Right now
Right now as of Oct 29, 2026
- Status Open year-round for day use, per GFP.
- Permit None needed.
Status note (Oct 29, 2026): Open year-round for day use, per GFP. FS Road 222 from Savoy to the falls is closed Dec 15 through Mar 31 for snowmobile season; for winter 2026-27 that starts Dec 15, 2026. GFP keeps the trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge open year-round. Park phone 605.584.3896. What the status labels mean
Roughlock Falls is a tiered cascade on Little Spearfish Creek in South Dakota's Spearfish Canyon Nature Area, managed by Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). We list no height, since GFP and the Forest Service give none. GFP's current map lists the trail at 1.1 miles one-way, rated moderate, and there is no entrance fee. FS Road 222 to the trailheads is closed December 15 through March 31. As of October 25, 2026, GFP listed the area as open year-round.
About Roughlock Falls
Roughlock Falls spills over a series of limestone ledges on Little Spearfish Creek, just before the creek meets Spearfish Creek. GFP's trail map calls it "one of the more well-known waterfalls in South Dakota." Travel South Dakota goes further and calls it "the most popular of the canyon's four waterfalls."
We list no height for Roughlock Falls. Third-party figures range from 25 to 50 feet, and we found no figure from GFP or the Forest Service.
GFP manages the falls as part of the Spearfish Canyon Nature Area. Its page says the area "includes the Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and the Savoy Pond area," and that "A trail system connects all three areas." The nature area lies inside the Black Hills National Forest.
The Forest Service names Roughlock among the falls that make Spearfish Canyon "the best place in the Black Hills to see waterfalls." It notes that dispersed camping is not allowed in the canyon. It also notes that potable water is not available, so bring your own.
You may still see the older name. Travel South Dakota notes the site was formerly listed as Roughlock Falls Nature Area, and Wikipedia says the nature area was established in 2008.
The name comes from pioneer travel. Visit Spearfish says settlers lowered wagons down the drop here with the wheels locked, or 'roughlocked.'
Film fans know this side canyon too. Visit Spearfish places the winter camp site from 'Dances with Wolves' (1990) about 3 miles up Forest Service Road 222 from Savoy. Travel South Dakota adds that the American dipper lives here.
Getting there and parking
Start at Savoy on US 14A in Spearfish Canyon. There, FS Road 222, also called Roughlock Falls Road, forks west up Little Spearfish Canyon. Follow it about 1 mile to the Roughlock Falls trailheads and lots.
Driving FS Road 222 is possible only part of the year. GFP says, "FS Road 222 from Savoy to Roughlock Falls is closed from Dec. 15 through March 31 during snowmobile season." For winter 2026-27, the closure begins December 15, 2026.
When the road is closed, you walk in. GFP says, 'The trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge to Roughlock Falls is open year-round. Use at your own risk.' We could not confirm winter parking details, so call the park at 605.584.3896 first.
GFP's page states 'No entrance fee required' for the nature area. It also lists vault toilets, open year-round, plus picnic tables. The area is open year-round for day use only, and camping isn't allowed.
Savoy is also the starting point for Spearfish Falls, where a separate trail drops into the main canyon. GFP's trail system links the two areas, so you can see both from one base.
For a city waterfall on the other side of the state, see Falls Park in Sioux Falls. Our South Dakota waterfalls guide compares all three.
Map and nearby falls
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OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
The hike
GFP's current trail map sums up the route in one line: 'This trail follows Little Spearfish Creek up to Roughlock Falls.' It lists 'LENGTH: 1.1 miles (one-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate.' Plan on about 2.2 miles round trip.
Older figures are a little different. An earlier GFP sheet gave 1 mile one-way, rated easy. Black Hills & Badlands Tourism lists 2 miles round trip, also rated easy. We follow the current GFP map, and we found no official walking time or elevation gain.
At the falls, the GFP map marks upper, middle and lower observation areas. A Commons photo shows a railed wooden walkway beside the cascade, but we found no agency description of its length or layout.
If you drive FS Road 222 between April 1 and December 14, it takes you to the Roughlock Falls trailheads and lots. We could not confirm how far those lots are from the falls.
Accessibility is not settled. Black Hills & Badlands Tourism says the trail 'is handicap-accessible.' GFP rates it moderate, and we found no GFP accessibility statement. If you use a wheelchair or push a stroller, call 605.584.3896 and ask which section suits you.
South Dakota's park pet rule, ARSD 41:03:01:13, changes with the season. From April 1 to September 30, a pet must be "under immediate control on a leash not more than ten feet long." A pet under control more than 200 feet from others also meets the rule.
From October 1 to March 31, the rule says "leashes are not mandatory; however, the person shall keep the pet under immediate control." Pets can't enter enclosed GFP buildings, and you must pick up your dog's waste.
When to visit
Black Hills & Badlands Tourism points to mid-September through early October for fall foliage. The Forest Service calls the canyon byway "a favorite fall color drive when the aspens change in Sept." That window comes before the FS Road 222 closure, so the drive to the trailheads is still an option.
From December 15 through March 31, FS Road 222 is closed for snowmobile season, according to GFP. The trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge stays open, and GFP's advice for it is 'Use at your own risk.' Pack traction devices in case of snow or ice.
We found no official guidance on the best month for water flow at Roughlock Falls.
