Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Spearfish Recreational Trail travels for 5 miles through the heart of Spearfish, a town situated east of the South Dakota/Wyoming border and just north of the Black Hills National Forest, known especially for its beautiful rock formations and canyons. The paved pathway begins at the gateway to Spearfish Canyon and travels through an eclectic mix of residential, commercial and forested areas, following Spearfish Creek for much of the way.
The trail offers access to one of the town's attractions, the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery, constructed in 1899 and providing an educational center, museum and picnic areas. The route is also beneficial for students as it runs adjacent to Black Hills State University, Spearfish High School and Spearfish Middle School.
Parking can be found off S. Canyon Street, just north of the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery (423 Hatchery Circle), and on the Black Hills State University campus.
The path(s) are intertwined more so than the existing map. Most areas have been upgraded and wind through parks and next to the creek. We really enjoyed the trail!
We found the park at the northern end with no trouble and felt comfortable with leaving our vehicle in the area. The sections along the water and through various parks were very nice and we appreciated the reviewer who advised starting at the northern end so we could coast back. The biggest problem was that it was very poorly marked in the middle areas and we got lost several times (not only going but also on the return trip). Part of the problem was street construction and we didn't have an in-hand map, but still, additional and better signage would be a great help.
This is a great little trail that winds through the town of Spearfish. It now links up with the highway that goes through Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills.
The trail is now 5.2 miles with recent additions. Quite a bit of uphill if you are traveling in a southerly direction, but turning around at the top makes for a fun ride back! I was in town on business and although it was a bit rainy and windy, I decided to take a ride. I was expecting a 2.8 mile trail but glad to see it is expanding!
"I went to collage at Black Hills State University in Spearfish. I lived not very far from Spearfish Creek, and used parts of that trail everyday on my way to class. Being an avid bicyclist, and Kayaker, I traveled that trail from one end to the other, from its beginning in Spearfish Canyon, to its end near Lower Valley. I loved it. It was wonderfully thought out, and the people and city of Spearfish did a great job. If you're ever in that part of the Black Hills, stop in and hike, bike or blade. "
"This sidewalk-like trail stretches from Spearfish Canyon across the City of Spearfish along Spearfish Creek. Taking you through a small forested area, great fishing spots, the DC Booth Fish Hatchery and downtown, it's a great place to take a small walk or bicycle ride with kids. "
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
