Staycation Directory

Staycation in South Dakota’s Roughlock Falls Nature Area

March 2nd, 2010

The Roughlock Falls Nature Area is located in Spearfish Canyon and is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills. The water feeding Roughlock Falls flows into Spearfish Canyon from Little Spearfish Creek. The limestone cliffs surrounding the falls give the area a magnificent appearance. Spearfish Canyon highlights millions of years of superbly crafted scenery into an outdoor wonder that is impressive and unique to the Black Hills.
Things to do
Roughlock Falls is spectacular to view and photograph. Designated walking paths and hiking trails provide the opportunity to explore the area. Bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing and picnicking can all by enjoyed in the nature area. Hiking the beautiful one mile trail from the lower trailhead is encouraged as parking in the upper parking lot is limited.

Roughlock Falls is one of the few places in the Black Hills to observe the rare American Dipper. They can both walk and swim underwater if you are a bird watcher this will be heaven for you.
Fishing
Little Spearfish Creek provides ample opportunities for fishing. Brown trout and brook trout can be found from the lower trailhead to the bridge below the falls.
Water Activities
The road from Savoy to Roughlock Falls is closed in the winter. This road is a snowmobile trail from Dec. 1 through March 31.
There is a one mile hiking trail that goes from the lodge up to the falls that can be used all year round. However, snow and ice are not removed from this trail and it can become treacherous and icy. Use of this trail is at your own risk
Roughlock Falls
c/o Regional Park Office
11361 Nevada Gulch Rd
Lead, SD 57754

(605) 584-3896

StaycationDirectory

Staycation Definition and History
A staycation (also spelled stay-cation, stacation, or staykation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in the US during the financial crisis of 2007–2009 in which unemployment levels and gas prices were high.Staycations also became a popular phenomenon in the UK in 2009 as a weak pound made overseas holidays significantly more expensive.The term was added to the 2009 version of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals. Some staycationers also like to follow a set of rules, such as setting a start and end date, planning ahead, and avoiding routine, with the goal of creating the feel of a traditional vacation.
Benefits of a staycation
Staycations are far less costly than a vacation involving traveling. There are no lodging costs and travel expenses are minimal. Costs may include transportation for local trips, dining, and local attractions. “The American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation will cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals… Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could top $10,000″. Staycations do not have the stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives, or waits at airports. Staycations may be of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers from the area providing them with business. In 2008, the tourism bureaus of many U.S. cities also began promoting staycations for their residents to help replace the tourism dollars lost from a drop in out-of-town visitors.