Mickelson Trail Forum

Every year my family enjoys visiting the area. We alwasy try one day of activities. Hiking, walking, biking etc. This year, I would like to ride the trail. I am in shape for my age! Can you ride the trail in one day? I would be on a trek mountain bike. I would have my wife n kids drop me off at the beginning and pick me up in Deadwood. So see roughly 106 miles give or take. Is this correct? I thought it was longer and thought of spending one night out out on the trail but not sure. Any and all thoughts would be great!

It is entirely possible to ride it in one day for very well prepared people. I was in descent shape when we did the trail, but we still split it up into 4 (3?) days. Memory a little fuzzy, but I know we powered thru the last day and finished a day earlier than planned.
Granted, we were 4 adults and 4 kids, so there were other limitations, but most days, I was ready to be done with it.

Being your first time, my recommendation is to ride the opposite way (Deadwood to Edgemont) as it predominantly downhill:
https://bikemickelson.com/elevation.aspx

Where is the safest place to leave your car overnight in Custer to ride the trail?

We stayed at Buffalo Ridge Best Western and it seems like a safe enough place to park and a very easy ride to the trail from there. Across the road are two other hotels that probably wouldn't notice an extra car in the parking lot for a night.

Is there a place to rent snowshoes to go snowshoeing in the deadwood lead area?

I am new to this and the Michelson trail will be my first long ride. What is the recommendation for gear and how far to travel each day? I will be starting in Deadwood and i want to do the whole trail.
Thanks in advance for all your help,
Randy

I would recommend a mountain bike or cx/gravel bike. I have done it twice on mountain bikes with XC tires. The surface is hard packed and very fast. I would say whatever distance you are comfortable with on the road would be similar on the trail. My first time I did it over 2 days (staying the night in Hill City). I was bored to tears. Got done riding before lunch, and there was NOTHING to do in Hill City. The next time I did it all in one day, and it wasn't bad at all. Both times I have gone north to south. If you can do a century on the road you'll be fine doing it all in one day. It's also easier to do in one day since you don't have to pack gear for overnights.

I just completed a solo 109 mile thru hike from Deadwood to Edgemont from 7-10 October. If you have any questions please let me know. My email is richcrim@hotmail.com.

Hey question - I called the trails office and they informed me that the trail is closed from Minnekahta to Edgemont with no detour. Just wondering how you went through? It was closed October 3. I’d like to cycle it but don’t know if it’s possible.

I just completed a solo 109 mile thru hike from Deadwood to Edgemont from 7-10 October. If you have any questions please let me know. My email is richcrim@hotmail.com.

guidebook suggests cell service is slim to non-existant. looking for a good map of the trail that i don't have to access from the web. don't want to rely on resources that are unavailable while on the trail.

When you pay fee at trailhead you can pick up Good maps

There are also downloadable ones I found somewhere?? But a paper map is always a good backup in case batteries die!

How do you get to Oreville Campground from Mickelson Trail?

Seems there are gravel roads that intersect with hwy 385 and the trail both North and South of the campground, with the south being closer to the entrance to the CG, but uphill once on the highway to the CG. Whereas the North entrance appears to have a little down, transitioning to level and maybe slightly up? Hard to tell from Google Street view.

Go left out of campground but stay on the very wide shoulder going against the traffic for about 1/4 mile. Look for road to your right and I think you can see the Oreville shelter. Carefully cross the highway to the trail. Not normal to go against traffic but you will see why this is safer. If you go with the traffic there is no shoulder on a fast downhill.

I am interested in finding the bridges and caves that are supposed to be on the trail. How can I find these? We are going to be there in tow weeks for the Annual Buffalo roundup but want to take time on the trail too!

Are thorns an issue on the trail? I ask because I do the Cowboy Trail each year in Nebraska and goat head thorns are the scourge of that trail. Riding in a couple of weeks and want to be prepared if necessary. Thanks!!

While prepared for flats, our group of 8 didn't pick up any.

No thorns like The Cowboy Trail. No thorns at all on Mickelson

Does anyone have info about the Pringle trailhead? Water, outhouse or “regular” bathrooms, lights if there in wee hours.

I did find a shuttle service: 605-431-1200. Hope this helps someone.

Yes, IIRC, there is at least an outhouse here:
JC54+HR Pringle, South Dakota (copy/paste that into google maps), which is just south of the bicycle structure. Mind you, the structure is not technically on the trail so you will need to get back to the trail to see the facility.

We rode the trail from north to south on Sunday, June 19, 2022. We were on road bikes with smooth tires (25 & 28 mm), which we ran at 10-15 lbs less than we’d use on the road.

We were on Roubaixs, which do a good job of damping vibration, and our hands and wrists were getting a bit tired by the end of the ride. It would be a rough ride on a stiff bike…

Most of the trail was fine for us, although the section between Pringle and Minnekahta was pretty loose and “skittery,” and as a result we couldn’t really take advantage of the negative grade — we were probably going 12-14 mph, much slower than the 18-20 mph we could do on other descents.

