The George S. Mickelson Trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line which passes through the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills. Originally dubbed the Black Hills Burlington Northern Heritage Trail, the project gained early support from then-Governor George S. Mickelson. The governor played an integral role in the trail's early success, and in 1993, the trail was renamed in his honor.
Back in 2021, we rode a 40-mile portion of the beginning of the trail with a little diversion onto connecting trails.
If you're looking for a shorter route, from the same area, check that out!
The George S. Mickelson Trail's northern section between Deadwood and Custer is particularly beautiful! It cuts a curving course through the Black Hills National Forest which includes lots of shade from the Spruce and Ponderosa pine forest, flowing creeks, slate rock walls, many converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels.
109 miles of gravel trails with no motorized vehicles is 100% dreamy.
A majority of the Rail-Trail does not exceed a 4% grade so what climbing there is seems gradual and very easy going. (Dumont is the highest point and the 19 mile stretch from Deadwood to Dumont is the longest incline of the entire trail.)
The crushed limestone and gravel surface is incredibly maintained and consistent, so riding is generally very smooth and fast.
At mile 59 you'll have a view of the Crazy Horse Sculpture- a mountain monument under construction. It depicts the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land, and when completed, will be the largest mountain carving in the world! Don't miss the opportunity to stop, take pictures and marvel at it!
Although the trail itself is not for motorized vehicles, there are several road crossings. The trail feels remote and you easily get into a quiet rhythm, so you have to make a conscious effort to slow down, stop and pay attention when you get to the road crossings where vehicles can be moving along with speed.
The last 30 miles are net downhill, but you still have to pedal. 🤪
This same stretch is much more exposed and if you happen to be out there later in the day, it can be warm so be prepared with extra hydration and sunscreen.
Do this ride if you want over 100 miles on a well maintained and car-free rail-trail in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.
We started this route from the public parking lot where the trail begins, but we had parked and left the car in Edgemont, SD and taken a shuttle to Deadwood the day before. Black Hills Shuttle was affordable for our group of 9 people and bikes and Vince shared history and local knowledge as we drove. You can't book online but all you have to do is call 605-645-9521 and pay with a credit card.
A trail pass is required while on the Mickelson Trail. It is $5 per person per day or $20 per person annually. You can pay at the pay station at the trails head by putting cash in an envelope. Passes can be purchased at a host of placed (listed here) or online (annual passes only), but it takes 14 days to ship so plan ahead or take cash. (Rangers do patrol the trail and if you don't have a pass the fine is $120!)
There are 14 trailheads evenly spaced out along the trail and many of them have bathrooms, shelter and water so you are never very far from access to those things. (The Bike Mickleson website has a nice list of each of the trailheads with their mileage and amenities.)
Although we didn't notice, the trail website warns of poor to non-existent cell phone coverage on the trail.
If you are looking for a pre-ride meal and/or coffee we recommend the Pump House Coffee and Deli in Deadwood which was just a few blocks away from the start.
Hill City makes a natural lunch stop as it is at about mile 50, and there are a few options for places to get food.
The High Liner Eatery had nice covered outdoor seating and walk-up ordering from an old rail car.
The Lost Cabin Beer Garden was similarly inviting to cyclist for its outdoor space and beer options.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Purple Pie Place in Custer (approximately mile 65) if you want the best pie and ice cream in South Dakota. It is just off the route on Mt. Rushmore Road between 1st and Mountain Ave.
We split this up into two days to enjoy the trail with friends. Day 1 we rode 65 miles from Deadwood to Custer, and stayed at an Airbnb in Custer. Day 2 we rode 45 miles from Custer to Edgemont,
This would be a perfect beginner bike pack route, especially with the way the route passes though small towns and has frequent access to water along the way.
Laura & Rose
Laura Karpinski and Rose Barcklow are the creators of Gravel Bike Adventures. Click on the About page to learn more about them.
