Mickelson Trail Forum

Is there an RV park in Deadwood or Lead that is close to trail?

There is one in Hill city. Right on the trail

IF I don't care to ride from Deadwood to Hill City in one day, where can I find lodging? Along the Mickelson.

Are there places close to trail for renting bikes either for several days or daily.

I found this online: https://www.crossroadsbiketours.com/MickelsonSelfGuided

Is the Fantail Loop worth taking south Leads?

I took that route on my ride southbound. It was less traveled and perhaps more interesting with a stop/shelter on the way. It does add a little more elevation with two steep climbs that might require hike-a-bike for a short distance.

After completing the Mick (north to south), my nephew and I rode the loop counter-clockwise and would recommend doing it if you wish to ride the entire system.

Is camping allowed at this trailhead?

I don't think camping is allowed at ANY of the trailheads, nor along the trail itself. Most Forest Service campgrounds, so far as I'm aware, are at least a few miles off the trail. There are some private campgrounds near the trail, particularly in Custer and Hill City: https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/campgrounds

I think most people who tour the entire trail are doing it credit-card style and staying in hotels/lodges along the way. To me the dearth of nearby camping options is the biggest limitation to the Mickelson as a touring trail.

Understand the Sentenial Hiking trail is very near to the Mickelson trail. Is this also a popular hiking trail?, I am interested in hiking the trail from Edgemont to Deadwood in September. Appreciate any comments on the subject.

The Centennial Trail is a 100+ mile trail that runs more or less parallel to the Mickelson. Some parts of the Centennial are quite popular, but many parts are very quiet and remote. Except for the Wind Cave National Park and Black Elk/Norbeck section it is also open to mountain bikes, though it's not as popular for mountain biking as the dedicated trail systems. One stretch of a few miles is also open to ATVs, though you're not likely to have to deal with that.

It is only "very near" the Mickelson trail if you're in a car (or looking at maps while sitting on a computer five states away!) While they're never more than 10-15 miles apart, that's a pretty long hike (like, a day or longer) in each direction to connect the two. If you were on a bike, connecting between the two would likely involve either riding on busy, narrow highways overloaded with vacationers in RVs, or on remote, hilly gravel roads that don't necessarily connect the two in much of a straight line.

As for connecting between the Mickelson and the Centennial on foot, there may be a few places (like the Black Elk Wilderness or the Flume trail) where you could do that on hiking trails, but why? There are hundreds of hiking trails in the Black Hills. The Centennial would be very low on my list if you're hiking the Mickelson and want to venture off it to do some "real" hiking. Not that it isn't a great trail, but it's not exactly "near' when you're on foot. Seems to me these two trails are separate picks. Better hiking picks close to the Mickelson would be Deerfield Trail, the Flume Trail or the magnificent Black Elk Wilderness. There are also numerous great hiking opportunities off Spearfish Canyon (haven't done them, but hope to hit some when I'm there next month), and you could probably exit the Mickelson somewhere between Lead and Englewood and head across the mountains on quiet dirt roads to those areas.

I'm not an expert on the Black Hills by any means, and others can probably provide better hiking suggestions than me, but I can at least share this much.

Hello, spending a few days riding the trail. Any recommendations for parking in a safe, secure area in Deadwood? Is it recommended to leave a car with personal items at the trailhead for a few days?

There is a nice, paved parking lot next to the trailhead in Deadwood. I parked there for several days and didn't have a problem. I didn't leave any personal items of real value in the vehicle. In this day and age, I'm not sure there is any "safe" place to do that. I did have a fairly expensive KUAT bike rack on my SUV and it was still there when I got back. Of course, YMMV.

I'm not sure if you can park overnight at one of the casinos, or not. Or if they would charge to do so. I suppose one downside of parking at the Trailhead is that people assume you may not be back for a few days. Good luck.

I'm looking to do the North to South route in August. I would like to do 3 days so that I can enjoy the views. Any suggestions as to which towns to stay (I will stay in Hotels)? It looks like weather will be warm. I'm from Texas so I don't believe heat will be an issue. Any concerns this time of year?

