The largest waterfall along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, a 47-foot drop reached by an easy 0.7-mile trail.
Spearfish Falls drops about 47 feet at the base of roughly 1,000-foot limestone canyon walls near Savoy, inside Black Hills National Forest. The trail begins near the site of the historic Latchstring Restaurant along US Highway 14A, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, and reaches the falls in an easy 0.7-mile round trip with about 85 feet of elevation gain.
The canyon's limestone palisades are older than the Grand Canyon's rock, and the scenic byway itself is worth the drive regardless of the stop. Because this is national forest rather than a park unit, there's no entrance fee and the trailhead parking is free; check seasonal road conditions in winter before heading out.
Know before you go
Near the historic Latchstring site, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US-14A), south of Spearfish, SD.
Open year-round; check winter road and trail conditions.
0.7-mile out-and-back, easy, about 85 feet of elevation gain.
No entrance fee; Black Hills National Forest roads and trailheads here are free.
Natural-surface trail; not wheelchair accessible.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- USDA Forest Service — Black Hills National Forest, Northern Hills/Spearfish ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
