Roughlock Falls Trail

The Roughlock Falls Trail is nearly a mile-long trail in South Dakota’s Little Spearfish Canyon that leads to Roughlock Falls. The parking area and trailhead for this hike is located off Roughlock Falls Road just off U.S. Highway 14A in Savoy. It is just south of the Spearfish Canyon Lodge. The trailhead is well marked and there is a well-maintained restroom nearby. Dogs are allowed on the trail when on a leash. There are no fees to use this trail.

A short distance from the trailhead there is a dam on Little Spearfish Creek. Hikers can easily access the dam from the trail. Look for brown trout in the clear water there. The trail follows above Little Spearfish Creek on a wide trail. There are wonderful views of Little Spearfish Canyon to be had along the way. The trail has a very gradual elevation gain and there are several benches located along the trail. This makes the hike suitable for most abilities. The trail ends at a viewing platform for Roughlock Falls. The waterfall flows down a chasm and then cascades over a 50-foot limestone ledge. The falls gets its name from a practice where wagon drivers would roughlock their wagon wheels (tie their wagon wheels in place) to prevent the wheels from rolling freely when going down the grade of an old wagon road.

For those who prefer not to take this pleasant hike, the falls can also be accessed by driving about a mile on Roughlock Falls Rd to Roughlock Falls Park. There is a restroom here as well as picnic tables.