I stayed In Deadwood and Custer, staying at Cedar Wood and Chalet. The Chalet was retro but updated and I really liked it. Don’t miss Purple Pie Place. In case you don’t know, avoid the entire state before/during/after Sturgis. I have no problem with the rally or those attending but you need a place or three to stay and you’ll want to eat, why compete with tens of thousands of people also doing those things? Give it a week before/after. Be aware that renting side by side ATVs is a huge attraction up there and a few visitors might be combining that activity with some tasty adult beverages. Those things willl be on the city streets and highways legally. We can all have fun, it’s just a good time to perhaps not be on a bike around then. Also the trail goes under the paved driveway up to Crazy Horse. Bring some cash for entry and ride up to the monument and museum. It’s worth it. Allow 30-60 minutes for museum or more if you like. The free film is 25 minutes. There is a bicycle rack in the parking lot directly across from museum entrance and in clear view so I felt safe leaving my loaded bike. Facebook is a great resource for Mickelson Trail since you’ll generate more responses. I still like this group. Scroll to bottom for sister trail pages on this site.

Good information except for the Crazy Horse Memorial part. You might want to read up on that before contributing to what is called the biggest "scam, sham, and shame" tourist trap in America. It was started in 1948 and was to be completed in 30 years (over twice as long as Mt. Rushmore). 76 years later there has been minimal progress towards completion of the entire sculpture. It's basically just a perpetual money-making machine for the Ziolkowski family foundation - non-native Americans by the way. $10-$12 million per year. It will never be completed - at least not in this century. In fact, the Foundation has stated they don't know WHEN or EVEN IF the sculpture can be completed. Google "Crazy Horse Memorial Controversies" and you'll see what I mean.

Hello! Where can I buy a trail pass in Hill City, please?

You can buy a pass at the Trailhead at 512 S. Newton Avenue in Hill City. Or you can purchase a pass online for $15, but they add a $2 shipping and handling fee. If you use Google Maps and enter the 512 S, Newton Avenue address, you will be able to see the self-registration box left of the "Welcome to Tracy Park" sign where you can buy your pass. (There may be other places to purchase a pass in Hill City, but I know that one is there for sure. I bought mine at one just like it in Deadwood.) Good luck. By the way, a day pass is $4 while an annual pass is $15.

Website says 0.2 miles from the trail but I can't tell from the map how you get there from the trail. Is there a path or do you have to ride on highway or bushwack?

I used google maps, then used street view to figure your problem out. By the looks of that guardrail I would not trailblaze. You can access the highway and ride on the paved shoulder a short distance but it may be uphill depending on your direction of travel. On the south end the trail accesses the highway at “bear gulch” although there appears to be a private driveway that would cut your short highway travel in about half. Calling the campground might get better local info.

We're riding the trail in mid-June, staying in hotels and carrying our 5-yr old son on the back of our tern ebike. It's the bike my wife rides most days with our son. We intend to take this bike and my gravelish touring bike. We've run into some rail-trails with deeper gravel and are concerned about the tern in these conditions.

The trail appears almost all hard-packed, or limestone but are there any softer areas? Especially prolonged areas (over 3-5 miles)

Thanks!

There were a few soft spots but they would be measured in yards, not miles. One section was undergoing maintenance and was probably hard packed days later. I found the trail easy to ride from end to end other than that long stretch coming out of Deadwood, but that is because it’s uphill, not a surface issue. I rode it in a day and a half. I hired Bill from Black Hills Discovery Tours to drive my truck from Deadwood to Edgemont. It was a little expensive for me as a single rider but less money and time for a couple plus child to take a shuttle back. I’m going to cut/paste my itinerary below followed by my Strava if day one. Don’t miss Purples Pie Place, I went there directly from trail, then motel which was very clean and comfortable. Sage Creek was excellent. Great reviews for Mickelson on Facebook Rails to Trails and Mickelson Trail pages.

