are several. Some falls are extremely popular. Others aren’t as widely known. Grizzly Bear Falls definitely falls into the latter category. The lesser-known waterfall is located near Mount Rushmore and can be easily reached via a short trail along the scenic Grizzly Bear Creek. And while the waterfall might be the highlight of the trail, it’s just one of the stunning sights found along its path. Cutting through the Black Hills, the trail boasts giant boulders, carpets of moss, and more.
Are there any other waterfalls near me in South Dakota?
There are several stunning waterfalls in South Dakota, including Sioux Falls. It’s truly the highlight of the 120-acre Falls Park – and for good reason. Standing at over 100 feet tall, thousands of gallons of water topple over the top of the waterfall every second. And while the cascade is the highlight of the park, it’s not the park’s only perk. The grounds also include a café, nature trail, historic sites, and more.
Address: Thunderhead Falls, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57702, USA
Address: Spearfish Canyon Highway, Spearfish Canyon Hwy, Spearfish, SD, USA
Address: Cascade Falls, Northeast Fall River, SD 57747, USA
Address: Roughlock Falls, South Lawrence, SD, USA
Address: Spearfish Falls, North Lawrence, SD 57754, USA
Address: Roughlock Falls, South Lawrence, SD, USA
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Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.
