Black Hills South Dakota Bike & Mountain Biking Tours

Rugged mountains and rolling prairies form the unique landscape of western South Dakota. Within the last few years, mountain biking has become of the many sports of choice to get to know this wonderful, spiritual land.

Riding on two wheels is a great way to appreciate the scenery and the wildlife.

There are several thousand miles of back roads which include old logging trails and some low standard roads which are used daily by mountain bikers. There are also some developed trails, but these are shared with other types of users. There is a route for all skill levels from easy to more challenging sections.

The best known trails are located near the small town of Custer, which has a population of approximately 2,000. This little village is a great place to start your mountain biking tour.

The Centennial Trail, the George Michelson Rail Trail and the Bear Mountain Trails are the top picks for the area.

The Centennial Trial runs 111-miles which is the length of the Black Hills, from Bear Butte State Park to Wind Cave National Park. Twenty-two miles of this trail can be found in Custer State Park, just nine miles from Custer. To locate the trailhead which is closest to the town of Custer, go west of Legion Lake north on 16A.

The George Michelson Rail Trail was named after South Dakota's Governor George S. Mickelson, who initiated the rails-to-trails project. This trail is just as lengthy as the Centennial Trail, but it is not as difficult. The trail actually passes directly through Custer and the trailhead can be found in Harbach City Park. Bicyclists, who are 16 and older, are required to purchase a $2 daily or $6 annual trail pass.

The Bear Mountain Trails is only 16.1 miles in length, but it is one of the most popular for it meanders through evergreen forests along a limestone rim. All types of wildlife can be seen from this trail.

If you don't want to pack your own bike, there are bike rental shops and also tours available in most of the small towns that surround the Black Hills National Forrest.