The George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a 109-mile trail designed for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding. Portions from Dumont to Deadwood allow snowmobiles from November to March.
The trail is a converted rail line that was abandoned in 1983. It was South Dakota’s first rails to trails project and the first 6 miles were dedicated in 1991. Now this trails stretches all the way from Edgemont to Deadwood. There are 4 rock tunnels and more that 100 bridges. This trail slices right through the middle of the beautiful Black Hills. You can access the trail via the 15 trailheads.
Use of the trail does require a Mickelson Trail Pass for all users over age 12. You can purchase the pass at the trailhead or online. The exception to this would be when you are using the trail within city limits.
Shelters, benches and fresh water are available at the trailheads. Camping is not allowed along the trail. Bicycles must yield to pedestrians and everyone must yield to horses.
Trailheads for the Mickelson Trail
- Deadwood Trailhead (Mile Post 108.8)
- Kirk Trailhead (MP 105.3)
- Lead Trailhead (MP 103.7)
- Sugarloaf Trailhead (MP 103.3)
- Englewood Trailhead (MP 98.5)
- Dumont Trailhead (MP 92.6)
- Rochford Trailhead (MP 82.6)
- Mystic Trailhead (MP 74.7)
- Tracy Park Hill City Trailhead (MP 60.1)
- The Mountain Trailhead (MP 49.6)
- Harbach Park Trailhead in Custer (MP 60.1)
- White Elephant Trailhead (MP 35.7)
- Pringle Trailhead (MP 32.1)
- Minnekahta Trailhead (MP 16.2)
- Edgemont Trailhead (MP 0)
More Mickelson Trail Information
Visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Mickelson Trail page.
Mickelson Trail Marathon website has lots of information about the marathon and other trail related information.