George S. Mickelson Trail
A 109-mile crushed-stone rail trail crosses tunnels, trestles, mining towns, and forested Black Hills grades.
Artwork inspired by Charles Hargens
The Mickelson Trail converts a historic rail corridor into a long-distance cycling, walking, and equestrian route between Deadwood and Edgemont. Its gentle railroad grade can disguise cumulative climbing, wind, altitude, and large gaps between services.
First-timers should choose a shuttle-supported segment based on elevation profile, not mileage alone. Carry repair supplies and water, purchase the required trail pass, yield to horses, and confirm tunnel or snow conditions outside summer.
- Length
- 109 miles
- Setting
- Deadwood, South Dakota, United States
- Admission
- Trail pass required for most users
Quick guide
- Route question
- For George S. Mickelson Trail, george S. For George S. Mickelson Trail, mickelson Trail: 109 miles ↔ Crushed limestone rail trail
- Final evidence
- For George S. Mickelson Trail, george S. For George S. Mickelson Trail, mickelson Trail: Segment, shuttle, water, and elevation profile
Quick guide
- Section
- Choose one trailhead pair and arrange a turnaround or shuttle before riding.
- Rail grade
- Expect cumulative climbing even where the converted railroad feels gentle.
- Services
- Carry repair supplies, water, and food across long gaps between towns.
- Etiquette
- Yield among cyclists, walkers, horses, and road crossings throughout the corridor.
Good to know
The converted railroad grade feels gentle moment to moment, yet altitude, wind, cumulative climbing, and long service gaps make elevation profile more useful than mileage.
Notice these
- 109 miles
- Crushed limestone rail trail
- Segment, shuttle, water, and elevation profile