The George S. Mickelson Trail: 109 Miles Through the Black Hills
The George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile stretch through the South Dakota Black Hills. Built more than 100 years ago as a Gold Rush rail line, the path was converted to a trail and opened in 1998.
Today, the Mickelson Trail offers visitors all kinds of adventure including hiking, birding, biking and horseback riding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Be sure to keep an eye out for the four rock tunnels and 100 train bridges that remain along the crushed limestone path.
The Needles at Custer State Park
Custer State Park is full of outdoor opportunities including The Needles, slender granite rock formations that attract visitors from near and far. The attraction is popular among rock climbers and sightseers alike.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Stop by Crazy Horse Memorial to learn about Native American history and culture while reveling in the world's largest in-progress sculpture. Discover the vision of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski's life work that began in 1947 and still lives on today.
Lead
The Open Cut remnant of the Homestake Gold Mine is one of the most powerful views in town, but there’s beauty—and recreational opportunity—everywhere around this mountain community.
Deadwood
Smell the pines, roll the dice and explore what was once the wildest part of the Wild West. Don't forget to take the easy hike to Mount Roosevelt aka "The Friendship Tower".
Hill City
This small town in the Black Hills makes for an ideal exploration headquarters. Head in any direction for outdoor magic.
Custer
Custer's location in the Black Hills offers easy access to memorials, state parks and caves teeming with outdoor recreation possibilities. Explore the Custer Skywalk in town before heading out for more outdoor adventure.
The George S. Mickelson Trail runs through multiple cities on its 109-mile course. With 15 trailheads, you have a variety of opportunities to build your trip around this incredible attraction.
11361 Nevada Gulch Road
Lead, SD57754
United States
AMENITIES
Drinking water, picnic tables, snowshoe checkout, vault toilets, and warming shelter
more information
Daily fee is $5 per person (12 years and older). Annual Fee is $20 per person (12 years and older). The trail is day-use only; no camping.
Check Out These Businesses Along the Mickelson Trail
