Mickelson Trail Forum

I am wondering
-when is the best time to travel on this trail
-are there any rattlesnakes
-is it windy
-are there a lot of cyclists at one time on the trail

Here is Northern Idaho we have the Centennial Trail which is a 72 mile trail that goes from Plummer to Mullen. It is never crowded and the wildlife includes moose, deer, eagles and herons. Looking for more trails like this and considering Mickelson Trail.

Just my opinion but mid to late September is my favorite time to go. Cooler weather and except for Trail Trek weekend, it’s not real crowded.

There are prairie rattlesnakes in the Black Hills, but on my 3 trips to the trail I’ve never seen one. I do try to be alert.

I’ve found the windy area to be on the southern half of the trail south of Hill City. I’ve seen people walk their bikes a few times it was that windy. But I’m guessing that’s the exception and not the rule. I really never experienced anyone to speak of north of Hill city. But of course, every day is different. I think the southern half of the trail is more windy because it’s very wide open where the northern half is a lot more wooded. Just a guess.

I forget when the fall Trail Trek weekend is this year. But other than that it’s not terribly crowded.

I don’t know how strict they are enforcing the new restrictions on E bikes where only class one is allowed. But in any case watch out for the very big E bikes. Some are modified to go faster than 28 mph and I’ve seen a lot of them do that myself. But as long as you keep things in your rearview mirror, you should be fine. Have a good ride.

In late September, I am planning to ride the trail from Plummer over to Mullan. If things work. It’s been on my list for a long time.

I would suggest avoiding the trail and anywhere within 100 miles of it during the Sturgis motorcycle rally and probably one week before and after. I have no problem with the riders or rally, you should realize the event draws hundreds of thousands of people to the region. This influx will crowd the attractions, any/all camping or lodging, restaurants, etc. Many will bring or rent side by side ATVs and those are lawfully on the roads, highways and may often cross the trail. It just seems like you’ll have a better Mickelson experience by planning around Sturgis. Again, I’m not opposed and I hope they also have a great experience. The rally brings a great deal of revenue to the state. It’s usually the first full week of August, but use your google skills to verify.
I don’t recall seeing many posts about snakes in general, but if you are paying attention they should be easy to see and thus avoid.
The Mick crosses under the paved driveway leading to the Crazy Horse Memorial. It’s worth riding up to and touring the museum. They charge a vehicle admission fee, including bikes. In the parking lot there is a highly visible bike rack across from the museum entrance.
I rode southbound on a Thursday and Friday in late august, trail traffic was light. I had a good experience at Chalet Motel. Don’t miss Purple Pie Place.

Wait….72 mile Centennial Trail? Do you mean Trail of the Couer D’Alenes? I want to ride that one day along with the Route of the Hiawatha. Ideally I want to do the 300k Bitterroot route, just need to minimize the two lane highway riding west of St Marie’s.

If you are riding the Plummer to Mullen Trail and want to spend the night, lodging and food in Wallace is much better than Mullen!

Are e-bikes allowed on Mickelson Trail, specifically class 2.

The Mickelson Trail bill allows only the slowest class of e-bikes, Class I, on the trail.

The governor signed the bill approved by the state legislature on March 13th. You can read the link below.

https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/13/south-dakota-governor-larry-rhoden-signs-school-cash-mandate-mickelson-trail-ebike-limits/82366367007/

I guess we won’t be visiting your great area due to your limiting laws on e-bikes. Mine is assist-only but not class 1. We’ll spend our dollars elsewhere.

Like many other issues in life, the few ruin things for the many. But children (and even adults) have been injured by Class 2 and 3 bike riders on the trail going way too fast. I know from personal experience.

When you add the higher speeds and the higher weight of e-bikes (some up to 70#), Class 2 and 3 bikes are just not safe on this particular trail. They do rent traditional bikes and Class 1 bikes for those who want to ride on the Mickelson.

When I've ridden the trail, there were a few places between Deadwood and Hill City where electric assist would have been nice. But not a necessity in my opinion.

I can understand why some will want to spend their dollars elsewhere. But the law was passed after considerable study and debate.