As of October 25, 2026, GFP lists the nature area as open year-round, and the only closure we found is the seasonal road closure. You reach Savoy on US 14A, so check sd511.org for highway work before you drive.
| Trail | 1.1 mi one-way along Little Spearfish Creek, rated Moderate on GFP's current trail map. An older GFP sheet said 1 mi one-way, Easy, and Black Hills & Badlands Tourism lists 2 mi round trip, Easy |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate on GFP's current map; Black Hills & Badlands Tourism says easy |
| Entry fee | No entrance fee: GFP lists 'No entrance fee required' for the Spearfish Canyon Nature Area (checked Oct 25, 2026) |
| Permit / reservation | No permit; FS Road 222 to the falls is closed Dec 15 to Mar 31 each winter |
| Parking | FS 222 lots; road closed Dec 15 to Mar 31 |
| Hours / season | Open year-round, day use only, no camping (GFP). FS Road 222 is closed Dec 15 to Mar 31 |
| Dogs | Allowed under ARSD 41:03:01:13. Under immediate control on a leash of 10 ft or less Apr 1 to Sep 30, or under control more than 200 ft from others. Leash optional but under immediate control Oct 1 to Mar 31 |
| Swimming | We found no GFP swimming rule. GFP's activity list for the area (birdwatching, fishing, hiking, picnicking, snowmobiling and snowshoeing) does not include swimming |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Unconfirmed. Black Hills & Badlands Tourism says the trail 'is handicap-accessible'; GFP rates it moderate, and we found no GFP accessibility statement. Call 605.584.3896 |
| Restrooms | Vault toilets (open year-round) and picnic tables, per GFP's nature area page |
| Best time to visit | Mid-September to early October for fall color (Black Hills & Badlands Tourism). FS Road 222 is closed Dec 15 to Mar 31 |
| Crowds | Travel South Dakota calls it 'the most popular of the canyon's four waterfalls' |
| Managed by | South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (Spearfish Canyon Nature Area) |
Safety and swimming
We found no GFP swimming rule for Roughlock Falls. GFP's activity list for the area covers birdwatching, fishing, hiking, picnicking, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, and swimming is not on it. We cannot tell you swimming is allowed, so ask the park before you go in the water.
Stay on the trail and in the observation areas. Treat wet rock near the cascade as slippery, keep children close, and stay off the ledges.
In winter, remember GFP's own words for the lodge trail: 'Use at your own risk.' Tell someone your plan, and turn back if the path is icy. Our waterfall safety guide covers ice and slick rock near falls.
Conditions change: confirm road and trail status with GFP at 605.584.3896 or RoughlockFalls@state.sd.us before you go.
Where to stay near Roughlock Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Savoy.
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Photos
Roughlock Falls FAQ
How long is the Roughlock Falls hike?
About 2.2 miles round trip. GFP's current trail map lists the Roughlock Falls Trail at 1.1 miles one-way, rated moderate. Black Hills & Badlands Tourism gives 2 miles round trip and calls it easy.
Can you drive to Roughlock Falls?
Yes, from April 1 to December 14. FS Road 222 runs about 1 mile west from Savoy to the Roughlock Falls trailheads and lots. GFP says that road is closed from December 15 through March 31 for snowmobile season, but the trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge stays open year-round.
Can you swim at Roughlock Falls?
Not confirmed. We found no GFP swimming rule for Roughlock Falls. Swimming is not among the activities GFP lists for the area, which are birdwatching, fishing, hiking, picnicking, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Ask the park at 605.584.3896 before you go in.
Is there a boardwalk at Roughlock Falls?
Yes, a railed wooden walkway runs beside the cascade, as a Commons photo shows. GFP's trail map marks upper, middle and lower observation areas at the falls. We found no agency description of how far the walkway runs.
Is Roughlock Falls wheelchair accessible?
Possibly, but we could not confirm it with GFP. Black Hills & Badlands Tourism says the trail 'is handicap-accessible,' while GFP rates it moderate, and we found no GFP accessibility statement. Call the park at 605.584.3896 before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Roughlock Falls?
Yes, under state rule ARSD 41:03:01:13. From April 1 to September 30, keep your dog "under immediate control on a leash not more than ten feet long." A dog under control more than 200 feet from others also meets the rule. From October 1 to March 31, a leash is optional, but the dog must stay under immediate control.
How did Roughlock Falls get its name?
From pioneer wagon travel. Visit Spearfish says pioneers lowered wagons down the drop with the wheels locked, a practice called roughlocking.
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Sources
- SD Game, Fish and Parks: Spearfish Canyon Nature Area (checked Oct 25, 2026)
- SD Game, Fish and Parks: Spearfish Canyon Nature Area trail map (PDF, current edition)
- South Dakota Administrative Rules: ARSD 41:03:01:13, pets (effective May 1, 2023)
- USFS Black Hills NF: Spearfish Canyon (updated Jan 29, 2026)
- Black Hills & Badlands Tourism: Roughlock Falls Trail
- Visit Spearfish: Self-guided tour of Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
- Travel South Dakota: Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area (formerly Roughlock Falls Nature Area)
- Travel South Dakota: Known and Unknown Fall Beauty in South Dakota
- Recreation.gov: listing 10381955 (Spearfish Canyon trails maintained by the State of South Dakota)
- Wikipedia: Roughlock Falls Nature Area
- SD511: live road conditions map (US 14A)
Last verified Oct 29, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (Spearfish Canyon Nature Area) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.