We averaged 14 mph overall, in part due to 15-20 mph headwinds in several places. For comparison, we estimate we would have averaged 16.5-17 mph had we been on the road.

While it was great to have the resources from this site for planning purposes, I’d like to note three inaccuracies:

1. Our mileage from Deadwood to Rochford was about 26.5, not 33 as indicated; subsequent mileages were off (under) by 5-7 miles until we got to Minnekahta (at which point it was on track at 93).

2. Our total elevation gain was just shy of 4,000’ (3,925), which suggests the indicated 7,000’+ gain for the northbound route is overstated. I believe there is a net loss of about 1,100’ on the southbound route, but still…

3. The info provided on this site says there’s no water at Rochford or Minnekahta, when in fact there is — both locations have pumps, which are clearly not new.

For riders heading north to south, I’d advise taking a good look at Google maps to make sure you know where to go when the trail ends. It isn’t obvious or well-signed, but you have to ride a mile on pavement (with a few turns) to get to the “trailhead,” which is just a sign at a park, with no obvious water (?).

The only options for food at 5:30 pm on a Sunday were a couple of gas stations about a mile from the end of the gravel, and maybe half a mile from the trailhead. The Sinclair Yes Mart is well-stocked and even has fresh produce and wine.

Thats odd! My Garmin Edge 520 was right on mileage and elevation.

My Garmin watch was pretty much dead on the mileage stated here. One thing that trips people up is the Y outside of Deadwood. One way is shorter than the other by several miles.

We will be riding the trail in July over 4 days. I'd like to do 3 but can't seem to get the mileage right with over nights. Anyway, we will probably stay in Custer one night after only a 14 mile ride from Hill City. Are there any nice side trips out of either Hill City or Custer that would be fun to explore?

Also, if anyone has a good 3 day/2 night itinerary they have used please share.

You could ride east to Stockade lake and ride the road around the lake. Not too long. Or ride south on Lower Frenchman's creek. Nice gravel.

Thanks for those suggestions. Any thoughts on how to split this into a 3 day/2 night trip with camping?

Custer to Mount Rushmore is 22 miles, but the app says it is steep. So one would be slow, the other fast -- all paved.

Just wondering if there is room to park a truck and horse trailer so we can ride the loop?

My husband, 15 year old son, and myself are planning to rent bikes for a half day. Wondering if we should rent at Deadwood or Hill City? In 4 hours which location has the best ride for scenery, bridges, tunnels?

I'm planning a 3 day, 2 night bikepacking trip in early June. Is there dispersed camping on the trail?

I would actually like to know this too - I'd rather ride the trail in 3 days with 2 nights camping so we would have time to explore other areas. When are you planning to be there? We're from Topeka.

We are planning sometime between June 6 and 10. Still trying to solidify the details. I think we will end up putting our heads down and doing it in 2 days, staying overnight in Hill City.

Could you provide an update on your trip - how you did it, services used, etc. thanks

I rode the Mickelson from Deadwood to Edgemont in the middle of September 2021. I decided to do it over 2 days, as doing the 109 miles in one day seemed daunting. I can do those miles on the road, but was unsure how it would be in the gravel. I am an active 50 year old, but not a high level athlete.

I started by dropping my truck off at the trailhead in Edgemont. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead, and the locals say it is safe to park there. I got a shuttle from there to Deadwood where I checked into a hotel.

The next morning I got started at 8am with the plan to make it to Hill City where I had a hotel room booked. The gravel is immaculately maintained, and the crushed limestone is like concrete. I was doing this on my hardtail mountain bike, and my XC tires rolled very fast on it. considerably faster than I was expecting. The climb out of Deadwood is long (around 15 miles), but the grade is not bad at all. I guess it all depends on the terrain you are used to, but I found it much easier than expected and pushed hard up that climb. The second long climb into Hill city is where I felt the effects of pushing so hard out of Deadwood. Next time I'll pace myself a little better there.

I got to Hill City at 11:30am (51 miles in on my Garmin which included miles getting to/from trailheads). This left me with way too much time on my hands in a city with little to do with nothing but my bike and bike clothes. Hotel check in time wasn't until 3pm and they were not too happy when I asked to check in early. In hindsight, I would have just kept pedaling and finished the trail in one day.

The next morning I got an earlier start at 7am, as I was itching to get riding again. There is a bit of a climb from Hill City to Custer, but after that it is pretty much flat or downhill with small little rises here and there. You make time very quickly from Custer to Edgemont. This leg was 61 miles on my Garmin (Hill City to Edgemeont) and took me 4 hours.

The scenery on the trail was exactly what I was hoping for. Big variety of ecosystems/wildlife etc. Absolutely beautiful. Overall great experience, but next time I would definitely do it all in one day.

What shuttle company did you use ?

I used Discovery Tours. They were great. No issues

Can we use our road bikes on the trail? Currently using a 32CM wide street tire. Will this work or do I need wider tires? David H

You could do it on road bikes with 32c tires no problem. I rode the whole thing in September, and it was very hardpack and fast. No loose conditions, and only 1 mud puddle.

