Spearfish Canyon, Canyon in Lawrence County, South Dakota.
Spearfish Canyon is a deep gorge with limestone cliffs stretching roughly 30 miles (48 km) and three major waterfalls set among dense spruce and pine forests. The valley follows US Highway 14A throughout, with sheer rock walls visible on both sides as you drive through.
The limestone cliffs formed from ancient ocean deposits that predate the rock layers of the Grand Canyon, revealing deep geological history in this region. Erosion by water carved the valley over millions of years, creating the passage that exists today.
The name comes from Spearfish Creek, which flows through the entire formation and links the town of Spearfish to the northern edge of the Black Hills.
The best time to visit is May through October, when the road is fully open and hiking trails are easily accessible. Winter weather can make conditions challenging with snow and ice, so check forecasts and plan accordingly.
The American Dipper, a gray bird found nowhere else in eastern canyons, lives permanently in the creek and hunts for food by walking on stream bottoms underwater. This unusual behavior makes it a memorable resident that visitors sometimes spot from the road.
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