No trip to the Black Hills is complete without a drive through this gem.
Welcome to Spearfish Canyon, found in the northwestern part of South Dakota's Black Hills. Nestled along US Route 14A, Spearfish Canyon provides year-round entertainment for travelers to the area, from fishing and waterfall viewing in the summer, to skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Even if you're not one to leave the vehicle, the drive through this treasured area is certainly not one to miss. Whether heading south from Spearfish, or north from Lead, you'll be able to take in the views of the cliffs around this meandering highway.
While down near the city of Savoy, be sure to make a stop at one of the free public parking areas and check out one of the most popular destinations of the area, Roughlock Falls. While around the trails here, you'll see the remains of a hydroelectric power station at Old Spearfish Creek Dam, which now serves as a fishing opportunity for passers by. Going north, make a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, also seeing across the way an old train right-of-way. It's not just the non-living you might see around here; if that elusive mountain goat wasn't found in Custer State Park, you might just find it here.
There's more to US Highway 14A than simply Spearfish Canyon. Once at the southern end of that portion of the highway, take a drive into Lead and Deadwood. Continue east and you'll find yourself within Boulder Canyon, another scenic drive enjoyed by many through the Black Hills. Although not quite as breath-taking as Spearfish Canyon, this drive is certainly not one to miss. Once through, you'll pop out on the eastern end of this highway at the city of Sturgis, known for its population increasing a hundred fold for two weeks out of the year.
So the next time your Internal Compass tells you to take a drive around, try out Spearfish Canyon.
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