The George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109 mile trail that was once the route of the Burlington Northern rail line. Abandoned in 1983, it became South Dakota’s first rails-to-trails project. The well-maintained crushed limestone and gravel trail stretches between the towns of Edgemont in the southwest, to Deadwood in the northern Black Hills. The trail includes 4 rock tunnels and close to 100 converted railroad trestles. Bicyclists, hikers, and horseback riders can enjoy the beauty of the pine forest, high country meadows, and wildlife while riding along the trail.
The Mickelson Trail is accessible to people of all ages and abilities who want to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Although there are strenuous portions of the trail, most of the grades are gradual, with none exceeding four percent. Dumont is the highest point of the trail and the 19 mile stretch from Deadwood to Dumont is the longest incline.
There are 15 trailheads. All offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets and tables.
Note: There is poor to non-existent cell phoone coverage on the trail.
Fees: Mickelson Trail Pass*: $4 daily or $15 annual pass
* Passes are available at self-service stations along the trail. authorized vendors, some state park offices and online.
Click to view full interactive trail map:
A Great Trail Resource
A Trail Guide for the Mickelson Trail by Aleen Gollis
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/shop