South Dakota: Mickelson Trail 109 miles

Wednesday, August 23
Sioux Falls, lunch at Capriotti’s or Jersey Mike’s
Rapid City, stop at Acme Bicycles
Spearfish, stop at Two Wheeler Dealer
Deadwood, stay at Cedar Wood Inn, dinner at Jacob’s Brewhouse

Thursday, August 24
Breakfast at Lou Lou’s Bombdiggity
8 am Meet Bill from Black Hills Discovery Tours at trailhead 605-920-1020
Depart Deadwood for Custer, about 64 miles
Hill City, Stop at Granite Sports shop, if hungry Box Car Eats & Treats
Crazy Horse
Custer, stay at Chalet Motel, dinner Sage Creek Grill or Mt Rushmore Brewing Co,
Dessert from Purple Pie Place, if time allows South Dakota Outdoor Shop 730am-700pm

Friday, August 25
Breakfast from Miners Cup
Ride to Edgemont, about 45 miles
Drive home
https://strava.app.link/mVlHC530wIb

Looking for a luggage shuttle to transport luggage from overnight stop to overnight stop. Do the bike shuttle services also offer this service. Post names, phones, etc. Group of 5 of us plan on doing the trail in late May - early June. Thanks.

Hi ,

My wife and I are visiting the Black Hills in mid June this year and want to bike the trail over 5 days, stopping in different towns alomgbthe way and taking our time.
Question:
Where is the best place to hire a regular, not e, bike, with panniers etc for luggage? Plan to leave bulk of suitcase contents in car at start point then get a shuttle bus? back to car with bikes.
Hoping to do the whole route but doesnt have to start from Deadwood...could start halfway, do one section south, shuttle up to Deadwood then cycle back to our start point. Ideas?

Here is a link to a group of local businesses that are trail related. I commuted from Kansas City with my bike, so I don’t have rental experience. I did use Black Hills Discovery Tours, but not as a shuttle. I hired them to drive/move my truck from Deadwood to Edgemont where it was waiting for me when I finished the trail. The owner, Bill, has been doing shuttles and regional tours for decades and if you call him he will be glad to give you good advice/options. In the link I noted that the rental place Bicycles & Boats may be a good option. It appears they are affiliated with Acme Bicycles in Rapid City where I stopped while driving from home to Deadwood. They had a supply of Bike Jerseys that were trail related ( it was a shop shirt with the addition of a trail map imprinted on a topo map of the area plus listed the trail heads) I called a bunch of places trying to find a Mickelson Trail bike jersey and theirs was the closest I could find. They were helpful on the phone and even texted me pictures of the jersey. Coincidentally the cross street adjacent to their shop was Kansas City Road which I didn’t realize until I arrived. Small world! You might talk to them about bike rentals also.
I rode the whole trail over 1 1/2 days starting in Deadwood and riding to Custer day one, 66 miles. I stopped at Crazy Horse Memorial which is a really easy detour because the trail goes under the road up to the memorial. Be prepared for a short climb via paved road to the toll gate ($10 per bicycle rider) then another short climb to the visitor center. There is a bike rack in the parking lot.
Day two was Custer to Edgemont, 45 miles, and took me almost 3 1/2 hours. It was pretty easy and I enjoyed the change in landscape from the Black Hills into more of a prairie landscape. Dead Horse Canyon was very scenic to the north of Edgemont.
Back to Bill and his advice: He said some people hire him for a ride to/from Dumont, depending on where they park or stay. This allows riders to avoid the steepest part of the trail which is uphill all the way from Deadwood to Dumont. By riding that section northbound they are riding downhill. Then they start the next day at Dumont and ride south, which is predominantly downhill for the rest of the trail. I’m going to include links to my Strava so you can see pictures and feedback from my recent experience. Also if you are on Facebook I suggest joining group “Mickelson Trail Black Hills SD” then search for my name Eric McCollom. Another good facebook group is Rails to Trails.
If you wanted to go to Mt Rushmore it is generally not a bicycle safe route due to narrow highways with distracted drivers. I will ride on highways myself if it can be done without too much risk of being run over.
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/
https://strava.app.link/4uN2rGFgtGb
https://strava.app.link/HTmq1uHgtGb
Good luck!

What is the best direction when doing the whole trail?

