Spearfish Falls
South Dakota · 47-foot drop · Black Hills National Forest · Last verified 2026-05-23
Spearfish Falls is a 47-foot plunge on Spearfish Creek in the Black Hills National Forest, reached by a 0.7-mile maintained trail from behind the Latchstring Inn in Savoy. One of three signature falls in Spearfish Canyon — the others are Roughlock (a mile up) and Bridal Veil (5 mi down US-14A). Best in spring snowmelt and after September rain. Trail is typically snowed in December through April.
The trail
0.7 miles each way, rated easy with 85 feet of elevation gain. Trailhead behind the Latchstring Inn restaurant on US-14A in Savoy. Free.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spearfish Falls (this page) | — | 47 ft | easy · 0.7 mi | Y | Free |
| Roughlock Falls | 1 mi | 59 ft | — | Y | Free |
| Bridal Veil Falls | 5 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Mirror Creek Falls | 15 mi | 7 ft | — | — | — |
| Upper Windy Pine Falls | 15 mi | 7 ft | — | — | — |
| Lower Windy Pine Falls | 15 mi | 5 ft | — | — | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~47 ft)
- Erie Falls47 ft
- Forever Falls47 ft
- Highway 123 Falls47 ft
- Ladder Falls47 ft
- Lizard Log Falls47 ft
Questions visitors ask about Spearfish Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Spearfish Falls?
Spearfish Falls is 47 feet (14.3 m) tall. Source heights disagree by source — see the discrepancy box on the page.
Is Spearfish Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Spearfish Falls is inside Black Hills National Forest. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Spearfish Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Black Hills National Forest permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Spearfish Falls?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Spearfish Falls. The basin at the base is shallow and rocky. Locals don't swim here — the appeal is the roar and the photograph.
When is the best time to visit Spearfish Falls?
Peak flow is typically May, June, September, October. Season-wise: spring, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Spearfish Falls?
No entrance fee. Black Hills National Forest is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Spearfish Falls from a major city?
Spearfish Falls is 1 miles from Savoy (about 2 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in South Dakota
Where it is
44.3529, -103.9299
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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