Cascade Falls

Six artesian mineral springs feed Cascade Creek with water at a consistent 67 degrees Fahrenheit year-round — warmer than most Black Hills creeks, cool enough to be genuinely refreshing on a hot August afternoon. The water pours over a fan-shaped travertine formation into a deep blue-green swimming hole — over your head at its deepest — with a natural rock ledge above that's become the go-to jumping spot for locals. Above the main pool, shallow upstream areas offer crystal-clear water with smooth rock floors — perfect for kids to splash in or adults to sit and soak. The spring flow also supports rare plant species found nowhere else in South Dakota, including stream orchid, tulip gentian, and southern maidenhair fern. Two separate areas — Cascade Falls and Cascade Springs a mile upstream — are both worth visiting on the same trip. The picnic area at Cascade Springs is particularly scenic. From the Falls parking lot, it's a short walk across a bridge to the swimming area. Eight covered picnic sites and restrooms are available on site. Approximately 8 miles south of Hot Springs, SD.