Roughlock Falls near Spearfish, South Dakota

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Roughlock Falls Nature Area

The Roughlock Falls Nature Area is located in Spearfish Canyon and is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills. The water feeding Roughlock Falls flows into Spearfish Canyon from Little Spearfish Creek. The limestone cliffs surrounding the falls give the area a magnificent appearance. Spearfish Canyon highlights millions of years of superbly crafted scenery into an outdoor wonder that is impressive and unique to the Black Hills.

Recent Improvements Completed	Located a mile west from the Scenic Byway at Savoy on FDR 222 in Spearfish Canyon Location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.) DOT Road Report Open year-round, day use only. Access is extremely limited in the winter. Please read winter access information at bottom of page. Park entrance license NOT required. Camping & Fees: No camping. Recreation: Hiking, picnicking, photography, fishing. Nature Observation: View many species of wildlife and birds including the rare American Dipper. Roughlock Falls c/o Regional Park Office 11361 Nevada Gulch Rd Lead, SD 57754 (605) 584-3896
In the fall of 2007 and spring of 2008, the Division of Parks and Recreation made improvements to the Roughlock Falls Nature Area. Including: Improved trail system and accessibility Improved access to viewing positions (board walks) Shoreline vegetation restoration Defined stream access points Improved parking New bridges New vault toilets New picnic tables Improved interpretive signing Map of Improvements
Recreational Opportunities
Roughlock Falls is spectacular to view and photograph. Designated walking paths and hiking trails provide the opportunity to explore the area. Bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing and picnicking can all by enjoyed in the nature area. Hiking the beautiful one mile trail from the lower trailhead is encouraged as parking in the upper parking lot is limited.
Bird Watching
Roughlock Falls is one of the few places in the Black Hills to observe the rare American Dipper. They can both walk and swim underwater.
Fishing
Little Spearfish Creek provides ample opportunities for fishing. Brown trout and brook trout can be found from the lower trailhead to the bridge below the falls.
Winter Access
The road from Savoy to Roughlock Falls is closed in the winter. This road is a snowmobile trail from Dec. 1 through March 31. There is a one mile hiking trail that goes from the lodge up to the falls that can be used all year round. However, snow and ice are not removed from this trail and it can become treacherous and icy. Use of this trail is at your own risk