The Northern Hills - A Wonderland

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September - October 2021 | Page 15 The Northern Hills - A Wonderland Just Off the Beaten Path

By Bailey Sadowsky

The Northern Black Hills boast many scenic views wide and far. Whether you’re driving through Spearfish Canyon or leisurely hiking on well-worn local trails, beauty exits far, wide, and near. The area is rich in history. The gold rush, industry, the wild west, and the area’s eccentricity leave many gems to discover. What’s the best part? You don’t have to spend hours hiking to discover a new visita with a story to tell.

Winding creeks, still lakes, rustling leaves, and flowing waterfalls dot the landscape. Join us to discover a few of the many beautiful views just off the beaten path.

THE WATERFALLS OF SPEARFISH CANYON

ROUGHLOCK FALLS

Location: Just beyond Spearfish Canyon Lodge along FSR 222, Spearfish Canyon Roughflock Falls received its name from pioneers of the area. The workmen used a pulley system to lower wagons down the multi-tiered waterfall.

SPEARFISH FALLS

Location: 10619 Roughlock Falls Rd., Spearfish Canyon Spearfish Falls is the largest and lesser known of the 3 waterfalls in the Spearfish Canyon. The Burlington Railroad used to pass just over the top of the falls and in 1917, this waterfall was diverted from the Spearfish Creek to a nearby hydroelectric plant until 2003. The waterfall was turned off for almost 86 years!

IRON CREEK LAKE

Location: 20912 Iron Creek Lake Rd.

FRIENDSHIP TOWER SCENIC VIEW (VIES FROM)

Location: US Hwy 85, northbound, leaving Deadwood. Travel 1.5 miles, turn onto FSR 133 Located just outside of Deadwood, you can find the home of the “Friendship Tower.” The monument was created by Seth Bullock, in memory of the friendship he had with President Theodore Roosevelt. From the tower you can see all the major peaks of the Black Hills. KISSING ROCKS Location: Highway 14A just after mile marker 20, Spearfish Canyon Kissing Rocks or Boulders can be seen from the road, but if you blink you might miss the lovely rock formation.

11TH HOUR GULCH Location: US Hwy 14, right before Cleopatra Place on the west side of the highway, Spearfish Canyon

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN (VIEWS FROM) Location: Cross section of Nevada St. and 10th St. in Spearfish

OLD SPEARFISH CREEK DAM

Location: US Hwy 14 ALT, Lead, SD

Bailey here. What an adventure! Thank you for joining me on a quick journey to my favorite locations just off the beaten trail in the Northern Black Hills. I love discovering and sharing new treasures with you all.

I love people, places, and things. (Yes, all the nouns.) I believe every moment has a personality and I love building brand and art from those special moments for businesses and personal enjoyment.

Find more photography and illustrations of the Black Hills at ShadowSkyCreativeCo.com or find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy.