Little Falls

Little Falls is a short, approximately 1-mile round-trip hike located just west of the small town of Hayward in the central Black Hills. It's one of those off-the-radar gems that rewards visitors with a serene, natural experience without the effort of a strenuous hike. The trail follows a stream the entire way, making it a pretty and peaceful walk in any season. A small unmarked parking lot sits just west of a bridge and serves as the trailhead. The path is easy and relatively flat, suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. In summer and spring, the route comes alive with wildflowers and pools of water, and the falls themselves are surrounded by lush, photogenic scenery. In winter, the falls freeze into a striking ice formation. The nearby ghost town of Hayward — along with Rockerville — is worth a visit while in the area.