2023-01-23 03:45:42
SPEARFISH CANYON SCENIC BYWAY Miles: 19 U.S. Highway 14A between Spearfish and Cheyenne Crossing 1. SPEARFISH REC PATH The Spearfish Canyon trailhead is an easy entry point for accessing this 7.5-mile path along scenic Spearfish Creek. Follow it to points of interest, including area parks and the Spearfish City Campground. You’ll be accompanied by walkers, runners, cyclists and the occasional long-boarder. 2. SPEARFISH FALLS TRAIL It takes slightly more than 10 minutes to reach this trail’s namesake, but you’ll want to linger. The trail transports you to the bottom of Spearfish Canyon, creating an awe-inspiring view of the falls. Listen for the rush of water as you approach. 3. ’76 TRAIL Test your mettle on this challenging hike to the rim of Spearfish Canyon. The round-trip trek measures just 1.5 miles, but the steep uphill terrain is rated difficult. For experienced hikers, the panoramic view from the top is worth it. 4. ROUGHLOCK FALLS Marked paths point you to the state’s most picturesque waterfall. Along the 2-mile round-trip route, pause to enjoy a picnic, take photos and watch for wildlife — especially the rare American dipper, a bird that can walk and swim underwater. 5 WAYS TO PLAY PALEONTOLOGIST Long before humans explored South Dakota, dinosaurs roamed the land. Explore the evidence at these attractions throughout the Black Hills and Badlands: [1] During summer months in Hot Springs, register for the Jr. Paleontology Program at The Mammoth Site, where the largest-ever concentration of North American Columbian mammoths, as well as three woolly mammoths, have been unearthed. [2] Marvel at the massive bones of mastodons and "Debby Sue," the largest Tylosaurus found in South Dakota, at World Fossil Finder Museum in Hot Springs. [3] View mounted skeletons of dinosaurs, mammals, marine reptiles and fish at the free Museum of Geology at Rapid City’s South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. [4] Find a similar treasure trove at the Museum @ Black Hills Institute in Hill City. [5] Watch professionals at work in the Fossil Preparation Lab in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at Badlands National Park.
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