Most people do southbound, because it is predominantly a gradual downhill route. The exception is the first 16 miles are uphill out of Deadwood and then crests before Dumont. I hired Bill from Black Hills Discovery Tours. Bill drove my truck to Edgemont where it was waiting for me when I finished riding the trail. This was a little expensive, but less than two shuttle tickets for you, your partner and your bikes. Plus, I didn’t have to ride the shuttle two hours back to Deadwood (if I had parked there) Bill said he has some clients who hire him for a ride to or from Dumont where they ride downhill to Deadwood then the next day start the southbound trek from Dumont to ride the rest of the trail.
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/bike-shops

HI Mary! My brother and I did Deadwood to Edgemont last September (2023), spread over three days. That uphill climb out of Deadwood was brutal and we had other factors against us (cold temps and rain + our overnight packs added extra weight). We ended up not making it to our intended destination (Hill City) and instead called a shuttle to pick us up in Rochford. We had no problems the rest of the ride (day 2 was Hill City to Custer and day 3 was Custer to Edgemont).

When I do it again (and I will because it was so much fun and such a beautiful area!), I will not start in Deadwood, lol!

For reference, my brother and I are casual cyclists and we did not do anything special training-wise before our ride. During spring/summer/fall, I typically ride a couple times a week on trails near my home.

I found a post 2-3 pages back from 2022 but didn’t see the answer I’m looking for. It mentioned there are maps at each trail head. How can I get a map before I arrive for our summer trip? I sent an email to SD State Parks but haven’t got an answer yet. TIA
If anyone is coming to MO for the Katy Trail, I just completed the entire trail out-and-back in September and can offer plenty of tips. There were two of us and we camped.

Hi Mitch! There's a PDF map on the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website here:
https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/mickelson-trail-map.pdf

This is the map we initially used when my brother and I rode the Mickelson Trail this past September.

Hopefully that is helpful for now. We got a nice brochure with map from our shuttle driver that we ended up using instead of this one from the GFP's site because it was larger and had a lot more info.

The Katry Trail is on my list of trails to ride someday!! :)

Are there any shuttle service that could take bicyckes and gear from Edgemont to Deadwood?

Thank you!

This link has several companies that may be able to help you. I personally used Black Hills Discovery Tours and was pleased with the result. I hired Bill to drive my truck from Deadwood to Edgemont. It was waiting for me when I arrived. This was expensive for me as a single rider, but would be cheaper for several people. Give him a call, he’s been doing this for decades. Also, do not miss Purple Pie Place in Custer.

https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/bike-shops

Thanks, Eric!

Looking for an e trike rental to ride the Mickelson Trail in 2024.
Are there any bike shops that rent e trikes or recumbent bikes?

Hmmm...some of those e-trikes are kinda WIDE. I say let's be more inclusive and open up the Mickelson Bike Trail to include mopeds, small to medium horsepower motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, and sub-compact automobiles.

I think you are on to something. During my recent trip, I already saw a moped running two miles south of Deadwood. Class 3 e-bikes too.
Might as well go to the extreme and ruin the trail for all traditional bikers and hikers. The trail stewards don't seem to care. They sure aren't policing their own policy. When someone gets severely hurt by a 70# ebike or moped going 30mph, maybe they will do something.

Anyone familiar with the classic musical comedy movie The Blues Brothers? I don’t know what made me think of Illinois nazis, but here’s a description of one of the movie scenes. For those not familiar, John Belushi plays Jake. Dan Akroyd is Elwood.

In the 1980 cult classic film “The Blues Brothers,” Jake and Elwood are stuck in traffic as a Nazi rally blocks the bridge they need to cross. When they ask a nearby police officer about what’s going on, the officer shrugs, “Ah, those bums won their court case, so they’re marching today.” Jake replies, “What bums?” The officer shoots back, “The f**ckin’ Nazi party.”

“Illinois Nazis,” Elwood mutters, to which Jake groans, “I hate Illinois Nazis.” The duo then pushes the gas pedal to the floor, veering towards the Nazis, forcing them to jump off the bridge and into the river to avoid being hit.

