Cliff Jumping at Hippie Hole in Keystone, South Dakota

About this spot

Hippie Hole (often misspelled Hippy Hole) is a real swimming hole on Battle Creek in the Black Hills National Forest outside Keystone, South Dakota. From Keystone, Highway 40 toward Hermosa descends into a canyon, where a small fenced pullout just before the highway bridge marks the unofficial trailhead. The hike in is steep and unmaintained; reported one-way distances run roughly 0.75 to 1.5 miles with about 500 feet of elevation change. The pool sits below a granite-walled waterfall, cold even in summer, with a smaller ledge (6-8 ft) and a higher jump (around 30 ft). Hazards include poison ivy, occasional rattlesnakes, unsecured rope or ladder exits, and a remote location where cell service and rescue response are unreliable. No permits or fees; park only in the marked pullout.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

Hippie Hole

About this spot

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