Spearfish Canyonfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Black Hills National Forest.
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:26 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Black Hills National Forest through the year
- Spearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak seasonNowMay–Sep
- Wildflowers at White Spring and Crow PeakMay–Jul
- Aspens change in Spearfish CanyonNowSep
- Timon and Rod & Gun campgrounds closedDec–May
Best spots around Black Hills National Forest
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic BywayLimestone canyon walls; the Black Hills' best waterfalls
- Bridal Veil FallsAbout 60 ft tall, seen right from Highway 14A
- Little Spearfish Trail6-mile loop through pine, aspen and paper birch near Timon
- '76 TrailSteep 3/4 mile, 1,000 ft up to canyon views; on foot only
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Spearfish Canyon (Black Hills National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Timon Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Rod & Gun Campground (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest, Northern Hills - Spearfish (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: White Spring Area (Black Hills National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Crow Peak Trail (Black Hills National Forest) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Black Hills National Forest in 2026?
The Forest Service says Spearfish Canyon's aspens change in September: Sep 1–30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Black Hills National Forest right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Can I camp in Spearfish Canyon?
Only in campgrounds: dispersed camping isn't allowed in the canyon. Timon and Rod & Gun, off Roughlock Falls Road from Savoy, have seven first-come sites each, with no reservations.Sources: US Forest Service, Spearfish Canyon (Black Hills National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Timon Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Rod & Gun Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there water at the campgrounds in fall?
Not after about October 1: Rod & Gun has no water from then until about May 15, and both campgrounds close on December 1 until mid-May.Sources: US Forest Service, Rod & Gun Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Timon Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Which waterfalls can I see on the drive?
The Forest Service names Bridal Veil, Little Spearfish and Roughlock Falls. Bridal Veil, about 60 feet tall, is visible from Highway 14A.Sources: US Forest Service, Spearfish Canyon (Black Hills National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest, Northern Hills - Spearfish ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Black Hills National Forest?
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway: limestone canyon walls; the Black Hills' best waterfalls; Bridal Veil Falls: about 60 ft tall, seen right from Highway 14A; Little Spearfish Trail: 6-mile loop through pine, aspen and paper birch near Timon; '76 Trail: steep 3/4 mile, 1,000 ft up to canyon views; on foot only.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Black Hills National Forest?
Timon and Rod & Gun campgrounds closed (Dec–May).
What is Black Hills National Forest like through the year?
Spearfish Canyon campgrounds' peak season (May–Sep), Aspens change in Spearfish Canyon (Sep), Timon and Rod & Gun campgrounds closed (Dec–May) and Wildflowers at White Spring and Crow Peak (May–Jul).