Last Updated on: 23rd July 2025, 07:53 am
Situated along a 19-mile stretch of South Dakota’s Highway 14A, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is fast gaining a reputation as one of the state’s top scenic drives. Much of the area’s beauty can be enjoyed from the road and its numerous pullovers. But as we’ll cover below, various landmarks like caves and waterfalls need to be hiked to.
Beginning in the late 19th century, a railroad track once cut through the canyon to aid the local mining and lumber industries. But unsurprisingly, it quickly caught on with tourists who flocked to Spearfish Canyon for sightseeing and fishing.
Nevertheless, the tracks were dismantled in 1933 due to flood damage, while a road was built in its place. Today, Spearfish Canyon and its Scenic Byway are part of the larger Black Hills National Forest.
All in all, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is not very long, but it helps to come prepared so that you don’t miss anything, as there’s no signal within the canyon.
Various establishments in the Black Hills area provide free magazines which contain handy maps of the road and its landmarks. But it would also be helpful to have a digital aid.
Before your visit, you might want to download the free app called Organic Maps which features various viewpoints, trails and pullovers that don’t appear on Google Maps. Furthermore, those with an AllTrails subscription can find many of the individual hikes featured on it.
For more information on where to stay in the nearby town of Deadwood, be sure to check the end of the article. From Deadwood, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the town of Spearfish, from which you can access the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway from the north.
The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: From North to South
The Community Caves
For those starting from the north, the Community Caves hike is the first trail you’ll encounter. While the general location is marked on Google Maps, the trailhead is absent from many other maps, and you won’t find any on-site signage indicating that you’re in the right place.
And without any trail markers during the hike itself – not to mention the steepness of the ascent – this a rather risky hike. Only experienced and adventurous hikers should consider attempting to find the Community Caves.
If you’re up for the challenge, here’s what to expect:
A bit south of the trailhead is a small parking lot located on the opposite side of the road. The trailhead is tricky to find, as it runs parallel to the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and also on a lower level, so you’d never spot it without deliberately looking.
Heading north, you’ll reach the river which you’ll need to walk across. Someone has laid down logs to make the crossing easier, though if you end up at the wrong section of the river, you might not find anything to aid you.
While I didn’t realize it at the time, this hike is actually outlined on AllTrails. But I was using the free Organic Maps app to orient myself and ended up heading in the wrong direction after the river crossing. I found myself in the middle of a dense forest with no obvious trail, and I had to head back and start over.
Mostly through luck, I managed to spot an actual trail, and before long I encountered a steep and rocky hill that would ultimately lead to the caves.
While all of the other hikes in this guide are fairly easy, you might want to bring a trekking pole along with you just for the Community Caves hike – especially for the return trip.
Finally reaching caves, the effort definitely paid off. The cavern atop the hill is quite large, while it even has its own little waterfall. And turning around, you’ll be greeted with fantastic views.
While the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a fairly popular attraction nowadays, I had these caves all to myself, and this hike was arguably the highlight of my day.
Bridal Veil Falls
Located about 6 miles south of the Scenic Byway’s North Entrance, Bridal Veil Falls has been one of Spearfish Canyon’s top attractions for many years. After all, it’s located right along the highway and requires no hiking to see.
The falls are as high as 60 ft and would surely be impressive during the wetter months. Unfortunately, I arrived in late summer when Bridal Veil Falls is said to be at its weakest.
Shortly past the falls, I encountered one of Spearfish Canyon’s famous inhabitants along the side of the road: the Mountain Goat. While not native to South Dakota, they’ve been living in the Black Hills for roughly the last century.
According to legend, their ancestors originally escaped from a zoo that once operated in Custer State Park!
The Homestake Hydroelectric Plant
About halfway through the drive is a notable manmade landmark. From 1911, this hydroelectric plant was used to provide energy for the Homestake Gold Mine in nearby Lead, South Dakota. In fact, Spearfish Creek was even diverted by pipeline for the plant’s operation.
While this plant has long remained dormant, an even older plant established by the same company in 1911 is still in operation. It’s located by the Spearfish City Campground.
Also nearby here is a geological landmark called Victoria’s Tower, but I’m not entirely sure if I managed to spot it.