Have a great ride wherever you go...

Curious to know how that law is monitored. Don't judge!!! Wondering if I could sort of sneak on the trail ! :)

Well, I won't judge you, if you won't judge me. :)

I guess I'm kinda "old school" on things like this. Just because you CAN do something (e.g. sneak on the trail), doesn't mean you SHOULD. If we were all free to ignore the rules and regulations that we don't like...well, I'm not sure that's a world I'd want to live in. Some may have a different opinion. My opinion is that the new law was passed for specific safety reasons and I will follow them until the law is changed.

I know there are monitors on the trail, but I have no idea how they are going to enforce this new law. I'm assuming fairly strictly because maintaining safety on the trail is their primary reason for being there.

I do know if my children were seriously hurt by an e-biker that was not designated for the trail, that person better have a good lawyer. Knowingly breaking the law resulting in personal injury can be very expensive.

Again, please don't judge me as I won't judge your decision to "sneak onto the trail." As I said, I'm "old school" on many subjects. I'm just one person giving you my personal opinion. But if the new law doesn't keep Class 2 and 3 e-bikes off the trail, I'll spend my dollars elsewhere - as one other commenter stated.

My (serious) question to you is: Would you want to live in a society where each individual follows only the rules and regulations that they like?

(Somehow I know I'm going to get blasted for my opinion by the majority on this forum and that's okay. But you asked and I gave my honest opinion. PLEASE DON'T JUDGE ME!!)

I ride the Mickelson every week. I have never seem any problems with E-bikes. In towns I have but not on the trail. Safety on the trail is about etiquette. The biggest safety issue on the trail are joggers wearing ear buds with unleashed dogs. I would not recommend breaking the rules, but don’t hesitate giving our State Capital a call and let them know how you feel about the rule. They are very responsive. I know they have had many inquiry’s.

We plan on riding the trail in mid September and have class 2 e-bikes. They will not exceed 20mph under electric power and we will disable the throttles which will essentially make them class 1.

Everyone says, "I'll just disable the throttle on my Class 2 bike." Except most never do. "Oh, I forgot" is the usual answer. If you actually disabled your throttle, I don't know if you would still be fined, or not. The Trail stewards should post their policy on that. Assuming they have one that moderates the wording of the law.

Between hikers, horses, and young children there are others to consider when riding the trail. If you are in an accident (and there are more than a few each season) whether you caused the accident, or not...are you prepared for the consequences of breaking the law?


The law specifically states only Class 1 e-bikes for a reason -- no matter how people try to justify going around it. As I said earlier, I don't want to live in a society where we are all free to ignore the laws we don't like. That sounds like chaos to me. But I'm just one voice in the minority.

The good news is the $500 fine isn't all that much with inflation these days.

As I've admitted before, my injury on the Trail caused by two e-bikers has me VERY jaded about e-bikers. Had they injured my wife or children in the way they injured me, I'd probably be living in free state-provided housing for a few years. Or more.

So, feel free to ignore my rant! I'm an old grumpy senior citizen and I still enjoy real bikes powered by me. :)

P.S. I'd buy the idea that e-bikes help seniors and other physically challenged riders. But 75%, or more, of the e-bikers I see on the trails all over the country are young people who need the exercise more than the electric assist.

https://www.consumershield.com/injuries-accidents/bike-accidents/compensation

Just to set the record straight, there is only one diff between class 1 and 2 ebikes and that is the throttle. Both are limited to 20 mph. Neither is more dangerous than the other. If the legislature was educated, they would have limited trail speed. I can surely say that a decent gravel bike or light weight mountain bike will hit speeds well over that of any class 1 or 2 ebike on most parts of the Mickelson.

I've ridden the Mick many times and plan on doing so again next week with a group of friends. I'm really hoping that our ride is not subjected to irresponsible e-bike riders who don't have the necessary skills to ride safely and/or are going to fast.

It's a shame that so many of our trails have become motorized by either "e-bikes" that exceed power, mechanical assist speed or are actually e-motos. Many e-bike manufacturers actually market the ability of their machines to exceed maximum allowed speeds.

