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Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 382 Google reviews · Running trail in Lead, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Spearfish Canyon Nature Area'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.
State park featuring picnic areas, trails, and multiple waterfalls.
What runners say about Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
“The scenic drive through the canyon is stunning, with towering limestone cliffs, dense forest, and a peaceful creek winding through it all.”
“Multiple small picnic areas with heavy duty tables mostly in the shade.”
“The scenic drive through the canyon is stunning, with towering limestone cliffs, dense forest, and a peaceful creek winding through it all.”
“The walk to the falls is easy and accessible, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels.”
So glad that I picked today to go to the falls perfect weather, very green Springfield still for June. Just to see the clear fresh water traveling through the canyon and hitting the areas where the waterfall is this breathtaking and worth the time to park and walk and see and take it all in.
This area has so much to offer. The scenic drive along 14A is worth taking your time driving. Spearfish Creek and the falls that run along the creek are gurgling, rushing, crystal clear beauties. I really enjoyed just standing and watching the trout and envied being able to live in a space so beautiful.
Beautiful area. The falls and surrounding nature area were very easy to walk to. You could see some of the damage that area got during the tornados in July but still wonderful place to stop and take in nature.
Here’s a glowing review of Spearfish Canyon Nature Area and Roughlock Falls you can use: ⸻ Spearfish Canyon Nature Area and Roughlock Falls are absolutely breathtaking! This entire area feels like stepping into a hidden mountain paradise.
Trail conditions & character
“The scenic drive through the canyon is stunning, with towering limestone cliffs, dense forest, and a peaceful creek winding through it all.”
““” Drive thru stop along the way, soaking up the Beautiful Nature & Wildlife of The Black Hills !”
“The scenic drive through the canyon is stunning, with towering limestone cliffs, dense forest, and a peaceful creek winding through it all.”
“Multiple small picnic areas with heavy duty tables mostly in the shade.”
“Easy access if you park near the top, there is a long hike to it, but you can drive to the top and easy access with restrooms near the parking lot.”
“The upper section of the fall is more interesting than the lower, and the additional hike to it is steeper but paved.”
“Gravel road access, but the paths and trails immediately around the falls are mostly paved.”
“Easy access if you park near the top, there is a long hike to it, but you can drive to the top and easy access with restrooms near the parking lot.”
“The walk to the falls is easy and accessible, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels.”
Plan your run at Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegfp.sd.gov
- Phone(605) 584-3896
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Lead
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Little Spearfish Falls Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
Well-maintained trail to a beautiful waterfall with clear water and wildlife sightings.
Spearfish Canyon Floor Nature Hiking Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Spearfish Canyon Nature Area
4.9 ★★★★★ 864 reviews
Popular scenic route for biking and driving, featuring canyon walls, waterfalls and trails.
Bridal Veil Falls
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,833 reviews
Popular cascade on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, offering a platform, a deck and parking.
Community Cave Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
Visitors hike to the top of a waterfall at this park, which features a cave.