Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls is where people in Hot Springs go to swim for free. Cascade Creek, fed by Cascade Springs a couple of miles upstream, drops over a ledge into a clear turquoise pool on Black Hills National Forest land. The springs push water out of the ground at about 67°F, so think of this as a cool, mineral-fed swimming hole rather than a hot soak; it only feels warm next to the other creeks of the southern Black Hills.

Below the falls the pool reaches about seven feet deep, with a natural rock ledge people use to jump in, and above it there are shallow runs where children can splash. Drive south from Hot Springs on Highway 71 for about eight miles to the Cascade Falls picnic area, which has picnic tables and vault toilets, and follow the short walkway down to the water. There is no fee, no permit and no lifeguard, and the water is untreated.

Upstream, the J.H. Keith picnic ground and Whitney Preserve protect the springs themselves and make a pleasant second stop. The steady water supports plants that are rare in South Dakota, including ferns and stream orchids.

Keep pets leashed and watch for poison ivy and rattlesnakes along the banks. Downside: on hot summer weekends the small pool gets crowded.