Hi there!
So you want to get to the Roughlock Falls trailhead!
This is a part of South Dakota’s state park system in Spearfish Canyon Nature Area.
There are actually 2 ways that you can see Roughlock Falls.
The first way is to park at the Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot, and then hike the pretty flat Roughlock Falls Trail that will take you to the waterfalls.
This is a nice nature walk through the forest and it comes with views of the canyon in part along the way.
If you’d rather not walk so much, then you can also drive further past the first Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot that you come across.
You’ll be driving on Roughlock Falls Road, and this will basically take you to the same spot that you can hike to.
The drive also comes with scenic views of the canyon.
And because you will get grand views of the canyon along Roughlock Falls Road…
If you hike Roughlock Falls Trail, I think a perfect way to get back to the Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot is to walk the road back, instead of taking the same trail you hiked back!
Now, because it’s a dirt road and cars are driving it, you do get a lot of dust that’s kicked up every time a car drives by.
But if you don’t mind that every now and then, then it’s a beautiful walk with canyon views to get back to the Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot!
More below about getting to the Roughlock Falls trailhead!
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How to get to the Roughlock Falls trailhead
I went to the Roughlock Falls trailhead as part of a drive from Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower. (That was a drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone with Spearfish Canyon along the way!)
This means that I was driving in the direction of Savoy SD to Spearfish SD.
Coming from Mount Rushmore, my time in Spearfish Canyon started in Savoy.
And, it’s at this junction to start driving the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway that you’ll find the turn-off for the Roughlock Falls trailhead.
Once you’re in Savoy, you’ll see a sign for Roughlock Falls, so you’ll follow the sign.
You’ll be turning onto Roughlock Falls Road.
Then, once you make that turn, you’ll pass the Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
Then you’ll see a sign for the 76 Trail. This is where you start the 76 Trail.
I did not do the 76 Trail, but according to the people of Visit Spearfish, it seems like a worthy hike! So if you want to do this, the Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot can be good for that too. It’s listed as a 1.5 mile round trip difficult hike in which you will be hiking UP for vast views of the Black Hills!
Shortly after the 76 trailhead, the road will turn into a dirt road.
Then, almost immediately after that, you’ll see another sign for Roughlock Falls along with the Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot.
It will be a sign for “Roughlock Falls trailhead parking” and “Roughlock Falls.”
If you want to go to the Roughlock Falls Nature Area for the quicker way to see Roughlock Falls, you’ll keep driving straight ahead.
If you want to hike to Roughlock Falls (aka if you want to start the Roughlock Falls Trail), this first parking lot you see for the Roughlock Falls trailhead is your destination!
The parking lot is obvious and you will see it directly alongside the road.
There is a bathroom at the Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot.
You will see the start of the Roughlock Falls Trail directly at the parking lot!
And off you go to start hiking to Roughlock Falls!
And then once you’ve taken in the views at the Roughlock Falls Nature Area, then you can head back to the parking lot!
Go back the same way you came, or walk Roughlock Falls Road back!
And that’s a bit about the Roughlock Falls trailhead!
I went to the Roughlock Falls trailhead parking lot in September 2021. Your experience may vary!
More of the Black Hills and beyond:
- Things to do in the Black Hills
- Things to do in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Things to do in Custer State Park
- Things to do in Devils Tower National Monument
- Targhee National Forest waterfalls in Idaho
- National forest cabins in Wyoming
HAPPY DRIVING TO THE ROUGHLOCK FALLS TRAILHEAD PARKING LOT!
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