Class-1 laws are an attempt to enforce some semblance of good behavior on what are supposed to be non-motorized trails.

If you can't follow the rules that are there because of past poor behavior by others, please stay off the Mickelson, you don't belong!

Thanks DK, your comment regarding E-bikes is much appreciated. If only I could express the same sentiment as well!

Enjoy your group ride. I'm hoping to get there by the end of September, or the first week of October.

I’ll be out in the Hills, and plan to ride Custer to Deadwood either Monday August 4th or Tuesday August 5th. I ride a gravel bike…if anyone would like to join, let me know. I am a somewhat experienced rider, I should be able to ride it in about 5.5 hours…but who know.

The usual time for fall colors in the Black hills is the end of September. Our weather varies a lot. This the northern hills have been green and lush while the southern hills are dry and brown. The only problem with late September is the chance of snow. But you are always near towns on the trail and if we have snow it would be gone in a day.
I hope you get a chance to enjoy the trail.

Sorry, I meant to post this on the Fall Color post.

Greetings folks! How ridiculous would it be for me to attempt to ride my recumbent (non-electric) trike for the full mileage? Thanks in advance for your advice!

I am planning on writing my recumbent trike late September from Edgemont to Deadwood and back I don't think 50 or 60 miles a day will be difficult

Thanks so much! We actually just finished a few days ago and it went perfectly. I’m thinking about writing a trip report on the whole thing (we bike-packed it over 3 days).

We’re staying in Custer next weekend. If we did a 50 mile out and back, which direction should we go from Custer? We are experience MTB and Gravel bikers. Can we rent a gravel bike in Custer (for my wife)

Thanks!
Tim

My preference would be head north from Custer, short climb up to crazy horse, then a long decent…north of Hill City is very pretty!

I will be riding up for the rally, but I planned on riding around the area on my gravel bike (I haul it on my Harley). I will be in a cabin south of lead. Would be willing to ride south until we link up and then head back. It would have to be on the 5th though as I won’t get there until the 4th.

MY Buddies and I are thinking staging in Custer and leaving Tag/camper Safe?
and riding 50 miles each way and staying in deadwood one night and edgemont one night and reversing rides. We come from altitude and if trail is relatively flat is 50 mile days doable on fast gravel bikes?

Thanks and cheers . we did Katy trail self supported over 1 week 2 years ago!

Sounds like you have the experience and good bike choice. I did Deadwood to Custer on day one, plus a side trip up to Crazy Horse. That day was 66 miles, 3524’ of elevation climbed and 6:10 riding. The hardest part of the ride is the lengthy uphill segment out of Deadwood….12 miles maybe. In the Lead area there are two Mickelson trail routes. I suggest the shorter/steeper route going northbound because of the two short hills that are hike-a-bikes for some riders. Heading south take the longer flatter route closer to Lead.
My day two was Custer to Edgemont, 45 miles, 526’ climb, in 3:13. The initial climb from Custer was the only challenge. Deadhorse Canyon and just beyond it was a highlight before descending into the flats before Edgemont. The last few miles before town was pretty blah. I have RidewithGPS links if you want me to send later, but the trail is pretty straightforward. I imagine if you stay somewhere in Custer a night or two you could arrange to leave a vehicle longer. Do not miss Purple Pie Place.

For your consideration…I saw a recent YouTube video from a guy who found a way to ride to Mt Rushmore somewhat safely. He reduced the time on highway 244 from I think 9 miles to 6 miles. He rode out of Hill City taking Old Hill City Road to Palmer Gulch Road then south to the service entrance to the Mt Rushmore KOA. Then he got onto 244. This was interesting to me, so I did some map exploration and figured out one could ride even further east on Old Hill City then turn south on the Centennial Trail. It’s only one mile via trail to 244, then 3 miles to Rushmore with rideable shoulder most of the way. I was not able to figure out what the trail was like, but suspect it’s walkable at least. That video title is Cycling to Mount Rushmore, and it’s by Dave Kline. Not sure when I will return to ride the Mick again, but want to ride this, the Needles Highway and the Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park.

