Black Hills National Forest

Lakes and waterfalls in Black Hills National Forest

Water Features

The Black Hills region features diverse aquatic landscapes ranging from the iconic granite-flanked Sylvan Lake to the deep, cold waters of Pactola Reservoir. Spearfish Canyon contains a high concentration of waterfalls, including the 60-foot Bridal Veil Falls and the multi-tiered Roughlock Falls. These sites include massive infrastructure like the Pactola and Putnam dams alongside natural wetlands like Dry Lake Pond. Many of these water bodies, such as Deerfield Lake, serve as critical habitats and offer varied elevations for exploration.

Water Features — Map

Epsota24 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is a lake located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States.

B

Spearfish Falls

Located in Spearfish Canyon, this 47-foot waterfall was once dry due to mining diversions but was restored in 2003. It is accessible via a trail located behind the Latchstring Inn.

C

Roughlock Falls

A multi-tiered waterfall in Spearfish Canyon where Little Spearfish Creek drops over limestone ledges. The area features a designated nature trail and ADA-accessible viewing platforms.

D

Bridal Veil Falls

A 60-foot waterfall located directly alongside the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. It flows over a sheer limestone cliff and is most active during the spring snowmelt.

E

Thunderhead Falls

An underground waterfall located inside an 1878 vertical gold mine shaft. It features quartz and iron-stained rock formations within one of the oldest visitor attractions in the Black Hills.

F

Putnam Dam

An earth-fill dam structure located in Custer County.

G

Pactola Lake

The largest reservoir in the Black Hills, created by the Pactola Dam on Rapid Creek. It reaches depths of 150 feet and covers approximately 800 surface acres.

H

Deerfield Lake

A high-altitude reservoir situated at 5,900 feet in the central Black Hills. Created by the Deerfield Dam, it serves as a primary irrigation and municipal water source.

I

Woodville Lake

Small lake located near the historic Woodville townsite along the George S. Mickelson Trail.

J

Dry Lake Pond

A wetland area located in the northern Black Hills near Lead.

K

Dry Lake Pond

Small pond and wetland habitat located in the high limestone plateau region.

Other Lists

Black Hills National Forest: Absolute Must-Sees Peaks and Viewpoints Heritage Sites and Monuments Campsites and Caravan Sites