So, anyone who has an opinion different from yours is a Nazi. Got it. How progressive of you. Maybe if you or someone you care about ever gets injured by an 80# e-trike, you might wise up. But I'm not betting that you will. Maybe go for a few walks around the block and you won't need help to ride a bike. Seems like you are soft in more ways than one.

As for me, if the stewards don't care and there are guys like you on this forum calling others Nazis, I'll find a more civil place to talk about the Mick.

Right on, Bill. Bicycle "A vehicle composed of two wheels held in a frame one behind another, propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars attached to the front wheel." (From Oxford Languages)

(Just Sayin)

Maybe a Stripes reference would be better? “Lighten up Francis”
I’m not an e-bike rider, although I did rent one last year and rode from Johnston Canyon within Banff National Park, down the Bow Valley Parkway then the Legacy Trail to Canmore. Total 50 km. You should look up this trial seasonal closure and I will include a link below for you and others, so you get something out of this conversation. The e-bike was kind of fun, but I don’t think of it as the real exercise I get on my own power. There is no doubt that it is an activity and light exercise depending on the assist level used plus it is getting people out of the house and off the couch. I personally ride a gravel bike, it’s called a Cutthroat. It’s powered by me. E-bikes are here to stay and they are responsible for a tremendous increase in people out there on the trails. Those people want more trails and are going to help that happen and I welcome that. Are there some that ride too fast? Definitely, but that goes for streets and highways too. Do gas motorized vehicles belong on the trails? No, we can agree on that. Perhaps more people can learn trail manners/etiquette and speed limits….and remember these are shared use trails.
.
https://www.travelbanffcanada.com/cycling-bow-valley-parkway-banff/

BBHugs I don’t think anyone in this thread is from South Dakota and none have answered your question. Here is a link to companies that offer trail related services. I took a few minutes browsing the rental companies and didn’t see trikes or recumbents offered as rentals…..it was basic e-bikes. I used Black Hills Discovery Tours to shuttle my personal vehicle to trails end. Perhaps give them a call….Bill is a good resource of all sorts of trail related information.
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/bike-shops

Any info on visiting Crazy Horse by bicycle from the trail? I know it’s about a half mile from the trail and it’s currently $10/rider, but their website doesn’t have any info about bike racks or storage….hopefully no one would mess with my bike or bags. I would like a few good pictures, a few minutes walking around and an Indian taco.

I just did the Volksmarch there. Although I was not eyeballing anything for a bike, there is a few structures there like a Welcome Center that I'm sure has something to secure your bike to. Wish I was quick to think about that while I was there.

I was there in August and there is a bicycle rack located in the parking lot and adjacent to the handicap parking spaces. The rack is clearly visible from the front entrance to the museum and clearly visible from the tram stop for those buying the pass to the mountain site….what I’m saying is bikes are in plain site if anyone is concerned about their bike being tampered with which seems unlikely.

Has anyone backpacked the whole trail?
I really want to try it & wondering how long it took to hike it? I know people have different walking speeds. Just trying to get an idea.

I backpacked it last October SOBO and it took me 4.5 days. I am headed out again soon to do it NOBO but I am going to take 6 days this time to enjoy it a bit more. It was a great trip but I failed to deconflict with the Crazy Horse Marathon last year and had a miserable trip through Hill City up to Crazy Horse. Hundreds or thousands of runners took over the trail during that section. You should also be weary about water in the south portions. The cisterns get locked up depending on weather but last year it was around October 10th. I barely made it through the trek before they were locked. Up north there are plenty of creeks to filter water from.

I lost my riding gloves on 9/8 in a pull out between Kirk Trailhead and Deadwood. They are red & black and I was wearing them over grey fingered gloves (cold mornings). They have special meaning to me, so I'm reaching out in case someone finds them. Thanks!

9-2-23 , I lost my wedding ring between mile marker 89 & 90. The ring is white gold with 3 diamonds. Thank you. If you have found it please contact me.
Leon Gillespie
P.O. Box 711
Hill City, SD

Is there day parking for vehicles while riding the Mickelson Trail ?

Yes, if there’s a lot, there’s parking. My truck was parked for 24 hours on the street in Edgemont at the city park for example.

