South Dakota

George S. Mickelson Trail

Imagine a path where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickcock and Calamity Jane still roam; where bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders can explore spruce and ponderosa pine forests; and the very young, the very old and people of all abilities can enjoy.

photo: The George S. Mickelson Trail has beautiful fall colors. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Length: 114.00 miles
Loop Trail? No
Type: Backcountry
Agency: State
Entry Fee? No
Parking Fee? No

Allowed Uses:

Bicycling (off pavement)
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running

See more details.

 

Location: Black Hills of South Dakota
State(s): South Dakota
Counties: Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Fa
Longitude: -103.6396
Latitude: 43.81929

Driving Directions

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Description

The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998. Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Much of the trail passes through National Forest Land, but there are parts of the trail that pass through privately owned land, where the trail use is restricted to the trail only.

The trail is 109 miles long and contains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. There are 15 trailheads, all of which offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets, and tables.

A majority of the trail does not exceed a 4% grade, but parts of the trail are considered strenuous. Dumont is the highest point and the 19 mile stretch from Deadwood to Dumont is the longest incline.

Additional Details

Width: 96 inches.
Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted
Secondary Surface: Crushed Rock

Average Grade: 2%
Maximum Grade: 4%
Elevation Low Point: 3,490
Elevation High Point: 6,200
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available

Year Designated: 2004

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Map: George S. Mickelson Trail Map

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Park Ranger:
 Harley Noem
SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks
11361 Nevada Gulch Rd.
Lead, SD 57754
(605) 584-3896
[email protected]
http://www.MickelsonTrail.com

 

Photos

Bicyclist cruising by the Crazy Horse mountain carving. It's a work in progress that all trail users can see. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Bicyclist cruising by the Crazy Horse mountain carving. It's a work in progress that all trail users can see. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Riders on the 15th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek had quite the adventure. They weren't expecting to kick up so much dust! Photo by Brooke Smith.

Riders on the 15th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek had quite the adventure. They weren't expecting to kick up so much dust! Photo by Brooke Smith.

 

The George S. Mickelson Trail has beautiful fall colors. Photo by Brooke Smith.

The George S. Mickelson Trail has beautiful fall colors. Photo by Brooke Smith.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is good for all bicycle styles and rider abilities. Photo by Brooke Smith.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is good for all bicycle styles and rider abilities. Photo by Brooke Smith.

 

The George S. Mickelson Trail is good for all bicycle styles and rider abilities. Photo by Brooke Smith.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is good for all bicycle styles and rider abilities. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Volunteers work hard to get 575 bicycles parked during the 16th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Volunteers work hard to get 575 bicycles parked during the 16th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek. Photo by Brooke Smith.

 

A family of bicyclers are enjoying the George S. Mickelson Trail. Photo by Brooke Smith.

A family of bicyclers are enjoying the George S. Mickelson Trail. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Trolls aren't just for fairy tales! A bridge Troll is helping to raise money for resurfacing. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Trolls aren't just for fairy tales! A bridge Troll is helping to raise money for resurfacing. Photo by Brooke Smith.

 

Harley Noem receives Certificate of Introduction to Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame from Linda Mickelson Graham. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Harley Noem receives Certificate of Introduction to Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame from Linda Mickelson Graham. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Bicycles lined up along the fence at Pringle. One of the Trailheads along the Mickelson Trail. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Bicycles lined up along the fence at Pringle. One of the Trailheads along the Mickelson Trail. Photo by Brooke Smith.

 

A very dedicated, cold Trail Patrolman. Photo by Brooke Smith.

A very dedicated, cold Trail Patrolman. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Riders of the Trail Trek coming through Sheep's Canyon and it's rock formations. Photo by Brooke Smith.

Riders of the Trail Trek coming through Sheep's Canyon and it's rock formations. Photo by Brooke Smith.

 

Just a few Trail Trek bikes! Photo by Dana Garry.

Just a few Trail Trek bikes! Photo by Dana Garry.

Fall colors on the George S. Mickelson trail. Photo by Lisa Sabers.

Fall colors on the George S. Mickelson trail. Photo by Lisa Sabers.

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Submit an Edit

Trail Managers: please use the official NRT update form to update your trail for any of the following changes:

  • Change in trail mileage through trail extension
  • Change in trail mileage through trail retraction
  • Change in trail mileage through significant trail reroute
  • Change to trail name
  • Change in trail description or use
  • Undesignation of trail (removal of NRT designation status)
  • Other significant updates

>> Download the official NRT update form.

All other edits can be submitted via the below form: