Spearfish Canyon Nature Area — Attraction in Lead

Absolutely stunning! On a hot day, the canyon cooled us off. Devil's Bath Tub hike was a nice challenge without water shoes. Could have gotten through it quicker if we were not worried about getting our feet wet. Spent about 2 hours in and out on that trail with some time hanging out by the water. Rocks are slippery. Kids were sliding (on purpose ) along a couple sections of the river and into the "bathtub". Lots of butterflies! The view of Bridal Veil Falls was worth stopping at and just a short hike to get right up to the falls.

We decided to drive to Roughlock Falls picnic area instead of doing the hike to the falls, and probably saved an hour, and still got many views of this most beautiful section of the canyon walking the boardwalk trail to the different view points of the falls, river and canyon walls. I wish we had more time here to explore Spearfish Falls we couldn't get to the Community Cave because we didn't have GPS working and the trail was not marked. We did encounter a rattlesnake as we attempted this trail, but we were off trail (lost?) and it was under some large rocks. We heard from others who completed this hike that it was a hard climb but worth it. And be sure to use the restroom before you enter the park because the only ones are more than halfway...

As with so many of our natural resources, national parks, and protected areas - the protection has disappeared and now these places are getting housing developments that are destroying the area. So disappointed to see only a scant few animals - only 1 tiny heard of 6 mountain goats and all of the trout are from the hatchery. Houses are being built everywhere - huge hulking houses that are destroying the landscape, the animal territory, and the beauty. The Black Hills are being destroyed by over building. These areas were supposed to be protected but no more thanks to government changing rules. Our mountains, animals, grasslands, trees, etc. All destroyed for people to over build, have 2nd and 3rd unnecessary houses, and overpriced rentals - disgusting developments. We expected a rich forested area of beauty and plenty of wild life. Sad to see humans are continuing to destroy for...

My wife and I drove to South Dakota for a vacation. One of the best vacations we've ever taken.

We went there with not true destination, no hotel rentals just decided whatever happened, happened

South Dakota is an amazing state, so many different geographical differences, flat land to moderate hills to the Badlands formations to grasslands to forests to the beauty of Spearfish canyon. Spearfish canyon are where these pictures were taken and we could of taken more but just wanted to see, feel and taste the scenery. We are thinking of moving there some day we love it so much and the South Dakotans that we had the pleasure of talking with were very pleasant. If you need a relaxing vacation I definitely recommend...