Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills Region
Adventure Destination

Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills Region

Explore the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills, SD. Suitable for biking enthusiasts, it features moderate terrain and historic bridges. Open from late spring to early fall, with peak visits in summer and chances to spot wildlife like deer and bison.

Biking7.0/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Biking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills offers an unparalleled experience for outdoor enthusiasts. This 109-mile long, rails-to-trails conversion allows cyclists to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of South Dakota's Black Hills. Gaining popularity among tourists and locals alike, the trail integrates natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and access to numerous attractions.

Editorial Assessment

The George S. Mickelson Trail offers a scenic biking experience through the Black Hills with diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and rocky cliffs. While it is a well-loved regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts, it doesn't feature a unique natural landmark that would place it among the world's most iconic natural locations.

Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills Region

Adventure Guide to Biking the George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills Region

1

1. Hill City Trailhead

  • Details:

    Positioned conveniently within the town, the Hill City Trailhead provides an ideal starting point with easy access to dining and lodging. The scenic beauty includes expansive views of the Black Hills while integrating well-maintained paths.

  • Amenities:

    Parking lot, restrooms, and an information kiosk are available to assist bikers. 2. Custer Trailhead

  • Details:

    Starting from Custer offers bikers a famous route through historical areas, with glimpses of wildlife such as deer and bison. The terrain varies, delivering both delightful challenges and gentle sections.

  • Highlights:

    The close proximity to the Custer State Park enhances the adventure with opportunities for viewing remarkable landscapes and local fauna. 3. Deadwood Trailhead

  • Details:

    Known for its rugged charm, the Deadwood Trailhead allows access to a key segment of the trail replete with historical significance related to the gold rush era.

  • Key Features:

    Deadwood's vibrant culture is complemented by numerous nearby attractions, including old saloons and historical sites.

2

Local Insights

  • Overview:

    The George S. Mickelson Trail is named after a former governor who championed the project. Originally a railroad line, it opened to the public in 1998 and features over 100 historic bridges, which act as fascinating landmarks along the route.

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Visitor Tips

  • Best Times to Visit:

    Late spring to early fall offers the most pleasant weather for biking.

  • What to Bring:

    Always carry water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. A bike repair kit can be helpful for unexpected issues.

  • Driving Directions:

    Access the trail from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Hill City (approximately 30-40 minutes driving time) for an easy start.

Reviews

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Anthony Spahr4 months ago

I recently biked the Mickelson Trail from Edgemont to Deadwood, which is considered to be the more difficult option because of the elevation gain. Based on my experience, I believe the Deadwood to Edgemont choice would have been easier. But my wife, who was accompanying me in our car, and I wanted to spend an extra day after the completion of my ride to see the historical sights in Deadwood before heading home. Plus, saving the most scenic part of the trail to the end was an additional benefit. Regardless of where you start, biking the Mickelson Trail, including the spur to Custer State Park, is well worth the trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota.

J
Josh Spickler4 months ago

This trail is amazing! There is barely a rough spot or pothole over the entire length. Even the many bridge transitions are smooth. Signage is clear and ever-present, as are water, bike tools, air, and gorgeous scenery. There are even some gatekeeping cattle in a few sections. The climbs keep it real, but I rarely bike more than a mile or two at a time and was able to cover the full distance (N to S) in two days with little to no training.

M
MsGriz McElroy4 months ago

I’ve hiked/walked several sections of this amazing trail and highly recommend the experience.

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Bob Evans6 months ago

Nicely maintained “rail to trail”. The overall trail is over 100 miles long. I accessed the trail at the corner of Mystic Rd and Horse Creek Rd. There is off street parking. We then road to north to Rochford. The trail is hard crushed limestone. Pretty smooth with some loose top layer. There are long descents and accents but not very steep. Rochford is a very small former mining town. Has a saloon and a couple of places to grab food or drinks. We stopped at Happy Dog Cafe for some slushees. They were delicious. Our ride was 26 miles round trip. Very quiet as you are not following any highway. Much of the trail follows a stream. We went through a couple of tunnels. That was interesting.

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Chris Anderson6 months ago

This trail is absolutely gorgeous. We just finished day 2, having started in Deadwood yesterday and are staying near Pringle tonight. Will finish up tomorrow in Edgemont. 10/10. We will 100% do this again.

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