Rail trail · South Dakota
George S. Mickelson Trail
One of America's most celebrated rail-trails: 109 miles of crushed-limestone corridor through the Black Hills of South Dakota, crossing more than 100 converted railroad bridges and threading four rock tunnels between Deadwood and Edgemont.
Length
109 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Edgemont to Deadwood
Season
Open year-round, dawn to dusk; peak season is May to October; cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter; water removed from trail infrastructure for winter
Plan your ride or walk
The George S. Mickelson Trail is South Dakota's premier outdoor attraction and one of the longest rail-trails in the American West. Completed in 1998 on a former Burlington Northern Railroad corridor, it runs 109 miles through the heart of the Black Hills from Edgemont in the south to Deadwood in the north, passing through ponderosa pine and spruce forest, dramatic granite formations, and the terrain where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane once roamed. More than 100 railroad bridges have been converted for trail use, and four rock tunnels pass through the hills. The surface is crushed limestone. Fifteen trailheads with parking, vault toilets, and picnic tables are spaced along the route. A trail pass is required: $5 per day per person or $20 annually, available online or at trailhead self-pay stations. Most of the trail is gentle enough for families, though the 19-mile climb from Deadwood to the Dumont high point is strenuous.
Getting there
The trail office is at 11361 Nevada Gulch Road, Lead, SD 57754 (call 605-584-3896). The southern trailhead is in Edgemont; the northern trailhead is in Deadwood. Fourteen additional trailheads are distributed along the route. Note that cell coverage is poor to nonexistent along most of the trail; download offline maps before setting out. Annual passes can be purchased online at the SD Game, Fish and Parks website.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
SD Game, Fish and Parks: George S. Mickelson TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
Frequently asked questions
How long is the George S. Mickelson Trail?
The full trail is 109 miles point to point from Edgemont to Deadwood, with 15 trailheads allowing access to shorter segments of any length.
Do you need a trail pass?
Yes. A daily pass costs $5 per person and an annual pass is $20 per person. Daily passes must be purchased at a trailhead station or authorized vendor; annual passes can be bought online at the SD GFP website.
What are the rock tunnels on the trail?
Four tunnels were blasted through granite ridges by the original railroad. They are short and wide enough to ride through, but bring a light as they are dark inside.
Is the trail appropriate for beginners or families?
Most of the trail has gentle grades under 4% and is manageable for most cyclists. The notable exception is the 19-mile climb from Deadwood to the Dumont high point, which is the most strenuous stretch. Families often start from a mid-trail trailhead and ride a shorter section.
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