Mickelson Trail, South Dkaota

Whether you are bicyclist, runner, hiker, or horseback rider, you'll be taken away by the George S. Mickelson Trail. The Mickelson Trail was originally the Burlington Northern rail line that took trains from Edgemont to Deadwood, directly through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. The line was abandoned in 1983. A group of outdoor enthusiasts recognized the trail's potential, and with support from then-Governor George S. Mickelson, it became the state's first rails to trails project.

The first 6 miles of the trail were dedicated in 1991. After many years of hard work, and collaboration between the US Forest Service, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, the National Guard, the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the South Dakota Department of Corrections, and the local Friends of the Mickelson Trail, the trail was completed in 1998. he trail is 114 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 14 trailheads which all offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets and tables.

For the most part, the grades of the trail do not exceed 4 percent, 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.

Rules of the Trail

• All trail users age 12 and older are required to have a trail pass except on the trail within the city limits.
• The trail passes, $3 daily or $15 for an annual pass, are available for purchase at the trailheads. Passes must be located on the person or the bicycle. Trail users who are unable to show a trail pass will be subject to a fine.
• The trail is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail with few exceptions.
• There is a section of the trail for snowmobiles between Deadwood and Dumont. Motorized maintenance vehicles are also allowed as are ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
• Obey all traffic signs.
• Remain to the right side of the trail except to pass and be sure to give a clear warning before passing other users.
• Do not pass others in the tunnels.
• Bicycles must yield to pedestrians and everyone must yield to horses.

* Information provided by the George S. Mickelson Trail Guide