South Dakotans are beginning to slowly melt, which can only mean one thing: Summer has reared its sunny head. Are you looking for creative ways to stay cool? If so, we recommend you chase these 6 South Dakota waterfalls, all of which are sure to keep you cool:
- Falls Park (Sioux Falls)
TripAdvisor/Brian R Quite possibly the best-known waterfall in the Mount Rushmore State is the iconic Falls Park, which just so happens also to be the state’s tallest! Whether or not you decide to take the .4-mile trail, you will be treated to glorious views of the natural wonder, which drops an average of 7,400 gallons of water over 100 feet each second.
- Bridal Veil Falls (Spearfish)
TripAdvisor/cathyd As its name implies, Bridal Veil Falls resembles that of a bride’s veil, though this one spans an impressive 60 feet. To make it even more beautiful, the water is set amidst a pristine limestone backdrop, making for amazing photo opportunities.
- Spearfish Falls (Spearfish)
TripAdvisor/Management If you are looking for a waterfall with a short and sweet hike, there is no better place to be than Spearfish’s aptly-named Spearfish Falls. Featuring a stunning .75-mile trail, Spearfish Falls - like Bridal Veil Falls - is surrounded by a picture-perfect Black Hills landscape that is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
- Roughlock Falls (Spearfish)
TripAdvisor/Management ALSO located near Spearfish (are you noticing a pattern here?), Roughlock Falls is billed as one of the most visited areas in South Dakota and, for a good reason, as a can’t-miss 2-mile out-and-back trail accompanies the waterfall. Trust us; you don’t want to miss this one!
- Cascade Falls (Hot Springs)
TripAdvisor/mamananash Make a huge splash this summer by cooling off at Cascade Falls, AKA the “Old Swimming Hole”! Located near Hot Springs, Cascade Falls boasts comfortable, 67-degree spring-fed water, plus a dainty waterfall that is perfect for sliding down or sitting on.
- Devil’s Gulch (Garretson)
AllTrails/Chris McKinney Last but certainly not least is arguably South Dakota’s most legendary waterfall, Devil’s Gulch. As the story goes, Jesse James once robbed a bank and jumped from atop the pictured bridge into the cold water below, which helped him escape local law enforcement. (Psst… Be careful when you visit, as the Devil’s Gulch is also alleged to be haunted by 2 lovers who allegedly died at the canyon and can still be seen and heard.)
For even more summertime fun, check out these 10 Epic Outdoorsy Things In South Dakota Anyone Can Do.
TripAdvisor/Brian R
Quite possibly the best-known waterfall in the Mount Rushmore State is the iconic Falls Park, which just so happens also to be the state’s tallest! Whether or not you decide to take the .4-mile trail, you will be treated to glorious views of the natural wonder, which drops an average of 7,400 gallons of water over 100 feet each second.
TripAdvisor/cathyd
As its name implies, Bridal Veil Falls resembles that of a bride’s veil, though this one spans an impressive 60 feet. To make it even more beautiful, the water is set amidst a pristine limestone backdrop, making for amazing photo opportunities.
TripAdvisor/Management
If you are looking for a waterfall with a short and sweet hike, there is no better place to be than Spearfish’s aptly-named Spearfish Falls. Featuring a stunning .75-mile trail, Spearfish Falls - like Bridal Veil Falls - is surrounded by a picture-perfect Black Hills landscape that is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
ALSO located near Spearfish (are you noticing a pattern here?), Roughlock Falls is billed as one of the most visited areas in South Dakota and, for a good reason, as a can’t-miss 2-mile out-and-back trail accompanies the waterfall. Trust us; you don’t want to miss this one!
TripAdvisor/mamananash
Make a huge splash this summer by cooling off at Cascade Falls, AKA the “Old Swimming Hole”! Located near Hot Springs, Cascade Falls boasts comfortable, 67-degree spring-fed water, plus a dainty waterfall that is perfect for sliding down or sitting on.
AllTrails/Chris McKinney
Last but certainly not least is arguably South Dakota’s most legendary waterfall, Devil’s Gulch. As the story goes, Jesse James once robbed a bank and jumped from atop the pictured bridge into the cold water below, which helped him escape local law enforcement. (Psst… Be careful when you visit, as the Devil’s Gulch is also alleged to be haunted by 2 lovers who allegedly died at the canyon and can still be seen and heard.)
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Address: East Falls Park Drive, E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, USAAddress: Roughlock Falls, South Lawrence, SD, USAAddress: Bridal Veil Falls, North Lawrence, SD 57783, USAAddress: Spearfish Falls, North Lawrence, SD 57754, USAAddress: Cascade Falls, Northeast Fall River, SD 57747, USAAddress: Devil’s Gulch Park Road, Devil’s Gulch Park Rd, Garretson, SD 57030, USA