Hello, eyeing this area for Sept- Oct this year and also wondering about leaving toy hauler for a few nights while I stay out on trail… so, following! :).
Wish I had your experience level but, got to start bikepacking somewhere sometime

We're thinking of biking the trail in the fall for the colorful leaves. Can someone point me to a "better time" for seeing the colors? Thanks!

1. With the elevation that this route does have, is it better to do East to West, or opposite?
2. Best time of year for Western SD?

I think you mean North to South. I believe most people start in Deadwood on the north end and finish in Edgemont on the south end. You'll be going downhill from Hill City to Edgemont most of the way at the end of the trail which will probably be a nice change at that point.

I totally knew the N-S! LONG day and from another recent 12hr drive, I am lacking brain power today!

Oh, and as far as time of year, I know it's been pretty hot in late July/August when I've been on the trail. If I go again, I'll probably try the first few weeks of September, as I like the cooler weather. But if you don't mind heat, any time from now through August should be great.

Im swinging thru next week and will have only time for a 25 mile out, then back. I can start from pretty much any trailhead. Where\what direction would be my best bang for my buck thinking bridges\tunnels\cool stuff?
No wrong answers.

If you start in Hill City at mile marker 60 and go north to Rochford at mile marker 82 that would get you close to the mileage that you are looking for. I also think north of Hill City is more scenic than south of Hill City, but I guess that's subjective and just my opinion.

Going north from Hill City to Rochford, you will go through Tunnels A, B, and C...and you could get to the last Tunnel D north of Rochford by adding just a few more miles to your trip.

Deadwood at mile marker 108 (the northern end of the trail) south to Rochford at mile marker 82 would also get you the mileage you're looking for.

I think either of the two suggested routes above would be great. I'm assuming you'll be on gravel type tires. The crushed limestone can be very loose in some areas. Road tires...well, I wouldn't go on any tire narrower than 35c. Although, I know some have.

Below, I have attached a map showing you the distances and the elevation. I like to be going downhill at the end of the day. But at some point, you'll have some hills to climb. Not extreme, but they are there. The map I've added will show you where the elevation gains are, the distances, and other relevant information.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XFs2s09xrtDfwRGwJZe5G62P2crsyW4l/view

Good luck.

Thank you. Helps me a ton!

Great, hope I helped. I just noticed that Tunnel D at mile marker 85 is exactly 25 miles north of the Hill City trailhead at mile marker 60. So, there's your 25 miles out and back.

And that particular section is fairly flat with some nice views.

Dan, let us know what you end up doing. Will be headed that way from WI in August

What parts of the trail are paved? I have an urban lectric bike and do not think the tires are appropriate for unpaved trails.

I'd say 95% of the 106 miles is crushed limestone. You will find a little pavement as you ride through Hill City and a few other places, but not very much. Worth the trip even if you have to rent a bike...which you can.

Good luck.

Here's a video that I put together of my ride on the trail, showing the trail conditions pretty much the entire way. It's a great ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdvmpHyPPEI

Here's the longer version without any music, that REALLY shows a lot of the trail:
https://youtu.be/Yo2W0mdD2oI

Hello...I've ridden my trek bike, that has hybrid tires, on a packed rea-gravel trail before and it was fine but can any experienced Mickelson Trail riders tell me if they would or would not recommended hybrid tires? Thanks!

pea not rea

Sounds like the perfect choice. When I rode the trail two years ago it was well maintained crushed rock, pretty hard packed. It rained buckets one night and the next day the trail was dry

I'll be biking this trail in August 2025. Which is the more scenic route, Mickelson Trail main route or Mickelson with Sugarloaf fantail route?
The extra miles don't matter, we just want the more scenic route.

We’re doing the trail, Edgemont to Deadwood, in a few weeks and planning to camp for 3 nights along the route. We have a tent site reservation at Oreville and are will ride off trail up Castle Peak road to the Castle Peak campground one night. But we need a spot on our first night out of Edgemont.

