On our last day in Spearfish, we decided to hike two seperate trails in the canyon so we could maximize our remaining time. Cathy took the Roughlock Falls trail, leading up the Roughlock Falls from the Spearfish Canyon Lodge. This trail leads to Roughlock Falls, one of South Dakota’s most visited areas. It follows the trout-laden creek to a gorgeous set of cascades and a waterfall. I took the 76 trail, following the route that Potato Creek Johnny, famous for finding one of the largest gold nuggets in the hills, hiked leading from his cabin to the Latchstring Inn where he traded his gold for vital supplies. This trail leads past the canyon rim at Buzzard’s Roost and provides a panoramic view of Spearfish Canyon, about 1,000 feet below.The 76 trail is a steep, slippery uphill climb through some pretty rugged areas, including a field of ferns and lots of downed timber. The trail has been rerouted to take the hikers around the fallen trees whenever possible. A series of tornados hit this area a month or so ago and the trailwork has not yet been completed. This sign was the first of several that warned of the trail conditions ahead. I have never seen such signage. It was kind of ominous.The trail approaches a very steep, talus slope where you walk/climb up a rock strewn creekbed.Just when you think it must get better, you approach the trees that the tornados have deposited along the trail. I went over some and had to crawl under others but on the return, I managed to go over all of them. I think it must have something to do with gravity!Then this sign, like we really needed it! The word “steep” should be replaced with “shear” as you approach dropoffs that lead straight down for hundreds of feet to the canyon below.The goal of this hike is the overlook. You can see for miles in every direction, except down into the canyon itself. I can barely make out the cell towers on the hill looking east towards Deadwood. I did not take my cell phone on this hike because I was told there was no cell service but later discovered that there was. Here is the view looking north towards the town of Spearfish, about fourteen miles distant. I met a couple from Virginia at the top and we chatted about the local trails, both hiking and biking but after about ten minutes I decided to try to get back quickly. We saw them exiting the trail after I continued on towards Roughlock Falls, met Cathy, stopped to look at the trout and returned to our truck. In retrospect, everything I carried was soaking wet due to the relative heat on the hike and the fact that I tried to make it up the trail and back down in less than an hour so it was a good thing to leave the phone at the truck. There was no service deep in the canyon anyway. (btw, I exceeded my goal by more than five minutes).
In the morning, we headed towards Michigan, taking I-90 East to the Minnesota border, then taking State Highway 23 North towards Superior, Wisconsin. We spent the evening in the small town of Russell, where we met the Sheriff, and several members of the town council who graciously removed a post (with a skip loader) to allow us to spend the night in the city park. You have got to love small towns. We spent the next night in Wisconsin just outside of Superior. I was averaging about 450 miles per day on our way to Michigan. These were kind of short days but getting set up at night is easier when there is still daylight.We spent the next night at an intersection of two highways (literally) in Michigan and. then continued on to Traverse City to spend a week with Michelle and Eric.
Did you go to Deadwood? Well, anyway you are getting tons of hiking in! Hopefully you will be toning down at Michelle’s. Tell Cathy to enjoy!! I am still at Brent’s and will be here until the 1st. I still need help but hopefully I will be better on the 1st. The family is leaving for Cabo then. My appointment with the hand doctor is on the 8th. Tell Michelle hello for me!
Yes, we went to Deadwood and sat on a bench and watched the people walk up and down the street. Oh, and the Harleys! I ran there (Deadwood) a couple of years ago, the 5K and the Half Marathon so we have walked most of the town over the two recent visits. We like visiting the town, and have run part of the Mickelson Trail, have hiked to Mt. Roosevelt, visited Lead, the tunnels of Highway 17, Hill City, the Needles Highway, Keystone, Custer (the town), Custer State Park, Wind Caves, and we still have more to see on our next trip! How is your hand doing?
Travelling with the Schinglers 
Did you go to Deadwood? Well, anyway you are getting tons of hiking in! Hopefully you will be toning down at Michelle’s. Tell Cathy to enjoy!! I am still at Brent’s and will be here until the 1st. I still need help but hopefully I will be better on the 1st. The family is leaving for Cabo then. My appointment with the hand doctor is on the 8th. Tell Michelle hello for me!
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Yes, we went to Deadwood and sat on a bench and watched the people walk up and down the street. Oh, and the Harleys! I ran there (Deadwood) a couple of years ago, the 5K and the Half Marathon so we have walked most of the town over the two recent visits. We like visiting the town, and have run part of the Mickelson Trail, have hiked to Mt. Roosevelt, visited Lead, the tunnels of Highway 17, Hill City, the Needles Highway, Keystone, Custer (the town), Custer State Park, Wind Caves, and we still have more to see on our next trip! How is your hand doing?
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