Despite the admonition from a famous pop song to “don’t go chasin’ waterfalls,” that is precisely what I did when my husband and I traveled to Deadwood, SD last month. We were making the trip so I and several author friends could participate in a book event called Wild Deadwood Reads. Wes and I turned the trip into a mini vacation as well, touring as many sights as possible along the way. We both enjoy hiking and discovering natural wonders, so when we learned that there was a scenic byway just north of Deadwood, we knew we wanted to make time to explore.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a beautiful stretch of narrow, winding road that boasts three waterfalls along a 25-minute drive.
The first waterfall we came to was visible from the road – Bridal Veil Falls. There was a lovely little turnout and a scenic overlook that made it easy to stop and enjoy the beauty.
The next falls required a bit of hiking, which provided a great excuse to get out of the car after the 6 hours we’d spent driving from Cody, WY. It was a lovely path, a bit steep in places, but really very easy to navigate. Along the way we enjoyed a little bridge over the river and even spotted a butterfly among the flowers.
When we made it to Spearfish Falls, we spent several long minutes just absorbing it’s beauty. Only a few other hikers were around, making it feel like a private paradise. Although, it was nice to have someone to take our picture.
The final waterfall we visited was called Roughlock Falls, but there was nothing rough about it. Just gorgeous green lusciousness with lovely stair-stepping water. Another short hike blessed us with a wonderful respite. So worth the side-trip.
What are some of your favorite natural wonders?
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Thanks for sharing, Karen. I love waterfalls, too. And it’s good to see you this way, if not in person, dear friend. It also blesses me to see you and Wes enjoying these treasured times together. God is awesome!
Beth – You are so right. God is amazing, and I am so blessed. I never grow tired of seeing the wonders of His creation!
Beautiful! Another trip added to my bucket list! Thanks, Karen.
It was a such a pretty gem, Deb. We were so happy we took the time to explore the area.
Beautiful pictures! So glad you were able to do this.
We have many natural wonders in my home state of Virginia. Of course there are the Blue Ridge Mountains, where you can explore the gorgeous Luray Caverns. I also want to mention Natural Bridge and the gorgeous Virginia Beach where I live.
One more fantastic and amazing natural wonder is Niagara Falls.
My husband loves exploring caverns, Betty. I bet he would really enjoy Luray. 🙂 I’ve never seen Niagara, but I would love to someday. My husband visited once before we were married. The sheer size and volume of those falls is staggering!
Hope you get to see Niagara. I went as a child, my husband and I honeymooned there, and took a ride beneath the falls.
I bet that was amazing!
I’ve never visited that part of the country but would love to do so! Wow. Roughlock Falls looks especially magical. 🙂
This was our first time to visit Wyoming and South Dakota. We really enjoyed it. And you’re right about Roughlock Falls. It seems the perfect place for fairies. 🙂
There is so much beauty in God’s earth it is hard to pick a favorite, but if forced to, I think I would say the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (which includes an amazing waterfall). It does something visually to the eyes that is just unforgettable. My recent trip to Yosemite was rather amazing as well. Traveling through the Rocky Mountains is not to be overlooked (but boy does the air get thin up around 12,000 feet!).
I’ve never visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Robin. You’ve intrigued me. I think we saw some art depicting the waterfall you’re speaking of in one of the museums we visited. Another place to add to the bucket list. 🙂
These pics are gorgeous! So far in my travels I’d have to say the Grand Canyon.
My hubby and I visited the Grand Canyon as part of our honeymoon, Kelly. That place holds special memories for us. 🙂 It just takes the breath away to see it in person. So vast!
Your photos are just beautiful! A well-deserved break after a fabulous project gets sent out into the world!
Thanks, Kerri!
I so enjoyed your photos, Karen (and love your T-shirt!). Our family traveled to my nephew’s wedding in the Phoenix area a couple of years ago. After the wedding, we traveled along Route 66 and then visited fabulous Red Rock State Park in beautiful Sedona and the magnificent Grand Canyon. Last year, we went to Colorado and enjoyed driving up Pike’s Peak and then exploring the Garden of the Gods. Before returning home, we paid a visit to Mt. Rushmore. Although the faces carved into the mountain are manmade (quite a story it is, too), it should be on everyone’s list to see!