And just past it is another landmark called Kissing Rocks, which are a pair of boulders within Spearfish Creek. Again, I don’t think I saw them, as there often aren’t any signs to help visitors spot such landmarks.
Iron Creek
While I started the Iron Creek hike without any expectations, this turned out to be one of the most scenic and relaxing hikes in the area.
In total, the roundtrip hike stretches out to about 2.6 miles. Due to time constraints, I didn’t end up walking the whole thing. But in retrospect, I wish I had, as I enjoyed this hike more than some of the others featured below.
There’s not any single particular highlight of the hike, which is so flat and easy that it’s perhaps better described as a walk.
But the morning light shining on the surrounding limestone cliffs, combined with the soothing sound of the rushing water, makes this one of Spearfish Canyon’s most picturesque and tranquil sections.
Savoy
Upon reaching the village of Savoy, you’ll be able to take a break from driving, as the central parking area serves as a hub for multiple hikes.
But Savoy isn’t quite your typical village, as all of the establishments here – which include hotels and restaurants – seem entirely built for tourism.
Below we’ll be covering the hikes to Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls, as well as ’76 Trail. While I didn’t end up doing it, you can also try the Savoy Trail that leads to Savoy Pond, about two miles away from central Savoy.
Spearfish Falls
Spearfish Falls is arguably the most impressive natural landmark around Savoy, and it’s also the easiest to reach. The trail begins from behind The Latchstring restaurant, and it’s about 1.5 miles roundtrip.
A short and gentle descent takes you to the waterfall, while you can stop to read informational signs about local flora and fauna along the way.
You’ll then reach the stunning Spearfish Falls a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush foliage.
'76 Trail
Returning to the center of Savoy, you can then proceed on foot to one of the other trails. In my case, I decided to try the ’76 Trail next.
While only 0.75 miles each way, the trail ascends 1,000 feet. After the Community Caves Trail mentioned above, this is the steepest and most tiring hike in the area. But is it wort the effort?
After a tough climb through the forest, I finally arrived at the viewing platform, only to find that much of the view was obstructed by trees. And while some parts of Spearfish Canyon were visible in the distance, the position of the sun in the morning was far from ideal.
As such, if you’re going to do this hike, you might want to try it in the afternoon. In any case, I wouldn’t consider the ’76 Trail as essential for most visitors.
Roughlock Falls
Yet another hike you can experience in the Savoy area is the trail to Roughlock Falls. At 1.8 miles roundtrip, it’s longer than the hike to Spearfish Falls, but it’s pretty much entirely flat throughout.
After a bridge taking you to the other side of Little Spearfish Creek, the dirt path to the falls runs parallel to the creek for the entire way.
While not as scenic as the Iron Creek Trail mentioned earlier, you will occasionally get to enjoy some nice views of the region’s limestone cliffs.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find Roughlock Falls to be nearly as impressive as Spearfish Falls, though perhaps it might look different during a wetter month.
Additional Info
Spearfish Canyon is definitely worth visiting during your time in South Dakota. But I’ve heard numerous people comparing it to Custer State Park, as if they were somehow equal in terms of scenery and hiking opportunities.
Personally, I wouldn’t even put Spearfish Canyon in the same league as Custer State Park, and would only consider a visit if you’ve already set ample time aside for both Custer and Badlands.
With that said, it only takes several hours to drive through the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and do the hikes mentioned above. As such, it’s easy to combine with other excursions.
Many people visit the canyon on their way to or from Wyoming’s Devils Tower. In my case, I drove through the canyon in the morning before a visit to Bear Butte State Park. For those based in Deadwood, Spearfish is just about thirty minutes away, so fitting it into your travel itinerary should be rather simple.
Not only is Deadwood a destination in its own right, but it also makes for a great base for destinations like Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon and Bear Butte State Park. As such, you’ll want to stay at least several nights.
I stayed at the Deadwood Gulch Resort which I have no complaints about. While not in the town center, it was an easy drive away, while you can also take a shuttle to town if you don’t feel like driving (or parking).
I had a peaceful and quiet stay, though my room was on the upper floor and not overlooking the parking lot. I’d imagine that guests staying on the ground floor facing the lot might have to deal with noise.
Other highly-rated, more central options include Four Points by Sheraton Deadwood, Celebrity Hotel, and Travelodge by Wyndham.