George S. Mickelson Trail stretches 109 miles through the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, following the former Burlington Northern railroad corridor from Deadwood to Edgemont. This converted rail-trail passes through four counties—Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, and Fall River—dropping over 1,300 feet in elevation as it winds past granite tunnels, restored railroad bridges, and ponderosa pine forests.

The trail’s crushed limestone surface makes it accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders of varying skill levels. More than 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels punctuate the route, each one a reminder of the Black Hills’ mining and railroad heritage. Fifteen trailheads spaced along the corridor let you tackle the trail in manageable segments rather than committing to the full distance.

Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with September and early October bringing golden aspen color against dark pine hillsides without summer crowds. Winter use is possible but unpredictable—some sections see grooming for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snowfall cooperates.

The trail connects to several Black Hills campgrounds, and towns like Hill City, Custer, and Deadwood provide lodging, food, and bike rental options right along the route. A trail pass is required (available at most trailheads) and helps fund ongoing maintenance.

What sets the Mickelson Trail apart is the scale—few rail-trails in the country offer this combination of distance, scenery, and historical infrastructure. It’s a genuine Black Hills experience without needing to leave the saddle or handlebars.

Explore Nearby

• Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in South Dakota
• Black Hills National Forest — National Forest in South Dakota, Wyoming
• Mallo Trail — Public Land in Wyoming
• Fort Meade Recreation Area — Public Land in South Dakota
• Nebraska National Forest — National Forest in Nebraska