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Community Cave Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Running trail in Spearfish, South Dakota · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Community Cave Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Visitors hike to the top of a waterfall at this park, which features a cave.
What runners say about Community Cave Trail
“Beautiful place, metal detected around the creek for a minute but unfortunately didn't find anything.”
Would have not found this without AllTrails. Suggest using their map for this unmarked hike. The climb up the Boulder field is steep and loose rocks. The waterfall is awesome!
Awesome hidden gem! The trail is not marked so it was a bit confusing at first. You have to walk through the stream so be prepared for wet shoes (bring spare shoes/socks). The hike is very steep with lots of loose rocks but completely worth it at the top!
Very tough trail! We did it with 3 toddlers and a dog, so not impossible, but did take time. There are points you will be on all 4s climbing up
Very rewarding scenic trail. I personally found some fallen trees to get across the creek but if the level was lower it would be easy to cross on rocks without getting wet. The trail can be tough to spot but you end up in a gulch NE of the parking spot.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a wonderful view from this spot, however is even more open if you follow the trail out to the south that follows the rock walls.”
“It progressively becomes more steep and narrow as you are climbing the waterway until you reach the canyon wall with eroding stone creating the “caves”.”
“We did it with 3 toddlers and a dog, so not impossible, but did take time.”
“It is pretty much uphill most of the way and rocky.”
Plan your run at Community Cave Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Spearfish
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Spearfish Community Caves
4.6 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
Unmarked trail for steep hikes and waterfall views from hillside caves, plus winter sports.
City Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 604 reviews
Park offering a playground and picnic facilities, plus sports courts and a fish hatchery.
Spearfish Parks & Recreation
4.8 ★★★★★ 393 reviews
Deep & narrow canyon lying within the Black Hills & featuring a fast flowing creek.
Bridal Veil Falls
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,833 reviews
Popular cascade on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, offering a platform, a deck and parking.
