About Thunderhead Falls
Thunderhead Falls is a named waterfall in Pennington County, South Dakota, located about 6.0 miles northwest of Colonial Pine Hills. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Pactola Dam 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°03′30″ N, 103°24′49″ W (44.05832, -103.41352). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Mount Wheaton (summit, 0.2 mi), Powerhouse Gulch (valley, 0.4 mi), and Buzzards Roost (summit, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Grizzly Bear Falls, 14 miles to the south.
USGS gazetteer description: Falls located 600 ft inside Thunderhead Falls tunnel and drop over a 32 ft precipice.
Name history: Artificial waterfall created when miners in the late 1870s blasted a tunnel to direct water of Rapid Creek to make it easier to find gold thought to be in the stream bed.
More Photos
10 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Thunderhead Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Thunderhead Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Thunderhead Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Thunderhead Falls holds a 2.8 average from 5 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Thunderhead Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Mount Wheaton — summit, 0.2 mi
- Powerhouse Gulch — valley, 0.4 mi
- Buzzards Roost — summit, 1.3 mi
- Thrall Mountain — summit, 1.4 mi
- Brush Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Gold Standard Gulch — valley, 1.8 mi
- Shanks Gulch — valley, 1.8 mi
- Prairie Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 44.05832, -103.41352. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Thunderhead Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Thunderhead Falls located?
Thunderhead Falls is in Pennington County, South Dakota, about 6.0 miles northwest of Colonial Pine Hills. Its coordinates are 44.05832, -103.41352 (44°03′30″ N, 103°24′49″ W).
What town is closest to Thunderhead Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Colonial Pine Hills, SD, about 6.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Thunderhead Falls?
The closest is Grizzly Bear Falls (14 mi south). Others within reach include Spearfish Falls (33 mi), Roughlock Falls (33 mi), and Bridal Veil Falls (34 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Thunderhead Falls?
Thunderhead Falls appears on the USGS Pactola Dam 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.