Has anybody cycled north to south and back north? Is it boring or does the changed perspective make it enjoyable still?
Are there any good roads for side trips along the Mickelson trail?

I'll be bikepacking north to south starting in Deadwood in late August. We're taking our time, focused on getting a few nights of great Black Hills camping, so traveling heavier. The guidebook indicates a 17% grade, more singletrack like section between Kirk and Englewood. However between the guidebook and other sites, I'm seeing conflicting information on which direction to go from Kirk to avoid the heavy hike a bike. To avoid the steep section, do we go toward the Sugarloaf trailhead or straight on to Englewood? Are there any similar gotchas we might want to know about? Many thanks for info

I want to know too! If it’s more scenic maybe a little hike a bike will be worth it……or ride the fantail then turn back north and ride both sections. Would that make the steep part generally downhill? I’m riding the 24th and 25th. Looking forward to replacing many calories at the Purple Pie Place in Custer.

Ok, it looks like taking the fantail avoids that section. As for doubling back north to hit it, you couldn't pay me to ride fully loaded down a 17% grassy grade. Maybe if I were running from from fire or zombies.

Hi!
Myself and three other woman are coming out to ride soon. We are trying to navigate degree of diffiulty and mileage per day. What are the hardest areas(elevation climbs)? We are planning north to south.
Anyone have any valuable insights? Tips? Recommendations? Thanks so very much for any input!

North to South direction is a good plan.
That said, I would recommend riding from Englewood to Deadwood since it is the most "difficult" section. By riding that section in that direction you will be mostly coasting on a downhill grade for about 8 miles. Once you finish that section, shuttle from Deadwood to Englewood and continue your ride south to eventually Edgemont.

I'm assuming you've seen the elevation map (link here: https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/mickelson-trail-map.pdf) that gives a pretty good description of the entire 109 miles. The first 5.9 miles out of Deadwood are probably the most difficult. After that it's mostly downhill into Hill City (approximate mid-point of the trail).

You'll have a slight climb out of Hill City for about 4 miles and then it's mostly downhill (or flat) all the way to Edgemont.

Since this is a former railroad line, the steepest gradient can't be more than 4% -somewhat like riding into a moderate wind. Of course, those climbing miles are offset by downhills on the other side.

Again, the link to the elevation map I included might be of help, if you haven't already seen it. Enjoy the ride.

Thank you so much Jaydee and Bill! I really appreicate your input. Great information!!!!!!!

If riding peddle-assist bikes, Deadwood to Englewood is not "difficult".

We will be riding Mountain bikes and Gravel bikes! Appreciate the tips!

I’m looking for cycling jerseys from the Mick, or even South Dakota. I’d settle for a nice T shirt if no jerseys can be found….maybe a local bike shop has one. Where can I find these along the trail or online? My Mickelson trip is being planned now and I am considering this month because September looks cold. Most of the cycling jerseys I own pay tribute to a bike or a hike I have traveled to complete. Currently I have jerseys for: Katy Trail, Bike Across Kansas (pending trip, but lots of rides over there) Arizona, Canada and Iceland.

I rode the trail 2 years ago and picked up a shirt from Granite Sports in Hill City. They had a nice selection of shirts and jerseys.

My husband and I are heading eastward for a graduation next Spring...early May, 2024. I want to ride the Mickelson trail from Hill City to Dead wood. I can rent a bike in Hill City. Has anyone stayed at the Spring Creek Inn or any other place in Hill City? Looking for recommendations.

My wife and I have stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites on Old Hill City Road twice. Both times have been very good. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Last stay was summer 2022.

I've also heard good things about the Holiday Inn Express in Hill City, but I've never stayed there.

Sorry, I don't have any information on the Spring Creek Inn. I did read something about its cancellation policy not being very good, so you might want to verify that before making a reservation.

I'll be going back for a solo ride in September, and I'll stay at the Comfort Inn again only because my two prior experiences were very good. It's not the most economical in town (a little less than the Holiday Inn Express), but it's reasonable. If my September stay changes my mind about the Comfort Inn & Suites on Old Hill City Road, I'll update this comment. Have a great trip and a great ride!