Any suggestions for overnight parking in Hill City?

We are wondering about parking at the trailhead in Deadwood. We want to ride the trail with at least one over night stay during the ride and don't want to worry about the vehicle. Can anyone comment?

I can't comment regarding overnight parking, but there is a large lot at the trailhead. Deadwood seems like a reasonably safe town, but there is always risk.

Looking on the map, it looks like there are no places to stay after Custer, making it a 43 mile ride from Custer to Edgemont. I've heard rumors of a place to stay in Pringle, but not really making any headway finding it. Surely not everyone can ride the 43 miles between Custer and Edgemont in a day???? What do people do/recommend?

You can easily do the 43 mile ride from Custer to Edgemont in a day. It's mostly all downhill. I remember certain chunks of it we were cruising at 20 mph, hardly peddling. We did Hill City to Edgemont in about 6-7 hours. We were not avid bikers at the time, so if you are in decent physical shape - it shouldn't be a problem.

I agree with AJ. I did the Mickelson in 2 days (Deadwood to Hill City in 3.5hrs and then Hill City to Edgemont in 4hrs), and it was far easier than it looked on paper. Next time I'll do it in one day, and I'm not a particularly strong rider. North to South, there is a lot of downhill.

If it makes you feel any different, my group did it. We consisted of 4 adults who are not avid riders, and 4 kids ranging from 7-11.

It wasn't a cake walk, and I would say it seems mostly flat with some downhills and the occasional uphill thrown in.

Here is the elevation map:
https://bikemickelson.com/elevation.aspx

The Forest service has one as well.

The Plenty Star Ranch is just north of Pringle, so that would save a few miles. They have a couple nice cabins, plus camping shoes.

Does anyone have any updates on current trail and weather conditions for the next 7-10 days? Thank you.

Planning a couple "out and backs".
What are the most scenic sections?
Thanks!

I'd say anything north of the Minnekahta Trailhead is the prettiest sections. I think the most beautiful sections are from Deadwood to Custer. I particularly liked the sections near Hill City, which is the sections that are the most remote.

Is this route for non motorized only?
Thanks!

Is this route for non motorized only?
Thanks!

Why did they belly dump so much gravel on the trail and leave it so crowned?? You can not ride safely side by side(when traffic allows) and the crown makes it dangerous if you get on the side of it.
The new gravel is nice but I hope they get it graded out to more natural terrain. It is so humped up it is scary in spots.
I wouldn't want young children or anyone with balance issues riding it.
It also has huge ruts down the center on the stretch to Custer?
I know it's early but last year when they were grading they left it very crowned then?

I'm trying to envision this crown you are talking about. Any pictures? It does sound unsafe. Thanks.

I recall there being a section in the southern half of the trail that was quite crowned, but it was packed enough that traction wasn't an issue. I could see it being dangerous if the gravel was loose. Hopefully they have plans to drag it flat.

"crown" means it is mounded down the center and slopes to the sides.

Yes, I know what "crown" means. I was actually asking if anyone had any pictures to show how "bad" the crown is. If it's such a crown that's it's unsafe for children to ride, I'd have to wait until they level it out.

I was trying to follow the interactive map and between miles 20 and 30, the blue line that shows the trail does not match the dotted line of the trail. is there a more accurate map available?

Robert - I assume you are meaning the section between roughly Pringle and south of Argyle? Are you riding the trail north or south?

Google Maps is pretty accurate, and you can turn on the Bicycle layer so it is more clear. From my memory, the trail is very easy to follow in that area. We rode south and this was our final day of riding, so our group of 8 was pretty spread out, including kids between 8 & 11, and no one got lost. I am pretty sure my son was in the lead for most of our last push from Custer.

I wonder if something happened to the interactive map as I don't recall there being such a discrepancy before.

Last minute trip being planned for mid May. Anyone have knowledge of what the weather might be? Would like to ride the trail but without frostbite.
It's ALL Good!

Plan for all weather conditions when riding the Mick. I'll be there mid May as well. It's amazing. Enjoy!

Are you by the chance "the Bubba"?

Well, perhaps I am.

In the cycling world, there's only one Bubba. I drive 11 hours, each way, from Kansas just to ride it multiple times a year. For some reason, I can't get enough of it.

Thank you. Yes, I am THAT Bubba. Hope to be able to add a week long tour in and around the Mick.
After all
It's ALL Good

Friends always give you raving reviews! I hope to ride the Trace with you this fall. If not, then next. Bubbafest has been on my list forever so I'll eventually make it.

I've only "officially" ridden in 21 states. My criteria is a meaningful amount of miles, so that's usually a week long tour. South Dakota, specifically the Black Hills, is the one place that just keeps calling me back. When you ride the Mick make a stop at the Rochford Mall, known as the "Small of America". From the trailhead it's less then a .5 mile in to town.

I hope you enjoy the Hills as much as I do!

Thank you for the suggestion. I am excited for finally be able to make this trip.
Natchez Trace Tour is filling fast. Actually had to add a second week since the first week filled quickly. BubbaFest is amazing.
It's ALL Good!