Looking at Open Street Maps, there appears to be spots on public lands about 5 miles before we get to Pringle. Does anyone have experience finding dispersed camping between in that area?

Thanks!

Anyone have current or anticipated trail conditions for week of 5/5/2025? We are planning on riding on Wednesday, 5/7 and Thursday, 5/8/2025 departing from Deadwood.

Any update here on current trail conditions leaving from Deadwood? Hoping to go on Friday! Thanks!

My son and I will be starting in Deadwood June 8, riding to Hill City, Edgemont, Custer, then returning to Deadwood to camp June 11. Where do people leave their vehicles when they are on the trail?

This was an answer I gave to (I think) the same question last week:

Right next to the Mickelson Trailhead sign in Deadwood at 103 Charles St. you'll find a large parking lot. I parked my SUV there for 4 days in 2023. At least at that time, there was no charge to park there.

There are also 219 free parking spaces at the Deadwood Welcome Center at 501 Main Street. Although they probably fill up fast in the summer.

https://www.cityofdeadwood.com/community/page/welcome-center-parking-lot

Good luck.

Planning to ride from Deadwood to Edgemont and shuttle back over 3-4 days. I seem to remember something about free multiday day/overnight parking at DEadwood but can't locate the post. Any suggestions?

Hi Rick,
Right next to the Mickelson Trailhead sign in Deadwood at 103 Charles St. you'll find a large parking lot. I parked my SUV there for 4 days in 2023. At least at that time, there was no charge to park there.

There are also 219 free parking spaces at the Deadwood Welcome Center at 501 Main Street. Although they probably fill up fast in the summer.

https://www.cityofdeadwood.com/community/page/welcome-center-parking-lot

Good luck.

Thank you for the info.

We are going to ride the trailing a couple weeks. I would like to start at the Red Fern TH
Ride to Deadwood spend the night, then return/bike to our van the next day. Is this doable? Safe? Thoughts... suggestions ??

I don’t know about that trailhead, other than it exists. Seems like it’s very rural which suggests it’s probably fine. Of course like anywhere you do not leave any valuables or any bags visible in a vehicle. That bag might have your dirty underwear, but thieves see a bag that might contain something of value….anyway. I can offer a possible more valuable tip. The Mickelson actually has two different paths in the area of the Kirk trailhead. That path is easy to spot there in Kirk, going southbound. Since you’re going northbound initially it MAY be harder to spot that fork before Sugarloaf. I do know as you reach that fork it will be off to your right and will go downhilll….you may see some sort of overhead conveyor bridge slightly down trail. If you search for Flatiron City on the map and follow that trail south you’ll see that bridge thing and then the fork. I suggest you open google maps, and zoom in to see Kirk, Sugarloaf and Flatiron, then spot both possible routes. Going northbound I suggest taking the Flatiron section in order to ride the two steep but short sections going downhill. Going southbound on day two you should ride the longer but flatter Sugarloaf sections. The Flatiron is noted to be more scenic but those two steep sections might require hike-a-bike two times for a few hundred feet. If I remember correctly the Flatiron section was developed for local trail users as a loop trail by incorporating it into the Mick…..it’s not part of the original railroad. Keep in mind that the Mickelson is already uphill leaving Deadwood for I think 12 miles……rail trails generally aren’t steep, because trains don’t handle uphill very well, but even a slight uphill climb for a cyclist might be a challenge for some riders. I personally rode from Deadwood to Custer including climbing up to Crazy Horse in one day, 66 miles. Day two I rode 45 miles to Edgemont. I have not ridden northbound.
FYI if you like cycling jerseys they’ve got a combination shop jersey/Mickelson trail jersey at Acme Bicycles in Rapid City. Alternatively in Spearfish they have a nice shop jersey with a Black Hills theme at Two Wheeler Dealer. I don’t do spandex, but I do like collecting bike jerseys from places I’ve traveled to and done some sort of memorable bike ride.

There is no parking of any kind at the Red Fern resistor, just restroom, shelter & cistern. Better to leave you vehicle in Hill City, 8 miles south.