The 109-mile Mickelson Trail is a great way to explore the Black Hills.

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.

Explore the Needles at Custer State Park.

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.

Discover The Needles

Crazy Horse Memorial

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.

Visit Crazy Horse Memorial

Open Cut at Lead

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.

Check out Lead

Mickelson Trail trailhead at Deadwood

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".

Dig into Deadwood

Trail ride at Palmer Gulch near Hill City

Hill City

This small town in the Black Hills makes for an ideal exploration headquarters. Head in any direction for outdoor magic.

Explore Hill City

Custer at night

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.

Explore Custer

mikelson-trail
Plan Your Visit

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 $4 per person (12 years and older). Annual Fee is $15 per person (12 years and older). The trail is day-use only; no camping.

THE BLACK HILLS TOOK MORE THAN 75 MILLION YEARS TO BECOME WHAT THEY ARE. WHEN YOU'RE READY, SEE WHAT GREAT PLACES ARE WAITING.

Check Out These Businesses Along the Mickelson Trail

Showing 1 - 6 of 75
Sort by
1899 Inn Bed and Breakfast, Deadwood
Bed & Breakfasts and Inns
START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA
Illustrated image of three bison grazing in Custer State Park. The Needles rock formation is visible in the background.
Order Your Free Vacation Guide

Find our Travel Guide, state map, and other free publications to aid in your travel planning.

Dignity: of Earth & Sky Statue Chamberlain South Dakota
Sign Up for the E-Newsletter

Receive monthly inspiration about places to see, activities to try and upcoming events.

Newton Hills fall hiking
Discover South Dakota's Great Finds

Earn prizes and discounts as you explore off-the-beaten-path attractions on your next South Dakota adventure.